Syria: Islamic State Kills 30 Civilians In Al-Bab

About 30 civilians have been killed and many more wounded after ISIS (Islamic State) launched an attack on the town of al-Bab in Syria. Reuters reported that citizens were blocked from fleeing the town.

Turkish troops supported by Syrian rebels have laid siege to the town for weeks in an attempt to drive Islamic State from there.

Earlier reports from al-monitor.com stated that Turkey’s efforts to take the critical town of al-Bab with the help rebels has been running into difficulties amid reports that Islamic State militants have dug hundreds of ditches and rigged incoming routes with mines and other explosives to halt their advance.

Turkey on Monday called on members of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State to provide air support for Turkey-backed troops laying siege to the

“The international coalition must carry out its duties regarding aerial support to the battle we are fighting in al-Bab,” a spokesman for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman said. “Not giving the necessary support is unacceptable.”

Turkey deployed more tanks and artillery to the border during the weekend and has also sent 500 elite commandos to al-Bab in readiness for a final fight for the town, local media reported.

Thirty-six Turkish soldiers have died so far in the Euphrates Shield operation.