Rebels retake Syrian town: Turkey

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Syrian opposition forces aided by Ankara have taken back the border town of Jarablus from the Islamic State group. During a press statement with visiting U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden Wednesday, Erdogan also reiterated his opposition to a future role for Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying the country could never “reach democracy” under his leadership. Erdogan said the Syrian rebels, “together with those who are from Jarablus, have now taken it back.” He says the rebels have taken over “government and official residences,” and IS “has been forced to leave Jarablus.” Biden meanwhile said Washington supported the Turkishled operation in Jarablus and that the United States provided air cover, adding “We strongly support what the Turkish military has done, we have been flying air cover for them.”