US F-16 jets arrive in Turkey to fight IS

“As part of our agreement with the US, we have made progress regarding the opening up of our bases, particularly Incirlik,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier told state broadcaster TRT, as cited by Reuters. An initial query to the base’s public affairs office was redirected to a higher headquarters, but a news release issued later in the day day confirmed the destination.

Turkey has since been conducting nationwide operations against suspected members of the PKK, ISIL, and DHKP-C as well as airstrikes against PKK positions in northern Iraq and an aggressive media campaign against pro-Kurdish groups. But Air Force cargo and refueling planes have called the base a temporary home for years, supporting an array of operations, mostly in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This would put U.S. jets only a 30-minute flight from ISIS targets in Syria.

Around 300 airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing are also being sent to Turkey, to help support Operation Inherent Resolve, according to the US military website Stripes.

Speaking anonymously on Friday, the U.S. official said Turkey had the right to defend itself from terrorism, adding that the current cycle of PKK violence began before Ankara and Washington decided to deepen cooperation on countering Daesh.