Turkish jets struck targets in the Syrian village of Baragat held by ISILTurkish jets have targeted ISIL (ISIS/IS/Daesh) positions in the Syrian village of Baragat on the border with Turkey. militants, Turkey's private Dogan news agency reported on Friday (September 16). Clouds of smoke rising from the area were visible from the Turkish border town of Oylum.

Turkey launched its first major military incursion into Syria three weeks ago to try to push back ISIL militants from its border and prevent Kurdish fighters from gaining ground. Ankara now faces a difficult diplomatic balancing act if it is to win international support for the more permanent "safe zone" cleared of militants it wants on its border.

Turkish-backed rebels have been battling ISIL militants along the border as part of operation Euphrates Shield, which was launched last month. Islamic State fighters have been pushed away from the border in recent weeks with the support of Turkish warplanes and tanks.

The Turkish operation also aims to push back U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, which have separately been fighting ISIL in Syria. Clashes between Turkish-allied forces and the Kurdish YPG militia, a key U.S. partner in the fight against ISIL, have caused tension between Washington and Ankara; Reuters reported.

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