At least 11 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in twin bombings that rocked Syria's northwestern city of Afrin on Wednesday, according to local sources.
A car bomb exploded in a central street of the city, the source, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, told Anadolu Agency.
Shortly afterward, another bomb-laden vehicle exploded in another central street of the city, the source added.
Two of the injured Syrians were brought to Turkey's southern Kilis province for treatment.
The car bombs reportedly targeted the headquarters of al-Jabhat al-Shamiyah faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) located at a square on the town's eastern entrance, killing up to 10 people including civilians. The third explosion took place in front of a local hospital with many injuries.
Conflicting reports from local sources blamed the attacks either on the PKK terrorist group and its Syrian offshoot People's Protection Forces (YPG); or to rival Al-Mutasim Brigade, which was involved in clashes with the al-Jabhat al-Shamiyah the previous day.
Other allegations included that mortar shells landed in the town.
A PKK-affiliated terrorist group, Afrin Falcons, later claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In a social media platform, the group said, "It will go on. More surprises will be seen."
The group also said the attacks were recorded and the video would be announced later.
Turkish military and the FSA liberated Afrin town center from PKK/YPG terrorists on March 18 as part of Operation Olive Branch launched on Jan. 18 to clear the terrorist group and remaining Daesh elements from the region and improve the security of Turkish border cities and towns.
Following their defeat, the group had vowed following their defeat that it would carry out suicide-bombing attacks. Turkish security forces and the FSA are still in the region to clean the region of explosives planted by the terrorists in both urban and rural areas of the province, while a police force consisting of local people has been established to ensure security in the urban center of Afrin.
