PKK/PYD mortar attack injures 15 civilians in Syria

At least 15 civilians, including a Syria Civil Defense official, have been wounded in a PYD mortar attack near the Turkish border, a civil defense official told Anadolu Agency late Monday.

"Mortar shell attack from PYD-held areas hit civilian areas at Kel Jibrin village in southern Azaz," according to Heysem Ceber. "The PYD mortar shell attack wounded 15 civilians, including the Syria Civil Defense [White Helmets] head of IHH [humanitarian relief foundation]."

Azaz was liberated from Daesh during Operation Euphrates Shield that was lunched by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army forces last August. The operation ended in March.

Four victims, including three children, have been taken to the Kilis Public Hospital in southern Turkey, according to local sources that said one child faces life-threatening injuries.

The PKK/PYD is the Syrian offshoot of PKK terror group that is so designated by Turkey, EU and the U.S.

But the U.S. considers the outfit a strong ally in Syria against Daesh.

The PKK resumed its deadly violence in 2015 against Turkey, and has since been responsible for the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Turkey.