Turkish airstrikes kills 17 IS militants in Syria’s al Bab

Turkish airstrikes have killed 17 Islamic State (IS) militants as part of the operation to liberate the northern Syrian town of al-Bab from terrorists, the military said on Wednesday.
A total of 180 identified targets were shelled by the Turkish military, destroying some shelters, defense positions, command centers, weapons and vehicles used by Daesh terrorists.
Turkish warplanes also hit one Daesh target, destroying one building belonging to the terrorist organization, which was used as shelter.
Coalition Air Forces did not conduct any airstrikes.
Some 30 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were destroyed by explosive ordinance teams over the span of 24 hours, adding up to a total of 3,149 since the beginning of the operation, while 55 mines were detonated.
The Turkish military continues to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of civilians in the area, the statement added.
The Turkish army is supporting FSA fighters in liberating al-Bab, a strategic city for Daesh, from the terrorist group. Wednesday marks the 155th day since the city was surrounded in order to liberate it.
The military action is part of the Turkish-led Operation Euphrates Shield, which began in late August to improve security, support coalition forces, and eliminate the terror threat along Turkey's border using FSA fighters backed by Turkish artillery and jets.
Ankara has already vowed that Operation Euphrates Shield will continue in Manbij and Afrin, which are both held by the PKK's Syrian offshoot, the People's Protection Units (YPG), after al-Bab is liberated.