The Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) were attacked in Al-Bab, Syria, by both Daesh and the PKK/PYD terrorists.
Daesh attempted to infiltrate the headquarters of the Turkish military by sending vehicles loaded with bombs; however the attack was unsuccessful. As one vehicle advanced on the ground between olive trees, due to snowy weather conditions, it became stuck in the mud and could not reach the Turkish military base.
The driver of the vehicle loaded with explosives tried to escape, and nearby Daesh terrorists resorted to launching a heavy gunfire attack.
The clash continued for hours, and one soldier was martyred whereas five were wounded. The area was secured by the Turkish military and the FSA.
The PYD launched an attack on the Turkish military and FSA concurrent to the Daesh attack.
The Turkish military and FSA base, located in the region of the Azraq village, came under a less intense attack from the PYD. Sources in the region have reported that the PYD has recently been more active and that they were preparing for an attack.
The PYD also engaged in attacks across various villages in Jarablus. Artillery fire was reportedly used during these attacks.
As clashes on the field continued, the Turkish Airforce destroyed Daesh targets from the air.
The airstrikes destroyed 13 defense positions, one armored vehicle and one vehicle loaded with bombs and three workshops that produced vehicles loaded with bombs.
Initial reports indicate that 26 Daesh terrorists were neutralized.
Russian warplanes aided the Turkish airstrikes. In a statement released by the Turkish military, it was stated that Russian planes also destroyed Daesh targets. Three Russian airstrikes were conducted, neutralizing 12 Daesh terrorists.
The statement put the total number of Daesh terrorists neutralized up to 1300, and the total number of PKK/PYD terrorists neutralized over 300.
The Al-Bab operation, which started on December 9, reached the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity of the city from the west and north. Thus, the Turkish military and FSA closed in on Daesh terrorists in a crescent-shape.
The Turkish military has said that whle the operation to clear the region of Daesh is underway, measures have been taken to block the PKK/PYD from attacking from Afrin to the east and from Manbij to the West.
A vehicle loaded with explosives belonging to Daesh has once again targeted civilians.
Six civilians were killed and 20 civilians were injured in an attack that was carried out by Daesh terrorists in the Suran region, which is 5 km north of Dabık and 14 km away from Azez.
As clashes in the Al-Bab area increase, so, too, does the number of civilians who have abandoned their homes.
Citizens hiding behind Daesh are leaving the area in 15-20 vehicles daily. Sources have reported that many believe that by leaving Al-Bab, Daesh will be eliminated more quickly.
