Suspected Turkish drone strike sparks wildfire in Rojava

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A suspected Turkish drone strike caused a wildfire on a mountain in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Wednesday, according to local media. United States forces are believed to be based near the targeted area. 

The unidentified drone struck Mount Qarachok near al-Malikiya (Derik), close to the borders of Turkey and Iraq, according to Ronahi TV, a media outlet affiliated with local Kurdish authorities. It also reported that the strike hit a base belonging to the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). 

Rudaw English could not independently verify the information. 

No casualties have been reported so far. 

The conflict observer Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the strike was “Turkish” and that Ankara has carried out 91 airstrikes in Rojava since the beginning of this year. 

Local authorities have yet to comment on the attack. Rudaw English reached out to the coalition for comment.

It is not clear if the fire has been brought under control. 

Ankara frequently conducts air and drone strikes against Kurdish forces in northern Syria for alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), claiming that they pose a threat to Turkey. 

At least one person was killed and another was injured on Monday in a suspected Turkish drone strike on the city of Qamishli.