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New rocket attacks along Syrian-Turkish border

April 12, 2016

The Turkish military has fired back after 'Islamic State' militants launched rockets across the border from Syria. The terror organization has made territorial gains along Turkey's border in recent days.

https://p.dw.com/p/1ITkr
Fighting along Syrian-Turkish border
Image: picture-alliance/AA/I. Mazi

Fighting continued near Turkey's southern border on Tuesday, after "Islamic State" (IS) militants launched rockets from Syria into the Turkish town of Kilis.

According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, rockets hit a guest house and an empty field near a bus station, critically injuring at least two people. In response to the violence, authorities evacuated a local shelter for refugee children.

Kilis was hit by rocket fire earlier in the week as well, as Syrian rebels - many of them under the banner of the Free Syrian Army - battled with IS fighters.

Ongoing conflict

On Monday, IS reclaimed territory just over the border in Syria after having been temporarily pushed back by the rebels. The town of al-Rai, not far from the border, is a key supply route to Turkey.

Fighting has intensified between IS and its enemies after it suffered a series of significant losses over the past month, including losing the strategic city of Palmyra to the forces of President Bashar al-Assad.

Meanwhile, the international community is hoping to find a political solution to the conflict, as peace talks resume on Wednesday.

blc/tj (AP, dpa)