Turkish military officials cancelled a government-organized press tour to Bursayah Hill, separating the Kurdish-held enclave of Afrin from the Turkish-controlled town of Azaz, due to “security concerns.”

The Turkish attack — and reported shelling in Idlib province by government forces — overshadowed a Russian-hosted peace conference which opened yesterday.

Kurdish YPG militia fighters, who are battling to keep Turkish troops out of the territory they control, are boycotting the conference, holding Moscow responsible for the invasion.

The capture of Bursayah Hill was Turkey’s top achievement since the start of “Operation Olive Branch,” which has so far claimed the lives of more than 50 civilians in Afrin and three in Turkish towns along the border. Five Turkish soldiers have also been killed.

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