The United States has deployed half a dozen F-16 warplanes at a Turkish base to help operations against the Islamic State group, the US mission to NATO said on Sunday.
"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, referring to a variant name for the group.
The United States has already been using drones from Incirlik to strike IS targets in Syria, supporting the Turkish air campaign against the militants.
Read: US, Turkey join forces to drive Islamic State from Syria
A Turkish Air Force A400M tactical transport aircraft (foreground) is parked at Incirlik airbase in the southern city of Adana, Turkey, July 24, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS"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 Incirlik 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."
Read: Turkey agrees to open bases to US for bombing IS: US official
Turkey, a member of the international coalition led by its NATO ally Washington, stepped up action against jihadists after a deadly bombing in July in a border town.
According to media reports some 30 US fighters are due to arrive in the coming days to take part in the operation.
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