The Turkish army has announced that at least 14 Turkish soldiers were killed and 33 others wounded in clashes with Islamic State (ISIS) forces on Wednesday around the city of Al-Bab in Syria. According to AFP, this has been the deadliest day for Turkish forces in the battle against ISIS in Syrian territory. Turkey has been conducting an operation named 'Euphrates Shield' in Syria since August. The report states that ISIS forces fiercely resisted against Turkish troops and their allied rebels in Al-Bab on Wednesday. The city of Al-Bab is located 25 kilometers from the Turkish border. The Turkish army claims that ISIS fighters attacked Turkish forces using at least three suicide bomb-laden vehicles. Initially, the Turkish army reported that four soldiers were killed in Al-Bab, later updating the number to 10 soldiers killed on that day. Six of the 33 wounded soldiers are reported to be in critical condition. The Turkish army also stated that the operations of the army and allied forces in Al-Bab have now entered a main phase. According to Al Jazeera, the Turkish army has also taken control of strategic areas around the Al-Bab hospital. Al Jazeera reports that 30 Turkish soldiers have been killed so far during the 'Euphrates Shield' operation. The Turkish army also announced that its air forces targeted ISIS positions in Al-Bab on Wednesday. According to the Turkish army, at least 183 ISIS fighters have been killed in Al-Bab. Turkey claims that the goal of the 'Euphrates Shield' operation is to clear border areas of ISIS forces and Kurdish militants. However, Turkey also considers the People's Protection Units (YPG), the main branch of Kurdish militants, a 'terrorist group', despite the YPG receiving support from the United States.
14 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Clash with ISIS in Al-Bab, Syria
At least 14 Turkish soldiers were killed and 33 wounded in clashes with ISIS in Al-Bab, Syria, marking the deadliest day for Turkish forces in the ongoing 'Euphrates Shield' operation. The Turkish army is targeting ISIS and Kurdish militants in the region, which has significant implications for Turkey's military strategy and regional stability.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
At least 14 Turkish soldiers were killed and 33 wounded in clashes with ISIS in Al-Bab, Syria, marking the deadliest day for Turkish forces in the ongoing 'Euphrates Shield' operation. The Turkish army is intensifying its efforts to combat ISIS and Kurdish militants in the region.
- The Turkish army has reported a total of 30 soldiers killed during the 'Euphrates Shield' operation.
- Turkey claims to have killed at least 183 ISIS fighters in Al-Bab.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey has been conducting military operations in Syria to eliminate ISIS and prevent the establishment of a Kurdish autonomous region along its border. The YPG, a key Kurdish group, is seen by Turkey as a terrorist organization.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%