Contact lost with 2 Turkish soldiers in Syria's north

By Ilkay Guder

ANKARA

Turkish army said Tuesday that it had lost contact with two of its soldiers within the scope of the Operation Euphrates Shield in Syria's northern border area.

According to a written statement from the Turkish General Staff, the soldiers could not be reached since 3.30 p.m. (1230GMT).

The army was still searching for the soldiers in the region, the statement added.

According to the Turkish prime ministry sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media, General Staff Chief Hulusi Akar called to brief Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on the issue.

Operation Euphrates Shield, launched in late August by Turkey, aims at improving security, supporting coalition forces and eliminating the terror threat along Turkey’s border using Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters backed by Turkish armor, artillery, and jets.