More Turkish troops arrive in Qatar

World
Europe

More Turkish troops arrived at a military base in Doha after Ankara fast-tracked legislation last month for more soldiers to be deployed there, reported Reuters.

"This defense cooperation between Doha and Ankara is part of their common defense vision to support anti-terrorism efforts and maintain security and stability in the region," a statement by the Qatar Armed Forces said.

The statement did not mention the number of Turkish troops at the base or how many had just joined to bolster the deployment, but reported it was the fifth batch of Turkish troops in Qatar.

Turkish troops have been carrying out their training tasks since their first arrival in Doha on June 19.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with Qatari Minister of Defense Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah in Ankara, Turkey, July 1, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Ankara is backing Qatar after Saudi Arabia, Egypt and a number of other Gulf states cut all economic and diplomatic ties, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism, a charge it denies.

On June 8, Turkey's parliament approved a 2015 deal with Qatar aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two states, which gave Turkey the right to establish military bases in the emirate and deploy military forces.

6162km