Syrians fee their homes as Turkey launches offensive against the Kurds. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported Turkish airstrikes on Thursday, most against the Syrian town of Tel Abyad, a major stronghold under Kurdish control. Explosions also rocked Ras al Ain in northeastern Syria, held by the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF). Those two towns, densely populated by the Kurds, are the main targets of Turkey’s campaign to expel the Kurds and establish a “safe zone”. At least 29 fighters and 10 civilians have been killed since the campaign began, according to the SOHR. The Turkish Defense Ministry says nearly 230 Kurdish militias were killed. The International Assistance Committee reported that 64,000 people have fled their homes.

The Kurdish people in Syria have called on the European Union for sanctions against Turkey.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday strongly denounced the world’s protests against the military offensive. Following the UN Security Council’s emergency meeting on Thursday, France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, and Poland asked Turkey to halt its campaign. UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged an immediate de-escalation of tensions in Syria.