YPG/PKK-Daesh terror groups shell Turkey's south Hatay

By Huseyin Yildiz and Erdal Turkoglu

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorist groups on Tuesday shelled Turkey's border province of Hatay, according to a military source.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said three mortar shells fired from Afrin region of northern Syria landed in Kirikhan district.

No casualties were reported.

Turkey responded to the shells immediately, the source added.

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

The Turkish General Staff has said the Afrin operation is aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

It said the operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law.

The military also said "utmost care and sensitivity" was being put on avoiding harm to civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Bashar al-Assad regime left the city to the terror group without a fight.