Rocket from Syria's Afrin hits Turkish border city

By Erdal Turkoglu

HATAY, Turkey (AA) – A rocket fired from Syria’s Afrin by the PYD/PKK terror organization, landed in Turkey’s Hatay province on Thursday, according to a security source.

The rocket attack came after Turkey launched an operation in Syria’s Afrin against the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorist groups Saturday.

A rocket fired by terrorists from Afrin hit a yard in the Reyhanli district of Hatay province at around 9.10 p.m. (1810GMT), according to a security source.

No casualties were reported. Police, fire and health teams were dispatched to the area.

After the attack, the Turkish Armed Forces fired Firtina (storm) howitzers at terrorists.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the military, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish 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, it said.

The military has also said it is putting "utmost importance" on not harming 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.