Turkey announces clearing Syrian area of terrorists

By Ozcan Yildirim and Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) - An area of 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) have been cleared of terrorists in northern Syria since the launch of Operation Euphrates Shield operation on Aug. 24, the Turkish military said Monday.

The Free Syrian Army (FSA), supported by Turkish and coalition forces, liberated 10 villages Monday, the Turkish Armed Forces said in a statement.

Earlier Turkish army said it had hit 20 terrorist targets with artillery fire in northern Syria over the last 24 hours. It said 61 rounds all struck accurately as the military took “all necessary measures” to prevent civilian casualties.