Turkish tanks have been in action inside Syria, taking part in an offensive to try to drive the self-proclaimed Islamic State from the border area. <br /><br /> Turkish forces crossed the border early on Wednesday working alongside Syrian rebels to push ISIL out of the border town of Jarablus.<br /><br /> Rebel sources said the operation was also supported by US-led coalition warplanes.<br /><br /> Turkey has vowed to “completely cleanse” the militants from its border after a suicide bomber believed to be linked to ISIL killed 54 people at a Kurdish wedding in the south east.<br /><br /> Ankara also wants to prevent further gains by Kurdish militia fighters. It has been at odds with Washington which sees the group as an ally in the fight against ISIL.<br /><br /> A rebel commander has been quoted as saying that most ISIL fighters in Jarablus had pulled out and some had surrendered.<br /><br /> Another commander said half the town was now under the control of the Turkish-backed rebels.<br /><br /> Earlier, the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party tweeted that Turkey was entering a “quagmire” in Syria and faces defeat.<br /><br /> It’s the first time Turkish warplanes have struck in Syria since November.<br /><br /> The start of the operations saw coalition planes take off from Turkey’s Incirlik air base.<br /><br /> Turkey and the US hope that by sweeping ISIL from the border they can deprive the militants of a lucrative smuggling route which has helped swell their ranks with foreign fighters.<br />
