Russia's Foreign Ministry says hundreds of people, including civilians, have been killed in Turkey's offensive in Syria's northern region of Afrin. Turkey launched a ground and air operation against Syrian Kurdish YPG militia on January 20th, claiming it is an act of self-defense, and fighting terrorism. Video uploaded to social media by YPG militia, showed that a civilian settlement may have been shelled. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it will continue to monitor developments in the region, and called on both sides to show restraint. Since the onset of Syria's conflict in 2011, the YPG militia and its allies have set up three autonomous cantons in the north, including Afrin which borders Turkey.