World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish army neutralized 21 ISIL extremists in northern Syria in the last 24 hours as part of the ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield, the military announced on Monday.

Authorities in Turkey use the word "neutralized" to refer to extremists who are killed, wounded or captured.

In a statement, Turkish Armed Forces also said 256 ISIL targets, including defensive placements and shelters had been hit.

Moreover, Turkish jets destroyed 65 ISIL targets in Al-Bab and Bzagah, which included 59 buildings used by extremists, the statement said.

A total of 57 mines and 3,704 improvised explosive devices have been defused since the start of operation on Aug. 24, 2016, the statement added.

Operation Euphrates Shield aims to tighten border security, eliminate extrem threats along Turkish borders and support opposition forces in Syria. The Free Syrian Army is backed by Turkish forces as part of the operation.