DAMASK, February 20 - RIA Novosti. Syrian militia entered the city of Afrin, the operation around which the Turkish army is conducting, told RIA Novosti source in the militia.

The interlocutor of the agency noted that their goal is "to reflect the Turkish aggression" directed against the Kurds.

However, the source refused to disclose information on the number of militias. "We have enough desire to repel aggression and prevent Turkey from occupying even a fraction of the Syrian territory." The weapons and soldiers we have at our disposal will help protect our people in Africa, "the spokesman said.

Information about the arrival of the militia was also confirmed by the Kurdish self-defense units (YPG).

"The Syrian government responded to our appeal ... and sent military troops today, February 20, to concentrate them on the borders and jointly defend the Syrian territory and its borders," the statement said.

Later, the Turkish Anadolu agency reported that the militia had retreated from Afrina after the Turkish Armed Forces opened fire on it.

Previously, the media wrote that, in agreement with the Syrian army and YPG, government troops in the next two days should take a number of positions on the border with Turkey and in Africa itself. On Monday, the official Syrian agency SANA reported that the soldiers of the Syrian People's Forces (SNC) in the next few hours can enter the city.

Later on Monday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that the Syrian government army had stopped advancement to Africa the day before.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag stated that Turkey has no official confirmation yet that Syrian government forces will enter Afrin.

Turkey is conducting an operation against the formation of Kurds in Africa since January 20. Damascus deeds of Ankara condemns. Moscow called on the sides of the conflict to restraint.

Link: https://ria.ru/syria/20180220/1515012231.html