Turkey launched its operation in Syria, called Euphrates Shield, on Aug.24 to drive out Islamic State and stop the YPG militia, fearing its growing control of northern Syria. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organization and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). That position has caused friction with Turkey, a NATO member and a partner in the fight against Islamic State. Erdogan has repeatedly said that Turkey's allies should not be making a distinction between Islamic State and the YPG as both groups pose a threat to Turkey. Separately, state-run Anadolu Agency said Turkish jets hit four Islamic State positions late on Saturday evening in Syria's northwestern Aleppo province as part of the operation, citing security sources.

Source: bd News24 September 04, 2016 14:26 UTC