Istanbul, Rabi'II 23, 1438, January 21, 2017, SPA -- Five Turkish soldiers were killed and nine injured in fighting against IS in northern Syria, broadcaster NTV reported Friday. The deaths took place around al-Bab, a city held by IS militants where Turkish forces and Syrian opposition are battling the extremist group. The Turkish troops have struggled to advance for weeks. More than 40 Turkish soldiers have been killed in Euphrates Shield, the operation launched in August to battle both IS and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) over the border inside Syria. -- SPA 01:50 LOCAL TIME 22:50 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w316561