DHAKA: All 28 Nato members are joining an extraordinary meeting to discuss Turkey’s campaign against the Islamic State (IS) group and Kurdish militants.

The meeting was called by Turkey, which has staged a dramatic shift in its approach to the Syrian conflict.

The previously reluctant partner in the US-led coalition against IS has launched raids against IS in Syria.

Turkey’s prime minister said he expects his country’s allies to show solidarity and support for its campaign, reports the BBC.

Analysts say a factor in its change in stance on the Syrian conflict are plans - not yet formally announced - to establish an ‘Islamic State-free zone’ along its Syrian border in collaboration with the US.

As well as targeting IS militants, it would also allow Turkey to hit positions held by the Kurdish PKK group. Turkey says it draws no distinction between the PKK and IS, considering them both as terrorist organizations.

In a series of cross-border strikes since Friday, Turkey has not only targeted IS but also Kurdish fighters affiliated with forces battling the extremists in Syria and Iraq.

Meanwhile Turkish police have continued to arrest suspected members of IS, the PKK and leftist groups - more than 1,000 over the past week.

BDST: 1313 HRS, JULY 28, 2015
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