In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow

FILE PHOTO: People speak with Turkish soldiers in the center of Afrin, Syria March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

AFRIN, Syria (Reuters) - The flags that fly over Afrin are both Syrian opposition and Turkish, but there is little doubt who is in control of this battle-scarred city.

Nearly four months after Turkey-backed forces captured the northern Syrian enclave from a Kurdish militia, signs of Turkey's influence are everywhere: from the soft drinks sold in dusty shops to the heavy presence of its security forces on the streets.