Turkey: PYD/PKK rocket targets civilians in Kilis

By Ridvan Korkulutas

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - A rocket fired by PYD/PKK terrorists in Syria hit Turkey’s border province of Kilis on Tuesday amid the ongoing Operation Olive Branch which targets the PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorist groups in northwestern Syria.

The rocket landed in an olive grove in the Sih Mehmet neighborhood of Kilis, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

No casualties were reported following the incident.

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, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch 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 decisions, self-defense rights under the UN Charter and respect for Syria's territorial integrity.

Since the beginning of the operation, 20 rockets have hit Kilis, killing two civilians and injuring 21 others.