PYD/PKK terror rockets target civilian areas in Turkey

By Rauf Maltas

KILIS/HATAY, Turkey (AA) – Four rockets fired by PYD/PKK terrorists in Syria hit civilian areas of Turkish border provinces Friday amid the Turkish-led counter-terrorist operation in Afrin, northwestern Syria.

One rocket landed on a house in Bayir, Reyhanli in the Hatay province.

Police and ambulances were rushed to the area.

The other rocket landed on a street close to a marketplace.

Separately, PYD/PKK terrorists fired two rockets into the border province of Kilis.

One of the rockets landed on Ali Metin Dirimtekin Street, while the other landed in a vacant area close to Kilis State Hospital, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

No casualties were reported in Kilis.

Turkish forces immediately responded to the attack with Firtina howitzers.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin in northwestern Syria.

Since the start of the operation, the PYD/PKK has targeted civilians in cross-border attacks on Turkish neighborhoods, killing five, and injuring 79.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN Charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity.