Erdogan says Daesh forced to flee Syria's Jarabulus

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that the terrorist group Daesh had been forced to flee the northern Syrian city of Jarabulus following Turkey’s military operation.

Speaking at a press conference with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden who was in the Turkish capital Ankara for a day-long visit Wednesday, Erdogan said: “Members of the Free Syrian Army and Jarabulus residents have recaptured Jarabulus.”

Turkish military’s Operation Euphrates Shield in Syria was launched early Wednesday, when artillery and airstrikes were followed by Turkish tanks crossing the border to target Daesh and the PYD in support of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters.

The Free Syrian Army recently took control of Jarabulus, where one FSA member was killed. The Turkish army sustained no casualties.

Jarabulus is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border.

- Extradition of Gulen

Erdogan also addressed the issue of the U.S.-based leader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

He said that the main priority for Turkey was the extradition of Fetullah Gulen, who is considered responsible for the July 15 coup attempt, as soon as possible.

Mentioning the historic strategic partnership between Turkey and the U.S., Erdogan told Biden the U.S. could "at least" detain the leader of the terrorist group Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Earlier on Wednesday, speaking during a news conference with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Biden said American officials were working alongside Turkish counterparts on the extradition case of Fetullah Gulen.

The Turkish government blames FETO for the deadly July 15 coup attempt, in which at least 240 people were martyred.

Gulen, who lives in self-exile in the U.S. is also accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the Turkish government through the infiltration of state institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.