Syrians divided by Turkish offensive on Afrin
Some Syrians support Turkey's military operation in Afrin as it could provide an opportunity for them to return home, but others fear Turkey's intentions are far from noble.
AZAZ, Syria — Violent explosions from Turkish shelling of Mount Barsaya shook the area around Bab al-Salam crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border.
Clouds of smoke rose from several locations on the mountain, 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of the crossing. The mountain, which overlooks the town of Azaz and the Turkish city of Kilis, had been controlled by Kurds of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its military wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG)
Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions supported by the Turkish army tried but failed Jan. 23 to take control of the strategic site. In a Jan. 28 attempt, however, the FSA took over the mountain and set up guard posts. FSA also expanded westward by taking control of Qastal Jendu village at the foot of the mountain.
Turkish military reinforcements entered Syrian territory from the Bab al-Salam crossing. The residents here, especially those living in the nearby camps, don't hide their support for the Turkish operation. Some of them even make signs of victory or wave their hands at the armored vehicles crossing into Syria.
