Turkish jets hammer Syrian town to oust US-backed Kurdish militia

(CNN)Turkish airstrikes pounded the Kurdish-held region of Afrin in northern Syria on Saturday, killing at least eight people, according to a statement released by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Command.

The airstrikes targeted at least 100 locations, the SDF statement said, adding that six civilians were killed and 13 people were wounded.

The military offensive is likely to sharpen tensions between Turkey and the United States, which supports and openly arms Kurdish militias fighting ISIS. The SDF is made up of a number of local rebel groups but mainly from Kurdish militia of the People's Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey said it launched Operation Olive Branch Saturday to target "terrorist organizations" including YPG forces.

Turkey has long fought Kurdish unrest in the southeastern part of the country. It's determined to prevent the establishment of a Kurdish state across the border in Syria and has used military force in the past against Kurds and ISIS in the northern part of the neighboring country.

Turkey shells Kurds in Syria as full military offensive looms

Explosions were heard as jets swooped over Afrin, and Turkish-backed rebels from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) began entering the town, according to Anadolu Agency, Turkey's state-run outlet. Residents and activists also reported airstrikes in the region.

The Turkish military said the air force destroyed 108 targets in seven regions, including weapons depots and barracks belonging to Kurdish militias and ISIS.

The armed forces said that all of the dead and wounded brought to hospitals are Kurdish militia members. Seventy-two planes taking part in the operation returned to base safely, it said.

A statement from the YPG command in the Afrin district said Turkish forces tried to cross the border near the villages of Kordu and Balya but YPG fighters pushed them back.

News Courtesy: www.cnn.com