Free Syrian Army liberates new regions, airport

ANKARA (AA) – The Free Syrian Army (FSA) has taken control of the Arap Izzah and El Fursan regions, as well as Idalat, Talyah Darbiyah, and the Kubba Turkuman Airport in northern Syria’s El Rai region, the Turkish army said Saturday.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said in a statement that the Free Syrian Army, which performs operations in support of coalition forces, made the territorial gains on day 11 of Operation Euphrates Shield, which began on Aug. 24.

The statement also said that Turkish Air Forces attacked and destroyed two Daesh targets in the Vukuf region, south of El Rai, around 13.00 local time (1000GMT).

Turkey has said Operation Euphrates Shield is aimed at bolstering border security, supporting coalition forces, and eliminating the threat posed by terror organizations, especially Daesh.

The operation is in line with the country’s right to self-defense borne out of international treaties and a mandate given to Turkey’s armed forces by parliament in 2014, which was extended for another year in September 2015.