(Military Times) Andrew deGrandpre - American warplanes and combat advisers are once again backing Turkish military units battling Islamic State fighters in northern Syria. Four airstrikes Tuesday near the town of al Bab hit Islamic State construction equipment and tactical vehicles, said Air Force Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition. Dorrian indicated the mission most likely was enabled by American ground troops working nearby. Turkish forces have suffered significant casualties while battling ISIS militants in al Bab, 20 miles south of Turkey's border with Syria. Russian military aircraft have also begun hitting Islamic State targets in the area. Turkish officials have indicted they had no choice but to seek Russia's help. Dorrian indicated that U.S. commanders are talking with their Russian counterparts about operations in and around al Bab.
2017-01-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive