Turkish tanks roll into northern Syria in assault on IS

Photo: AFP

 

Heavy shelling of so-called Islamic State positions has marked the start of a Turkish offensive to drive the militants away from the Syrian border, teh BBC reports.

Military sources told Turkish media 70 targets in the Jarablus area had been destroyed by artillery and rocket strikes, and 12 by air strikes.

Turkish tanks are now reported to have crossed into Syria.

The operation is aimed in part at pre-empting any move by Syrian Kurds to establish themselves on the border.

Turkish special forces are already inside Syria as part of the offensive.