Turkey Hopes To Wrap Up Its Revenge On ISIS Momentarily

Just days after ISIS took credit for the Istanbul nightclub attack, Turkey launched its most intensive bombardment of the Syrian town of al-Bab since the four-month campaign began. Turkish officials claimed to have killed “scores of ISIS members” over the past few days, targeting the militant group’s westernmost stronghold with jets and artillery. Even Russia is getting in on the action, launching airstrikes in the south of al-Bab. In response, ISIS is withdrawing its senior leadership toward Raqqa, convincing Turkey that they will retake al-Bab in the coming days.

If Turkey is as successful as they think they will be, this will be a notable loss for ISIS. As its westernmost stronghold, al-Bab was a headquarters for ISIS to plan foreign attacks. With senior members already retreating east, it’s likely to be a logistical and strategic setback.

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