30 ISIL militants ‘neutralized’ in northern Syria: Turkish military

ANKARA

AA photo

At least 30 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants have been “neutralized” in northern Syria in the last 24 hours as part of the ongoing Euphrates Shield Operation, according to a Turkish General Staff statement released early on Feb. 13.      

Authorities use the word “neutralized” to refer to militants killed, wounded or captured.      

In addition, 143 ISIL targets, including shelters, headquarters, defense positions and vehicles were hit by Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters with Turkish army support, the statement said.      

Turkish fighter jets also destroyed 51 buildings being used as hideouts.      

The Turkish military is supporting FSA fighters in liberating al-Bab, a strategic town held by the jihadist group.      
The Euphrates Shield operation began in late August 2016 to improve security, support coalition forces and eliminate the terror threat along the Turkish border using FSA fighters backed by Turkish artillery and jets.