A Turkish bombing raid struck the main hospital in the Kurdish-controlled Syrian town of Afrin on Friday, killing sixteen civilians, a monitor said.
People take cover in a cellar in the village of Qastal Koshk, north of Afrin on March 16, 2018, amid battles between Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish fighters. (AFP Photo)
The Kurdish Red Crescent medical service, which supports the hospital, confirmed to AFP the hospital was hit but did not give a toll.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Turkish air strike “directly” hit the medical facility.
“Sixteen civilians were killed, including two pregnant women,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.
No medical staff were among the dead, he told AFP.
Serwan Bery, co-chair of the Kurdish Red Crescent and based in the northeast Syria town of Qamishli, also said no hospital staff were known to have died.
“There was bombing on the city during the day that got close to the hospital, but this evening it was directly hit,” said Bery.
“It was the only functioning hospital in Afrin city,” he said.
Turkey and allied rebels have waged a nearly two-month offensive on the Afrin region, which is held by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG).
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Pro-Ankara forces were now on the verge of besieging Afrin, and terrified civilians have poured out of the city.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Pro-Ankara forces were now on the verge of besieging Afrin, and terrified civilians have poured out of the city.
{{/usCountry}}
At least 15,000 people left Afrin on Friday, according to the Observatory.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
