Turkey continues to shell PYD/PKK targets in Afrin

By Yasin Dikme

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - Turkish army continued to shell positions of PKK/PYD terror group in Syria's Afrin on the third day of Operation Olive Branch on Monday.

The military carried out the shelling from Turkey’s border province of Kilis in support of the Free Syrian Army, which was conducting a ground operation against terrorists in Afrin, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent in the field.

The artillery fire, which intensified from time to time, could be heard from the city center in Kilis as well as in some villages of another border province of Hatay.

Meanwhile, military vehicle reinforcements continued to be made for the border units.

On Saturday, Turkey 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 was 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 to Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said the "utmost importance" was being given to not harm any civilian.

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.