Turkey denies allowing bases for strikes on ISIS

Turkey is denying American claims that it has granted permission for the U.S. to use its military bases to launch strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

National security adviser Susan Rice said Sunday on NBC that Turkey agreed to let the U.S. use its bases and territory, including the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, to train moderate Syrian rebels.

“That’s the new commitment, and one that we very much welcome,” she said.

{mosads}However, on Monday, Turkish officials denied reaching such a deal, according to local media reports that said both sides were continuing to discuss the use of the military bases and Turkey’s airspace.
 
Turkey has been reluctant to join the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, fearing it would strengthen Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, but U.S. officials have upped the pressure in recent days.  
 
Turkish officials recently passed a motion allowing foreign forces to use its bases in the fight against ISIS.
 
Separately, U.S. officials said that Turkey has agreed to train up to 4,000 Syrian rebels on Turkish soil, according to The Associated Press.