US, Turkey to launch anti-Islamic State operation

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said last month that more than 37,000 foreign fighters have died during the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Çavuşoğlu had told Reuters on Monday that Turkey and the United States would soon launch “comprehensive” air operations to flush out ISIL fighters from a zone in northern Syria bordering Turkey. US jets have already begun air strikes from Turkish bases in advance of the campaign.

‘At the moment (who will govern Syria) is not part of our consideration, our consideration is quite squarely on Iraq, on the defence of Iraq and hopefully peace and future prosperity of that country, ‘ he said. “This is unacceptable”, Cavusoglu said.

The US previously accused ISIL of using mustard gas in July against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, in addition to two attacks in August against Iraqi Kurdish forces. He didn’t provide details, but he has said an extensive, coordinated operation against the militant group would start soon.

“After almost 10 months of negotiations, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies Turkey and the United States agreed to cooperate on fighting ISIS jihadists in Syria and Iraq, and are discussing ways to broaden their alliance”.

‘We’ve got to deal with it at home, we’ve got to deal with it at source and that’s why we are considering this US request, ‘ he said.

The Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front said late last month it had detained some of a first group of less than 60 rebels, weeks after they were deployed, and warned others to abandon the program, highlighting their vulnerability.

According to the weekly, “a diplomat from a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation member state said that efficient Turkish-US cooperation in the fight against [ISIL] would maximize chances for success and minimize the total operation time necessary to counter the group”.

“We will continue to help the Syrian opposition and participate in the coalition in Iraq ensuring it is more effective”, he said.

“We must ask Iran to associate itself with the resolution of crises that are devastating the region”, Hollande said.