Turkish fighter jets to join anti-ISIL coalition airstrikes

ANKARA

File photo: Turkish Air Force

Turkey has said its warplanes will actively participate in international coalition’s efforts to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria as part of an agreement with the United States. It also announced that it will allow the coalition forces to use its bases for anti-ISIL strikes. 

“Based on the authority provided by the Parliament on Sept 2nd, 2014, the Cabinet approved the deployment of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles of the United States and some regional countries joining aerial campaigns against Daesh [ISIL] in our bases. Turkish Air Forces will also be instructed in mentioned operations,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement late July 24. 

The statement confirmed that the ISIL has become primary and a growing threat to Turkey’s security recalling its recent attacks in the country claiming the lives of 32 youngsters in a suicide bombing attack and one troop in an ambush on the border. 

“Turkey and the U.S. have decided to deepen ongoing cooperation in the fight against Daesh,” it read, stressing that the July 24 airstrikes against ISIL positions have been carried out within the frame of article 51 of the United Nations that stipulates right to self-defense.