Turkey’s offensive into Syria displaces 70,000

Civilian victims are increasing as Turkish forces push deeper into northeastern Syria in an offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that 10 civilians died in border areas of Syria. It also said the number of people who have been displaced for fear of becoming victims of the Turkish military operations has reached 70,000.

On Friday, the third day of Ankara’s offensive, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said that its military and Syrian rebel allies have killed more than 300 militants in total.

Six civilians in Turkey were also killed in the bombardment by Kurdish forces.

The incursion has drawn widespread criticism from the European Union, which is urging Turkey to cease its offensive.

US President Donald Trump said he hopes to mediate between Turkey and the Kurds, amid criticism for letting the incursion happen by pulling US troops out of Syria.

But conciliation is nowhere in sight as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintains his hardline stance.

Source: Turkey’s offensive into Syria displaces 70,000 | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News