NATO vows to protect Turkey as battles continue in Syria
- 12 years ago
Wounded rebels arrive in Turkey as battles continue to rage in Syrian villages near the Turkish border.
Plumes of smoke can be seen in villages under attack.
Turkey is fortifying its position along the border after shells fired from Syria have landed inside Turkey.
Last week five civilians in Turkey were killed in shelling from Syria. The Turkish Prime Minister says he is not seeking war but has warned Syria not to test its resolve.
In Brussels NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen said the alliance would defend Turkey.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN SAYING:
"Turkey has a right to defend herself within international law. Obviously Turkey can rely on NATO solidarity. We have all necessary plans in place to protect and defend Turkey if necessary."
Turkey was once an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's but turned against him after his violent response to the uprising.
Plumes of smoke can be seen in villages under attack.
Turkey is fortifying its position along the border after shells fired from Syria have landed inside Turkey.
Last week five civilians in Turkey were killed in shelling from Syria. The Turkish Prime Minister says he is not seeking war but has warned Syria not to test its resolve.
In Brussels NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen said the alliance would defend Turkey.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN SAYING:
"Turkey has a right to defend herself within international law. Obviously Turkey can rely on NATO solidarity. We have all necessary plans in place to protect and defend Turkey if necessary."
Turkey was once an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's but turned against him after his violent response to the uprising.