Turkish jets join US-led coalition strikes on Islamic State

ANKARA: Turkish jets took part in US-led coalition air strikes against Islamic State in Syria for the first time on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

"Our jets started last night to carry out air operations with coalition forces against Islamic State targets in Syria which pose a threat to our security too," a statement released on Saturday said.

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The operation followed a technical agreement with the United States on Aug. 24 about Turkey's role in the campaign against the Sunnis who control large areas of Syria and Iraq.

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Turkey last month agreed to open its strategically important air bases to the coalition, but has been reluctant to play a leading role in the fight against Islamic State, fearing a backlash.

On July 24, Turkish warplanes attacked Islamic State targets in Syria, but not as part of the coalition operation.