The US, UK consider setting up “buffer zone” to fight IS
(VOVworld) - The US and UK have said they are willing to examine the possibility of creating a "buffer zone" between Syria and Turkey to protect civilians amid increasing IS attacks. US secretary of state, John Kerry, told the press after meeting his UK counterpart Philip Hammond in Washington on Wednesday that the concept of a buffer zone would need to be carefully examined, along with other nations, to see how it would work. Earlier, Turkey and France confirmed their support for the establishment of a buffer zone for civilians in the border area between Syria and Turkey.
Secretary of State John Kerry, accompanied by British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond, speaks during a media availability at the State Department in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014.
Photo: Susan Walsh, AP
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In a related development, an Australian jet fighter has made the country's first airstrike against an Islamic State target in Iraq since the Australian government committed its air force to combat missions last week. Australia said it has contributed six F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets, a surveillance aircraft, a refueler, 200 special forces soldiers, and 400 military support staff to the US-led mission.