Turkish forces hit PKK/PYD targets in northern Syria

By Erdal Turkoglu, Huseyin Yildiz and Eren Bozkurt

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Turkish jets on Sunday destroyed terror targets in northwestern Syria within the range of southern Turkish border districts of Hatay, according to Anadolu Agency correspondents on the ground.

Turkish artillery units hit PKK/PYD forces in rural western Afrin within range and sight of Hatay’s Reyhanli, Hassa and Kirikhan districts.

As Turkish Armed Forces continued to deploy military vehicles at the border close to the operation area, smoke was seen rising from various fields in Syria.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as to 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 also said only terror targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.