Turkish air force hits Daesh, PKK/PYD targets in Syria

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s military released details of overnight airstrikes on terrorist positions in northern Syria on Monday.

A statement from the military said Turkey’s air force hit six headquarters and 11 defensive positions belonging to the Daesh terror group.

Turkish forces also hit four defensive positions belonging to the PKK/PYD, killing 11 terrorists.

In separate strikes, targets hit included 64 Daesh and 11 PKK/PYD objectives, including shelters, command-and-control centers and vehicles.

Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) special task force soldiers continued land-based attacks to control areas to the east and west of Al-Bab.

FSA troops gained control of Sheikh Nasir village near Al-Bab after Daesh withdrew.

Turkey’s military also confirmed on Monday that one FSA fighter had been martyred. Three members of the Turkish Armed Forces and 16 FSA fighters were also injured during the clashes.

The Turkish Red Crescent and the Turkish Prime Ministry’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority have continued logistic activities for FSA and civilians.

Turkey’s Operation Euphrates Shield began in late August to rid Syria's northern border area of terrorists. Tuesday marks the 90th day of the operation.

Over 215 residential areas, including more than 1,800 square kilometers (694 square miles), of land in northern Syria have been cleared of Daesh terrorists as part of the operation so far.

The military statement on Monday also said a total of 40 mines and 1,673 improvised explosives had been defused since the start of the operation on Aug. 24.