The Islamic State will have to reckon with a new formidable foe as Turkey formally joined the US-led coalition fighting the jihadist army that has taken over parts of Iraq and Syria.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the US Department of Defense said it has finalized technical details of Turkey's role in the coalition.
"Turkey's a NATO ally, a close friend of the United States and an important partner in the international coalition against ISIL," said Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook. "Turkey's already allowing the use of Turkish bases for US strike and supporting aircraft."
He said Turkey will be fully integrated into the coalition's air operations against ISIS.
Cook said it would take days to implement the technical orders at the operational level but added that Turkey is fully committed to participating as soon as possible.
Turkey's merged effort with the US is seen an "important force multiplier" against ISIS.
The agreement was confirmed by Turkish officials, according to CNN.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavasoglu said Tuesday that last month, Turkey carried out air strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, according to the Anadolu news agency.
US jets based from the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey launched airstrikes against ISIS positions a few weeks ago, the first time Turkey-based US forces launched attacks against ISIS.
US access of the Turkish air base will shorten flight times for US fighter jets especially when conducting air operations over Syria compared with taking off from Iraq or aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf, CNN reported.
Spain stops ISIS recruitment
Meanwhile, Spain's Interior Ministry announced that 14 people were detained in Morroco and Spain on charges of recruiting people to join ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
They were arrested outside Madrid and in Fez, Casablanca, Nador, Al Hoceima and Driouech in Morocco under a joint operation between the two countries.
The suspects are accused of being part of a network to recruit people to join ISIS militants.
Two weeks ago, US authorities arrested a couple in Mississippi for attempting to join ISIS.
