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Russia blames US for hostilities in Syria's Afrin

MOSCOW, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- Russia on Saturday held the US responsible for the escalation of hostilities at Turkish-Syrian borders, where Turkish forces were bombarding separatists Kurds' strongholds.
Washington's supply of arms to Kurdish armed men stationed at border areas, including anti-aircraft artillery, fueled tension and forced Turkish forces to launch a military operations against Kurds in northwestern city of Afrin, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
It said the American "provocative steps in separating Kurdish-dominated areas in Syria, also contributed to escalation of crisis on Syrian border areas with Turkey." The US announcement of forming border forces next to Turkey angered Turkey, which thus launched operation "Olive Branch" against Kurdish military formations, he said.
The American "irresponsible" actions undermine the political process, said the ministry.
The Turkish army command said operation "Olive Branch" aimed at restoring security and stability at Turkish borders, and to eliminate "terrorists" of Kurdistan Workers Party, Kurdistan Democratic Party of Syria (KDPS), the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and so-called Islamic State (IS) in Afrin.
The operation, it said, was in self-defense and in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Turkish warplanes earlier today joined in military action against separatist Kurds' strongholds in Afrin.
Official Anadolu news agency said the warplanes bombed a border checkpoint of KDPS, already under bombardment by long-range Turkish artillery, intended to pave way for a planned wide-scale ground offensive.
Big blasts echoed across the borders from the targeted Kurdish strongholds.
Anadolu added that units of Turkish-backed Syrian Free Army started advancing to areas under separatist Kurds' control. (end) as.bs