Oman joins Saudi-led Islamic alliance against terrorism

Oman has joined a Saudi-led coalition of Muslim countries to fight terrorism, Saudi and Gulf sources said on Wednesday.

The sultanate indicated its willingness to take part in the 40-country alliance in a letter to Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the sources said.

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed was expected to travel to Muscat in coming weeks to prepare for a visit by King Salman, the sources said.

Saudi Arabia announced the alliance in December 2015, a move welcomed by Washington which has been urging a greater regional involvement in the campaign against ISIS militants who control swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

Riyadh has backed groups opposing Iranian proxies in unrest or outright war in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen, and has persuaded most of the GCC to close ranks against Tehran.

Deputy Crown Mohammed received a written message earlier from Badr bin Saeed Al-Busaidi, the Defense Minister of the Sultanate of Oman.

The message was handed over by Omani Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman to support the efforts of Saudi Arabia in the leadership of the Islamic Military Coalition to fight terrorism.