America and Turkey working on plans to sweep Islamic State fighters from strip of land along Turkish border

The Dag military post which was attacked by Islamic State militants on July 23. Credit: Reuters/Murad Sezer

America and Turkey are working on plans to sweep Islamic State fighters from a strip of land along the Turkish border.

ITV News International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar reports:

An "Islamic State-free zone" would help secure stability along the border between Turkey and Syria, they said.

In providing air cover for Syrian rebels, it would bolster the Nato member's security and provide a safe haven for civilians.

Turkey has long been a reluctant member of the American led coalition against the so-called Islamic State, but made a dramatic u-turn last week when it granted access to its bases and by bombing targets in Syria linked to IS.

Turkey has more than 1.8 million Syrian refugees and asked for a "no-fly zone" in northern Syria to keep Islamic State and Kurdish militants from its border.

The border between Turkey and Syria. Credit: Google Maps

It has also asked for help to limit the flow of displaced civilians trying to cross.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the two allies agreed on the need to provide air cover for moderate Syrian rebels fighting Islamic State.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Credit: PA

American officials in Washington said discussions were continuing about the size and scope of a safe zone along the border.

ISIL is the name American officials use for Islamic State.

Nato is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss security tomorrow following a request from Turkey.