Istanbul starts counter-terrorism operation

Turkish police are conducting a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Istanbul. The operation, held against Islamic State militants and Kurdish rebels, involves over 5000 policemen.

The Turkish authorities have decided to strengthen the struggle against IS, and today jets took off from Diyarbakir airbase and hit four IS targets in Syria, Dogan news agency reports.

Yesterday Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held an emergency meeting on security issues in Ankara. It was attended by the heads of the military and national intelligence agencies.