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In the midst of an offensive on Syrian Kurdistan, Turkish forces say this Saturday, October 12, 2019 to control Ras al-Ain, east of the Euphrates. The Kurds immediately denied the information.
With our special correspondent on the outskirts of Ras al-Ain, Oriane Verdier
We are exactly on a hill overlooking Ras al-Ain. The Turkish bombings are incessant on the Syrian city. The aim seems to be to target strategic accesses, such as the road that joins Ras al-Ain to Kameshli, for example, the main city of the Syrian Kurdish region .
Propaganda versus propaganda
Turkish journalists say, indeed, that the city is liberated entirely. But yet, it's hard to believe from where we are. The civilians we reached on the Syrian side say that the pro-Turkish forces on the ground tried to enter the city, without success.
Today it is propaganda against propaganda. One thing is certain, if the fighting enters a phase of urban conflict, it would mean long confrontations, neighborhood by district.
►Also read: UN urges diplomacy to stop offensive
In the morning, in the streets of this city divided by the frontier, sniper fire was fired on both sides of the border. This largely Kurdish city has been evacuated, a measure of protection and perhaps also a way to control any willingness to support the PYD on the Turkish side.