TURKISH troops rained shells down upon northern Syria today in a bid to deter Damascus government forces from joining their erstwhile Kurdish enemies to fight off Turkey’s invasion.

Pro-Ankara and pro-Damascus sources reported heavy shelling in and around the towns of Harbul, Maryamin, Sheikh Issa, Tal Riffat and Tarandah as well as numerous villages along the main road that leads from Syrian army-held territory into Afrin.

State news agency Sana reported hours earlier that Syrian government forces would enter the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin “within hours” following an agreement with the YPG fighters that control the area.