Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the start of the operation via his social media account.

"The Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Syrian National Army, just launched #OperationPeaceSpring against PKK/YPG and Daesh terrorists in northern Syria," wrote Turkish President Erdoğan on Twitter.

Erdoğan added that their aim is to prevent the creation of a terror corridor across Turkey's southern border and to bring peace to the area.

Stating that Operation Peace Spring will neutralize terror threats against Turkey Erdoğan said it will lead to the establishment of a safe zone, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homes. "We will preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and liberate local communities from terrorists."

Turkish warplanes hit Ras-Al Ain and Tal Abyad, while smoke was seen rising at some points.

ILKHA