Injuries reported in fighting between Turkish-backed factions in Syria’s Afrin
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – On Thursday at midnight, a civilian was wounded and a number of militants of Turkish-backed factions of Sultan Murad and Northern Democratic Brigade in a fighting between the two parties without knowing the reason for the fighting.
A local source told North Press Agency, “Clashes between the two parties lasted for over an hour during which shells, heavy machineguns and light weapons were used, causing panic and fear among residents.”
The source went further saying that the clashes occurred in the city market; as a result several houses were cordoned.
The source added that Ninth Division engaged in the fighting to the side of the Northern Democratic Brigade in light of sending military reinforcements by Third Division with the aim to end the clash.
As a result, a civilian and also a number of militants of both factions were wounded before diffusing the fighting, according to the source.
The city of Afrin and its countryside have been occupied by Turkish forces and their affiliated Syrian factions, also known as Syrian National Army (SNA), since 2018 following the Turkish military operation Olive Branch under the pretext of maintaining Turkey’s national security.
The “Olive Branch” led to the displacement of more than 300.000 people of the original inhabitants of Afrin.
A state of insecurity continues in the city accompanied by explosions and fighting between the SNA factions over properties of the original inhabitants, amid the factions’ inability to maintain the security.