US: Qatar row will not affect anti-Daesh mission

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The international anti-Daesh mission being led by the United States will not be significantly impacted by the ongoing row between Qatar and five Arab states, the U.S. said Monday.

A handful of influential Arab states -- including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Egypt -- unexpectedly cut diplomatic relations with Qatar on Monday, citing national security concerns.

Speaking to reporters in Australia, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he did not expect the development to "have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified – the unified fight against terrorism".

Tillerson urged the countries to resolve their difference diplomatically, offering U.S. assistance in any reconciliation effort.

"It is important that the GCC remain unified," Tillerson said, referring to the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council.

Also addressing reporters in Sydney, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis added: "I am positive there will be no implications coming out of this dramatic situation at all, and I say that based on the commitment that each of these nations that you just referred to have made to this fight."

All of the countries currently involved in the diplomatic acrimony are U.S. allies participating in the U.S.-led anti-Daesh effort, except Yemen.

Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which houses U.S. Central Command, and the U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Roughly 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed at the al-Udeid Air Base.