Shells fall into Syria's Idlib province from Turkey

Syria activists and an opposition fighter say shelling and brief clashes have erupted along Turkey's border with northwestern Syria between Turkish forces and al-Qaida-linked militants.

Syrian opposition fighter Mustafa Sejari says Turkish artillery responded to a missile launched by al-Qaida-linked fighters across the border. Turkey's private Dogan news agency reported that Turkey fired seven howitzer rounds into Idlib on Sunday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Turkish shells fell near a displaced people's camp along the border, causing a panic but no casualties. The Observatory says the shelling was followed by brief clashes as tension continued.

Turkey's president announced Saturday his country has launched a "serious" operation in Syria's northwestern Idlib province with Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces, following international efforts for de-escalation in the war-torn country.