The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) launched Operation Euphrates Shield in Jarablus, a city in the Aleppo province of northern Syria, by clearing the city of Daesh elements. On the 11th day of the operation, tanks belonging to the TSK crossed into the Syrian town of al-Rai from the Elbeyli district in southern Turkish province of Kilis, starting the second critical phase of the operation. According to the initial information received from the border, Daesh resisted, leading to clashes between the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Daesh. While Daesh-held areas were under intense Fırtına howitzer fire, it was stated that Daesh responded to the operation with howitzers.