VIDEO: Clashes break silence as coalition forces hit Turkey-Syria border

KİLİS - Doğan News Agency

AA Photo

Armed clashes have renewed between opposition groups and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants across the Turkey-Syria border near the southeastern province of Kilis. 

On Nov. 20, the clashes shook the villages of Soran, Savran, Havar and Harcelli on Syria’s “Mare line” across from the villages of Seve and Akıncılar in Kilis.

Meanwhile, coalition forces launched air operations against ISIL targets just a few kilometers across the Syrian border. 

During the clashes ISIL targets were hit by the coalition air force based on security intelligence gathered by drones, reconnaissance aircraft and intelligence units patrolling the region. 

ISIL has seized the region between Jarablus and Azaz across the Syrian border, opposite the provinces of Gaziantep and Kilis. 

Opposition groups have hindered ISIL efforts to seize Azaz several times, while clashes and blasts have raised concerns on the Turkish side of the border.

In the last two weeks, renewed clashes and the U.S.-led coalition’s air operations have broken the partial silence on the border.

Residents on the Turkish side of the border have heard the sounds of clashes and blasts, as smoke was seen rising from northern Syrian villages. 

Security measures have been boosted at the border line after increased security concerns in Kilis.