By Mohamed Misto, Halit Suleiman and Selen Temizer
AL-BAB, Syria (AA) - The Free Syrian Army (FSA), backed by the Turkish military, has reportedly entered the center of Syria’s strategic town of Al-Bab.
According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent in Al-Bab, the town center has been entirely cleared of Daesh terrorists as part of Turkey’s ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield.
FSA fighters are now clearing the town of landmines and booby traps planted in the area by Daesh militants.
“The center of Al-Bab is now under opposition control,” FSA Commander Ahmed al-Shahabi told Anadolu Agency.
“We are advancing cautiously due to the many mines and explosives left behind,” he said.
The Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield aims to provide security, support U.S.-led coalition forces, and eliminate the terrorist presence along Syria’s northern border with Turkey.
The operation, which began last summer, relies heavily on FSA fighters backed by Turkish artillery and air support.