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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia says it will head an "Islamic military alliance" to fight terrorism.
An announcement published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency said the alliance will have 34 Muslim-majority nations and will fight terrorism "by all means."
The new coalition includes nations with large and established armies such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. But members also include war-torn countries with embattled militaries such as Libya and Yemen. Saudi Arabia's regional rival, Shiite Iran, is not participating.
At a rare news conference, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman said current efforts against terrorism are individual, not coordinated.
The alliance will have a joint operations center based in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
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