AFP reports that Saudi Arabia has formed a military coalition of 34 largely-Islamic countries to combat extremist violence across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
The coalition will face “the Islamic world’s problem with terrorism and will be a partner in the worldwide fight against this scourge” said Saudi defence minister and deputy crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud at a press conference in Riyadh.
The Saudi coalition will combine logistical and military support for “coordination with friendly peace-loving nations and international bodies for the sake of supporting international efforts to combat terrorism and to save international peace and security”, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.
The coalition includes the power gulf states, Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other largely-Islamic countries. Iran was not included.
At least ten countries, including Indonesia, "have procedures to go through" and are in the process of joining.
