US, Turkey seek to establish IS-free zone

ADDIS ABABA — The United States and Turkey are finalizing plans for a military campaign to push Islamic State out of a strip of land along the Syrian border, deepening efforts to halt the extremists’ advances.

A US official says the creation of an “Islamic State-free zone” would ensure greater security and stability in the Turkish-Syrian border region. But the official also says any joint military efforts with Turkey would not include the imposition of a no-fly zone, a step Washington has long resisted despite Turkish requests.

The discussions come amid a major tactical shift in Turkey’s approach to the Islamic State. After months of reluctance, Turkish warplanes started striking militant targets in Syria last week, following a long-awaited agreement allowing the US to launch its own strikes from the strategically located Incirlik Air Base.

— AP