Ankara has criticized international coalition forces for not doing enough to support Turkey in its offensive on al-Bab against the Islamic State (IS), calling especially for U.S. backing for the operation.
“These circles, which always level criticism at Turkey on IS, are not giving the necessary support for our struggle against IS in Azez, Jarablus, Dabiq and al-Bab; this is unacceptable” presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın told reporters on Monday.
“We would like to express once more that the international coalition should make a special commitment particularly to provide air support. We are coordinating with the international coalition. It is unacceptable that air support is not provided without a legitimate reason” he said.
“Regardless of mobilization by [IS], Turkey will continue in its determination in this regard, and this operation will be completed” Kalın said.
Kalın made the comments in reply to media reports that around 700 IS suicide bombers had moved from Raqqa to al-Bab.
In the past week, clashes and operations around al-Bab had gained intensity, he said, emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces had showed great sensitivity to avoid civilian casualties.
Some 1,900 square kilometers in northern Syria have been cleared of IS as part of the Operation Euphrates Shield, the spokesperson said.
During the past week, hundreds of IS targets have been eliminated, and 226 IS militants have been killed, Kalın stated.