25 Daesh terrorists 'neutralized' in northern Syria

By Baris Gundogan

ANKARA (AA) - At least 17 Daesh terrorists were "neutralized" in northern Syria early Wednesday as part of the ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield, according to the Turkish military.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" to imply the terrorist in question was either killed or captured.

In addition, 194 Daesh targets -- including the terror group’s shelters, headquarters, defense positions, and vehicles -- were hit by Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters with Turkish army support, said a Turkish General Staff statement.

The Turkish Air Forces also destroyed 30 targets, it added.

Also early Wednesday, a bomb vehicle attack took place near a temporary base in southern Al-Bab, the General Staff announced. FSA fighters patrolling the base’s outskirts took fire from terrorists.

Eight Daesh members wearing suicide vests who arrived at the scene on foot were killed, while seven FSA fighters were martyred by the two terrorists who blew up the vehicle, the statement said. There were no Turkish casualties.

The Turkish army is supporting FSA fighters in liberating Al-Bab, a strategic city for Daesh, from the terrorist group. Wednesday marks day 176 since the city was surrounded in order to liberate it.

The Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield began in late August to improve security, support coalition forces, and eliminate the terror threat along the Turkish border using FSA fighters backed by Turkish artillery and jets.