Turkey, coalition forces kill 8 ISIL militants in northern Syria

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

At least eight Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants were killed in northern Syria on June 24 during a military operation carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition, Turkish security sources said June 25.        

A total of 31 ISIL targets were hit in two airstrikes, while five buildings used by the jihadist group were also destroyed in the operation, sources who spoke to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity said.  

ISIL was reportedly preparing to attack Turkey from northern Syria, the sources added.        

Since mid-January, ISIL rockets have been targeting towns and cities in southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. A total of 21 people, including Syrians who had taken shelter in Turkey, have been killed and more than 70 others wounded in such attacks.   

Turkey plans to install new air defense systems at its border crossings in the southeastern province of Kilis to protect against such attacks.    

Developed by Aselsan, the country’s leading defense manufacturer, the counter-mortar Serhat radar system and self-propelled Korkut air defense gun system were recently installed at the Öncüpınar border crossing in Kilis, as part of plans by the TSK to upgrade border security. 

The border will also be monitored 24/7 with unmanned bubbled surveillance systems dubbed “mini zeppelins,” also developed by Aselsan.