AL-BAB , Syria, Dec. 26 (UPI) — At least 30 people attempting to escape Al-Bab, Syria were killed by explosives planted by the Islamic State, the Turkish army reported Monday.
Many more were injured in the attacks Sunday, a statement from the army said. It added that IS is threatening residents and preventing them from leaving the city, 20 miles from Aleppo, with barricades on main roads. The statement said improvised explosive devices were used in the attacks, as well as mines, with iron balls attached, placed on the doorsteps of homes.
Operation Euphrates Shield, the Turkish-led military mission in Syria, responded with airstrikes and a ground assault, hitting 113 IS targets, including command centers, weapons locations and vehicles.
The operation, launched by Turkey in August, is meant to contain terrorist organizations, including IS, on the Turkish border.
