Three villages along Turkey’s border with Syria have been reportedly evacuated to protect villagers from any spillover of fighting between Syrian government forces and rebels.

The Associated Press says its video journalist in the Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar witnessed a Syrian air strike Wednesday, Nov 14, in the adjacent Syrian town of Ras al-Ayn, where rebels say they have ousted troops loyal to President Bashar Assad. Deadly air strikes began several days ago.

Turkey’s defense minister, Ismet Yilmaz, said Turkey will deliver the "necessary response" if Syrian planes or helicopters cross into Turkish airspace, an indication that Turkey’s military would retaliate.