Thousands flee as Turkey bombards Syrian Kurdish militia

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Turkish warplanes and artillery hit Kurdish militia targets in northeast Syria on the third day that has killed hundreds of people, forced tens of thousands to flee.

On Friday morning, Turkish jets and artillery struck around Syria’s Ras al Ain. Gunfire could also be heard inside the town, Reuters reported.

According to the news agency, a convoy of 20 armored vehicles carrying Syrian rebels entered the country from Ceylanpinar on Friday.

Some of them made victory signs, shouted “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest) and waved Syrian rebel flags as they advanced towards Ras al Ain.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said that in overnight operations conducted by Turkish military and its Syrian rebel allies killed 49 Kurdish militants. It says it has killed 277 militants in total.

Since, President Trump pulled US troops out of the way, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has opened a major new front in Syria and drawn fierce criticism internationally.

Following the attack, Trump tweeted: “We have one of three choices: Send in thousands of troops and win Militarily, hit Turkey very hard Financially and with Sanctions, or mediate a deal between Turkey and the Kurds!”