PYD/PKK’s harassing fire targets media members in Syria

By Kerem Kocalar

AZAZ, Syria (AA) - PYD/PKK terrorist group targeted a group of foreign media representatives with a harassing fire in Azaz town of Syria’s northwestern Aleppo province.

On the request of the foreign media representatives, Turkey’s Directorate General of Press and Information organized a tour to Syria’s Azaz town and nearby areas so that media personnel can witness the developments on the border.

Terrorists opened harassing fire at the group on the foothills of Burseya Mountain from PYD/PKK-held parts of the mountain.

No casualties were reported during the incident and security was tightened to protect the media teams.

After filming the local hospital, schools and camp sites, the media representatives returned to Turkey safely.

“The journalists here are very much aware of the situation in the region. We have been subjected to harassing fire while we were busy in filming,” the General Director Mehmet Akarca told Anadolu Agency.

He added a rocket was also fired by the terrorists.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

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

The military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost importance" is being given to not harm any civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.