Turkey bolsters defenses on Syria border

By Ridvan Korkulutas and Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - Turkey has deployed two defense systems to its southern border to counter the threat of rocket attacks launched by Daesh in Syria, a security source said Tuesday.

The Serhat and Korkut systems, which are both made by Turkish defense manufacturer ASELSAN, have been sent to Kilis province the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

The province, which lies across the border from Daesh-controlled territory, has faced a spate of cross-border rocket attacks in recent months, resulting in the deaths of 21 people and more than 80 wounded since mid-January.

The Serhat system can detect and track mortar fire to pinpoint the source of incoming rounds while Korkut is a mobile air defense system employing three 35 millimeter guns that, according to the source, is capable of firing 1,100 rounds per minute.

* Burcu Arik contributed to this report from Istanbul.