27 August 2016•Update: 28 August 2016
JARABULUS, Syria
The Free Syrian Army (FSA) continued to advance against Daesh terrorist group on Saturday after seizing five villages in the surroundings of Jarabulus and Cobanbey (al-Raii in Arabic) cities in Syria’s northern Aleppo province.
FSA took control of three villages near Jarabulus and another two near Cobanbey.
FSA fighters are now cleaning Jarabulus of mines and explosives planted by the Daesh terrorist group before its withdrawal from the northern city.
FSA sources said about 20 explosives were detonated on Friday. Soldiers are examining evacuated houses and removing mines and explosives planted along the border with Turkey.
The FSA has gained full control of Jarabulus, part of Aleppo province, following Operation Euphrates Shield launched by the Turkish Armed Forces and an international anti-Daesh coalition.
The operation began early Wednesday when artillery and airstrikes were followed by Turkish tanks crossing the border to target Daesh in support of FSA fighters.
Jarabulus is located one kilometer (0.6 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border.
Life returning to normal
An Anadolu Agency reporter in Jarabulus reports that life is returning to normal days after Euphrates Shield started, with many workplaces re-opening and children playing on the streets.
One business owner in the district, who asked not to be identified due to security concerns, expressed his satisfaction about reopening his shop once again.
The owner said he was happy to regain his freedom as the FSA cleaned the district of Daesh militants.
An electronic materials business owner, who also did not want to be identified, said he was happy to see his business open again after the withdrawal of Daesh militants. He wished for life in the district to return to normal as soon as possible.
Operations against Daesh terror organization in northern Syria continue.
*Reporting by Sarp Ozer and Mohamad Misto; Writing by Fatjon Prroni
