Assad says US troops welcome in Syria to fight ‘terrorists’

BEIRUT — Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview released Friday that the United States is welcome to join the battle against “terrorists” in Syria — as long as it is in cooperation with his government and respects the country’s sovereignty.

[...] the Syrian leader appeared to make a gesture to the new U.S. president in the interview, saying he welcomes Trump’s declaration that he will make it a priority to fight terrorism — a goal Assad said he also shares.

The extremist group, responsible also for several deadly attacks around the world, has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it controls.

Assad also told Yahoo News that his country would welcome U.S. “participation” in the fight against terrorism but it has to be in cooperation with the Syrian government.

Assad’s comment ignored the U.S.-led international coalition, which has been targeting the Islamic State and al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria with air strikes since September 2014.

[...] when asked if he wants American troops to come to Syria to help with the fight against the Islamic State, Assad said that sending troops is not enough — a genuine political position on respecting Syria’s sovereignty and unity is also needed.