King meets coalition coordinator over anti-terror efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received retired general John Allen, the US official coordinating the international anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition, who is currently visiting the Kingdom. 

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah and Allen discussed the latest developments related to the war on the terrorist group and the efforts of the international coalition in this context. 

The meeting was attended by HRH Prince Feisal and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben, who is also the King’s military adviser.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, on Sunday, Allen summed up the situation in the anti-IS campaign, revealing that a ground operation will be launched soon led by Iraqi forces. 

Coalition forces are preparing 12 Iraqi brigades, which have been receiving training and arms to pave the way for the ground operation, Allen told the agency.