The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

In the 6th day of escalation…the Turkish forces shell Afrin countryside with continuation of the military operations and bringing reinforcements at the border line

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitored new targeting to Afrin area, in the north-western countryside of Aleppo, as a part of the ongoing escalation since the 13th of January 2018, by the Turkish forces, on the area controlled by the YPG, after the latest declarations of the Turkish President about preparations which are taking place to start a military operation against the YPG in Afrin area, in which this escalation coincides with Turkish military movements of bringing reinforcements and digging on the border in the Turkish side, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitored this morning Thursday the 18th of January 2018, that the Turkish forces targeted the area of Jisr Hashraka and other places in Rajo area in conjunction with shelling on Dakmidash village in Afrin countryside, near the border line with Turkey, and the shelling caused material damage, without information about casualties.

 

And the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights published last night that Several explosions shook places in the YPG-controlled area of Afrin, caused by shelling intersected sources said that its source was the Turkey-supported “Euphrates Shield” Operation Forces and factions operate in the western countryside of Aleppo, where they targeted places in the vicinity of Kafr Jannah, Basutah area and other places in Qastal Jandu areas in the countryside of Afrin and Kafr Khasher area in the northern countryside of Aleppo, causing material damage but no information about casualties, in conjunction with by YPG for areas in the vicinity and outskirts Azaz city, while clashes are taking place between the factions against YPG fighters in places in the northern countryside of Aleppo, on the contact lines between both parties, amid information about closing the roads between Azaz and Afrin, and it is noteworthy that Afrin area witnessed repeated shelling in the past few months by the Turkish forces which turned during the past two months hold their control over points where they can be presented in the vicinity of Afrin area, and in the outskirts of the YPG-held areas, after they entered the area and carried out reconnaissance operations in Idlib and Aleppo countryside, in order to determine the most suitable place, and these rounds took place with the accompanying and the protection of Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham which secured the entry of the Turkish forces and their reconnaissance to the area, until they hold their points.