Turkey must close LAST border open to jihadis in Syria

[Anthea]

ISIS BACKDOOR TO EUROPE: Turkey urged to close LAST border route open to jihadis in Syria

The Manbij Gap, as it is known to US authorities, is seen as a strategic link between Europe & Syria

The United States is leading the way in putting pressure on Ankara to close up the final stretch of Turkish border used by extremist groups to sneak people and weapons between the war torn country and the West.

Security agencies believe some of those involved in bombing Paris last November and Brussels earlier this month used the town of Manbij as their final stop off before heading to Europe.

The Manbij Gap, as it is known to US authorities, is seen as a strategic point linking Europe and the war against ISIS in the Middle East.

Some of those involved in the Brussels terror attacks had been deported initially but then made their way back to Belgium.

The Paris jihadis also used fake passports to get into Europe before heading to France.

Both attacks emphasised to police forces and counter-terrorism agencies the pourous borders Europe still maintains with its neighbours - and the devastating impact this can have on security across the continent.

A plan backed by the Pentagon would see Kurdish forces take control of the 60-mile highway leading from Manbij to the border with Turkey.

But Turkey has so far refused to allow Kurds access to the key border crossing, amid deteriorating relations between the historic warring parties.

The ISIS attacks on Paris in November killed 130 people

On Monday, the US and its coalition partners hit targets near Manbij, wiping out ISIS tactical units and fighting positions.

But Manbij remains one of ISIS' largest remaining urban footholds and occupies a vital position in north Aleppo province.

It's fall to anti-ISIS forces - Turkish, Kurdish or Syrian - would represent a huge blow to the weakening terror group, but so far looks a distant hope unless Ankara agrees to let Kurdish troops engage in a battle there backed by US jets.

Manbij is also used as a popular drug smuggling route and is a trading post on a key oil supply line to Turkey.

Last week, ISIS executed five people in Manbij on charges of "drug trafficking".

The group were sent to a Sharia Court which convicted them and sentenced them to immediate death.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/656 ... nto-Turkey