![Free Syrian Army members are seen on October 27, 2016 [Hüseyin Nasır/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161027_2_19799298_15437315-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1)
Turkey resumed its air support for the Free Syrian Army (FSA) as part of the “Euphrates Shield” operation against Daesh, Deputy Turkish Prime Minister and official government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said yesterday.
Speaking during a government meeting Kurtulmus said the FSA had edged closer to the town of Al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.
The resumption of Turkish support for the group comes in light of talks with warring parties, including Russia, pointing out that “Operation Euphrates Shield” will end when it accomplishes all of its goals.
“Turkish goals are clear,” he said, “purifying a 5,000 kilomtere area on the Turkish-Syrian borders from terrorist organisations, withdrawal of PYD from Minbij, east of Aleppo, and purifying the area from Daesh in order to let the residents go back home.”
Turkey launched the operation on 24 August in support of the FSA and in cooperation with the international coalition. The operation started in the Syrian city of Jarablus and purified it and its surroundings from Daesh within hours.