The US and Turkey have reached an agreement which will see Turkish jets join the air strike against Islamic State (IS) which claims a large chunk of territory in Iraq and Syria. The Turkish officials have announced that they are now ready to fully participate in US-led coalition strikes against the “Islamic State” group. The Pentagon said joint strikes may begin within days.
Turkey is already allowing the use of Turkish bases for US strike and supporting aircraft. So far Turkey’s participation in the fight against IS has thus far remained limited and its attention appears focused on fighting the Kurdish separatists of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Beyond air operations, the US continues its talks with Turkey to evaluate options on the most effective means of countering ISIL, including along its borders in a manner that promotes Turkey’s security and regional stability.
Facts About Turkey
- Turkey has 82,693 mosques, the most of which are in the country’s largest city, Istanbul.
- Turkey is the first world hazelnut producer and exporter.
- The ancient real-life city of Troy is located on the northwest coast of Turkey, which is now known as Hisarlik.
- Turkey is home to 2 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is near Izmir, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is in Bodrum.
- Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and NATO in 1952.
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