Turkish soldier, 18 IS members killed in Syria

Damascus, Oct 5 (IANS) A Turkish soldier and 18 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in clashes in northwestern Syria, a media report on Wednesday quoted defence sources as saying.

Three Turkish soldiers were also wounded in the clashes, although none suffered serious injuries, Efe news reported.

The IS intended to "infiltrate" a village near Syrian town of al-Rai, which is currently under the control of Turkey-backed Syrian armed opposition.

During the operations, Turkey fired 221 artillery shells, 40 long-range rockets and 18 tank shells against 75 IS positions, the media report said.

A dozen Turkish soldiers have died in Syria during clashes with the IS since Turkish troops crossed the border on August 24 to free the city of Jarabulus in Syria from the jihadist militia.