A multi-rocket launcher fires in an unknown location October 9, 2019 in this still image from a video obtained from the Turkish Defence Ministry. Turkish Defence Ministry/Handout/via REUTERS
AKCAKALE, Turkey (AP): Turkey launched air strikes, fired artillery and began a ground offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria on Wednesday (Oct 9) after US troops pulled back from the area, paving the way for an assault on forces that have long been allied with the United States.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the campaign, which followed the abrupt decision Sunday by US President Donald Trump to essentially abandon the Syrian Kurdish fighters, leaving them vulnerable to a Turkish offensive that was widely condemned around the world.
A multi-rocket launcher fires in an unknown location October 9, 2019 in this still image from a video obtained from the Turkish Defence Ministry. Turkish Defence Ministry/Handout/via REUTERS
Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, center, sits with Turkish army's top commanders in an operation room at the army headquarters, in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Turkey's Defense Ministry says Turkish ground forces have moved across the border to fight against Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria, hours after Turkish jet and artillery pounded areas in Syria's northern border. (Turkish Defence Ministry via AP, Pool)
Smoke rises from the Syrian border town of Ras al-Ain as it is pictured from the Turkish town of Ceylanpinar in Sanliurfa province, Turkey, October 9, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES TUROUT
Smoke rises from the Syrian border town of Ras alAin as it is pictured from the Turkish town of Ceylanpinar in Sanliurfa province
Vehicles are seen as people flee Ras al Ain town, Syria Oct 9, 2019. REUTERS/Rodi Said
Civilians flee with their belongings amid Turkish bombardment on Syria's northeastern town of Ras al-Ain in the Hasakeh province along the Turkish border on Oct 9, 2019. - Turkey launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria today, with intensive bombardment paving the way for an invasion made possible by the withdrawal of US troops. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
Boys stand at a back of a truck as they flee Ras al Ain town, Syria October 9, 2019. REUTERS/Rodi Said
A woman flees with her children amid Turkish bombardment on Syria's northeastern town of Ras al-Ain in the Hasakeh province along the Turkish border on Oct 9, 2019. - Turkey launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria today, with intensive bombardment paving the way for an invasion made possible by the withdrawal of US troops. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
