Turkish army says its vehicles came under fire from Syria in Turkey’s south

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

A picture taken from the Turkish side of the border in Suruc, Sanliurfa province, shows Turkish soldiers standing. AFP Photo

Turkish military vehicles came under fire while on patrol near the Turkey-Syria border in the southern province of Hatay, apparently from the Syrian side, the Turkish General Staff announced in a written statement on July 15. It added border units immediately responded to the attack.

A military vehicle belonging to the Land Forces’ 2nd Border Regimental Command designed to protect against landmines came under fire originating from an olive grove on the Syrian side of the border while it was on patrol duty, according to the statement. The assault constituted of 30 shots coming from infantry rifles and was evaluated to be carried out by four people, the statement read. 

Shortly after, a second attack on another military vehicle, a tactical wheeled armored vehicle that was about 1,300 meters behind the first vehicle, took place. Some 60 shots were again fired from infantry rifles poised on the Syrian side. 

“An immediate response to the attacks was given by the border units. Thereupon, the individuals fled the area, heading towards Syria,” read the statement.