11 Oct 2019 | 07:14 PM UTC
Turkey: Nusaybin struck by rockets, mortar shells October 11 /update 1
At least eight people killed by rockets, mortar shells in Nusaybin October 11; additional rocket attacks possible over the coming weeks
Event
At least eight people were killed and 35 others wounded by rockets and mortar shells in Mardin province on Friday, October 11. The shells were reportedly fired by the Syrian Kurdish YPG (People's Protection Units) militia and struck the town of Nusaybin. The attacks come amid an ongoing Turkish military operation in northeastern Syria against Kurdish militia.
Similar rocket attacks targeting towns in southeastern Turkey are possible over the coming weeks.
Context
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5, that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.
Advice
Individuals in southeastern Turkey are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack.
