Turkish army, coalition forces launch anti-Daesh operation

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish Armed Forces and air forces belonging to the U.S.-led international coalition on Wednesday began an operation against Daesh in an effort to clear the Syrian city of Jarabulus from the terror group, Turkish officials told Anadolu Agency.

Turkish forces are using intense artillery fire against Daesh elements in Jarabulus in a retaliatory strike, officials said.

The operation, which began at around 4 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), is aimed at clearing the Turkish borders of terrorist groups, helping to enhance border security and supporting the territorial integrity of Syria, they said.

Preventing a new flow of migrants and delivering aid to the region’s civilian population in need are also among the goals, officials added.

The move comes after a series of mortar bombs landed in a residential Turkish area along the Syrian border beginning Tuesday morning, security sources said.

There were no injuries in Karkamis, which lies approximately 1 kilometer across the frontier from Jarabulus -- part of Aleppo governorate -- where Free Syrian Army forces are fighting to take control of the city from Daesh.

Operations of Turkish Armed Forces, which has been actively fighting Daesh, have significantly contributed to ongoing efforts of U.S.-backed international coalition against the terror group.