Syrian rebels kill 12 ISIL fighters in Euphrates Shield operation

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

AA photo

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and coalition air strikes have killed 12 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in northern Syria, the Turkish military said Nov. 8. 

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said Turkey hit 57 ISIL and one Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) militants on Nov. 7, including defensive positions and mortars, as part of Turkey’s Euphrates Shield Operation in northern Syria. 

The military added that seven Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters were wounded during the Nov. 7 clashes. 

The Euphrates Shield Operation was launched in late August to clear Syria’s northern border area of “terrorists.” It is now on its 77th day. 

The operation has seen both ISIL and PYD groups targeted by the opposition FSA supported by Turkish tanks, artillery and aircraft. 

Turkey’s army added that since the beginning of the operation in late August, 36 mines and just over 1,460 handmade explosives had been eliminated. 

Turkey regards the PYD as a terror organization due to its alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). 

The U.S. and the EU designate the PKK as a terrorist organization but do not regard the PYD in the same category.