Pentagon chief to discuss foreign fighters in Mideast during upcoming Turkey visit

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, Aug. 21, 2014. AFP Photo

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his counterpart İsmet Yılmaz will discuss the issue of foreign fighters joining Islamic militant groups in the Middle East in his visit to Turkey next week, according to a Pentagon spokesman.

“Turkey has a stake here. We understand that. It’s an important partner in the region, a NATO ally,” said Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, on Sept. 2. “The Turkish government has concerns about foreign fighters, and right they should, and we’re going there next week. I have no doubt this will be a topic of discussion between Secretary Hagel and his counterpart.”

Kirby also said Turkey is expending its effort and energy to address this issue. Western countries, particularly the United States and Britain, have been alarmed about their nationals joining militant groups.