CRI听力:Turkey Allows US to Use Air Base to Strike IS

The U.S. State Department has officially confirmed the Turkish government is going to allow US planes to launch air strikes against Islamic State targets from an air base in Turkey, which lies near the Syrian border.

This follows a telephone discussion between US President Barack Obama and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner says the opening of the air base is part of a broader-based agreement.

"So from that we've decided to deepen that cooperation and that includes a train and equip program, intelligence sharing and operational coordination. So as part of that I can say that Turkey has granted clearance for the deployment of manned and unmanned aircraft from the US and other coalition members participating in air operations against ISIL."

The new deal ends a long-time reluctance by the Turkish government to become engaged in the fight against the Islamic State.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also calling on Islamic State forces to give up their fight or -quote- "face consequences."

"These are the steps against our national security. Our state and government will take needed action against any attack no matter (what) it is. It is not only for last night. We will take the necessary precautions for our nation's security and peace. Last night was the start of this. And we will keep going on the same way."

Turkey's government has launched a series of air raids against Islamic State forces this week.

They come on the heels of a terrorist attack linked to the Islamic State in southwestern Turkey on Monday which left over 30-people dead.