US deploying 6 F-16s to Turkey for ISIL fight: NATO mission

BRUSSELS - Agence France-Presse

This August 9, 2015 US Air Force handout photo shows F-16 Fighting Falcons from Aviano Air Base, Italy as they arrive at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. AFP Photo

The United States has deployed half a dozen F-16 warplanes at a Turkish base to help operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the US mission to NATO said on August 9.

"Six US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons deploy to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to support the fight against ISIL," it said in a tweet.
 
The United States has already been using drones from Incirlik to strike ISIL targets in Syria, supporting the Turkish air campaign against the militants.
 
"At approximately 0900 (GMT), the US Air Force deployed a small detachment of six F-16 Fighting Falcons, support equipment and approximately 300 personnel to İncirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve," US European Command said in a press release.
 
"The detachment is from the 31st Fighter Wing based at Aviano Air Base, Italy. This follows Turkey's decision to host the deployment of US aircraft conducting counter-ISIL operations."  

Turkey stepped up action against jihadists after a deadly bombing in July in border town Suruç.
 
According to media reports some 30 US fighters are due to arrive in the coming days to take part in the operation.