KEY HIGHLIGHTS
On Friday 28th August 2015, Turkish fighter jets began attacking the Islamic State targets across the Syrian border that were deemed to be threats to Turkey.
According to Turkey Foreign Ministry statement issued on Saturday 29, confirmed that Turkish warplanes carried their first aerial strikes as part of US-led coalition against the Islamic State militant group in Syria.
ASSESSMENT
Turkey has taken several months in deciding to join the war against the Islamic State. After months of delay, Turkey agreed last month (July) to take an active role in the fight against the Islamic state extremists.
Turkish fighter jets used smart bombs to attack Islamic State positions in Syria without crossing into Syrian airspace, and later Turkey granted U.S. jets access to a key Incirlik air base which is close to the Syrian border to conduct their strikes.
According to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry statement, Turkey fighter aircrafts joining with warplanes belonging to the US-led coalition which began yesterday evening will continue jointly in carrying out air operations against the ‘Daesh’ targets that constitute a huge threat against the security of our country, the fight against the terrorists organization is a priority for Turkey, the statement read.
SUMMARY
Washington through spokesman confirmed that United State has welcomed and commends Turkey involvement in coalition operations against the Islamic State.
There have been strong critics that Turkey is not serious in the war against Islamic State and their war was only with the PKK whom they consider as their number one enemy.
Turkish air strikes came after Turkish and U.S. officials announced that they have come to a common ground concerning their cooperation that calls on for Turkey to be fully involved into the coalition air campaigns against the Daesh.
