Heavy shelling by Turkish forces on Ain Issa, northern Syria
AIN ISSA, Syria (North Press) – On Monday, Turkish forces and Turkish-backed opposition groups shelled the M4 Highway, the Ain Issa camp and the outskirts of the town of Ain Issa, north of Raqqa.
13-year-old Hatem Hazem died on Friday at a hospital in Raqqa city from wounds sustained during a Turkish bombardment of the town of Ain Issa.
According to local sources, heavy weapons hit the outskirts of Ain Issa and the town camp, causing no casualties.
James Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, condemned the killing of Hatem in a statement.
“This tragic incident demonstrates the continuing threat to civilians from the escalation in the region,” Jeffrey said.
”Turkish heavy weapons also hit the village of Sayda in the town of Ain Issa, but no casualties were reported,” local sources said.
The area has been repeatedly shelled and targeted by Turkish-backed opposition militant groups and Turkish forces, which since the end of last year have left some 10 civilians injured.
Russian forces have been overseeing the M4 Highway since the Sochi agreement reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year.