Nato chief heads to Turkey for Syria crisis talks

The Syrian civil war and march of Isil, also known as Isis or Islamic State, into Iraq has left Nato with a crisis on its south eastern flank, even as it is also faces Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Nato last year send three Patriot missile batteries to Turkey after Ankara called for alliance help to protect its cities against the threat of missile attack by the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Syrian regime rockets are still falling close to the Turkish border and the meetings will agree to keep the batteries, which were sent by Holland, Germany and the US, for as long as needed.

Turkey has yet to request further help to deal with the Syrian crisis, but sources said Mr Stoltenberg would be open to suggestions.

The source said: They have not made an official request, but these types of visit can throw things up. Hes going to sit down with the leadership and discuss the crisis.

Air strikes by a US-led coalition of countries battling Isil have redoubled around Kobane since Isil fighters hoisted their black flag on the eastern edge of the town earlier in the week.

Outgunned Kurdish fighters defending the town have faced an assault from three sides and artillery barrages.

The Turkish President warned on Tuesday that Kobane was "about to fall", saying a ground operation was needed to defeat the fighters.

"I am telling the West dropping bombs from the air will not provide a solution," he said.

Mr Stoltenberg earlier this week visited Poland, which has called for more protection from the alliance to deter Russian aggression.

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Nato chief heads to Turkey for Syria crisis talks