US F16s arrive at Turkey’s Incirlik base ahead of anticipated assault on ISIS

Washington DC - Six American F-16 fighters and about 300 personnel arrived Sunday at Turkey’s Incirlik air base, the new launch pad for missions against the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) group in Syria, the U.S.-European Command (EUCOM) said.

“Earlier today, the United States Air Force deployed a small detachment of six F-16 Fighting Falcons, support equipment, and about 300 personnel to Incirlik Air Base – Turkey in support of Operation Inherent Resolve,” EUCOM said in a statement.

It said the detachment arrived from the 31st Fighter Wing based at the Aviano Air base in Italy.

“This follows Turkey's decision to host the deployment of U.S. aircraft conducting counter-ISIL operations. The United States and Turkey, as members of the 60-plus nation coalition, are committed to the fight against ISIL in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” the statement added.

Turkish officials said the contingent included a C-5 transport plane and a KC-135 refueling aircraft, Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency reported.

Last month, Turkey allowed the use of its Incirlik air base to US forces, as it announced a war on terrorism. However, so far, the bulk of Turkey’s military action has been against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, including several raids on PKK camps in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Until now, Turkey has been largely criticized for being a reluctant partner in the US-led coalition arrayed to defeat ISIS. Ankara says it is gearing up for an assault on the Islamists after turning a blind eye to their use of the Turkish border to smuggle in fighters and smuggle out oil and goods to sell.