New civilian casualties were reported following the latest clashes and air strikes in the operation launched by Turkey and Syrian opposition fighters against Kurdish fighters in northwestern Syria.

Ankara has vowed to carry on and possibly expand the operation, launched January 20, despite international concern and strained relations with Washington.

Civilians and fighters on Monday took turns to carry the coffins of 24 casualties past Afrin's main hospital, accompanied by an angry crowd.

In reaction to the offensive, the Kurds have said they will not attend peace talks aimed at resolving Syria's almost seven-year civil war to be held Tuesday in the Russian city of Sochi.

Turkish forces kept up air strikes and artillery fire on northern and western parts of Afrin, a predominantly Kurdish region, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group.

"Fighting has intensified on several fronts," said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Observatory, which uses a network of long-established sources to monitor Syria's war.

He said pro-Turkish forces had captured eight areas near the border since the start of the operation.

The Turkish military said Sunday it had seized control of Mount Barsaya near the town of Afrin, a strategically important high point.

On Monday, Turkish forces erected barricades around their tanks and armored vehicles on the hill, an AFP correspondent said, adding that the operation's commander General Ismail Metin Temel visited the site.

At least 14 people, including five children, died Sunday in Turkish air strikes on the region, the Observatory said.

AFP

Reporter’s code: 50101