U.S. increases support for Turkish military operations in Syria
Free Syrian Army fighters gesture as Turkish military vehicles drive in the Syrian rebel-held town of al-Rai while heading towards the northern Syrian town of al-Bab on Monday. (Khalil Ashawi/Reuters)
By Karen DeYoung and Missy Ryan January 9 at 8:49 PM
U.S. aircraft have begun regular aerial intelligence surveillance in support of Turkey’s offensive against the Islamic State in northwestern Syria, in anticipation of increased U.S. support for the flailing Turkish military operation around the town of al-Bab.
The increased support comes after weeks of U.S. military and diplomatic talks with Turkish counterparts, and Russian airstrikes backing the Turkish offensive.
U.S. support to ground troops, including airstrikes and equipment in addition to surveillance, would be similar to what the United States now provides to Syrian groups battling the militants, potentially including assistance from Special Operations advisers whose participation in the offensive has thus far been limited to an area inside the Syrian border about 10 miles north of al-Bab, according to administration and defense officials.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-increases-support-for-turkish-military-operations-in-syria/2017/01/09/08760aae-d6be-11e6-9f9f-5cdb4b7f8dd7_story.html?utm_term=.6ce955c3d0cd
