Turkish-backed forces destroy 24 Daesh targets in Syria

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces have taken control of six more residential areas from Daesh, according to an army statement on Sunday.

Within the scope of Operation Euphrates Shield, which began on Aug. 24 to rid Syria's northern border area of terrorists, a total of 24 Daesh targets were eliminated -- including shelters, defensive positions, command centers, weapons and vehicles.

In a statement, the Turkish Armed Forces said in northern Syria’s Al-Rai town six residential areas -- Hadji Qusah, Halise Shakira, Halise, Talca Shaqiyah, Hajar Abyad and Al-Shuayb -- were cleared of Daesh.

Two opposition fighters were martyred in clashes.

Almost 1,600 square kilometers (617 square miles) of land in northern Syria have been cleared of Daesh terrorists as part of Operation Euphrates Shield so far.

In the last five days, Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army forces (FSA) arrived within eight kilometers (five miles) of the Al-Bab district in Syria’s Aleppo province.

FSA fighters recently took control of five villages in Mare, northwest of Al-Bab, and Manbij, east of Al-Bab.

Sunday marks the 82nd day of Operation Euphrates Shield.