Syrian Shelling Kills Turkish Civilians

The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is facing fresh international backlash over mortar fire into Turkey.

FOX News Radio’s Lisa Brady reports:

Shelling from Syria killed civilians in neighboring Turkey, which responded with artillery fire.  After an emergency NATO meeting, the alliance issued a statement accusing the Syrian regime of breaching international law.  Earlier, at the U.S. State Department…

(Clinton) “We are outraged that the Syrians have been shooting across the border.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also offered condolences and support – by phone – to the Turkish Foreign Minister.  The White House says the U.S. stands with our Turkish ally and calls on all responsible nations to make clear it’s long past time for President Assad to step aside.

Syria is urging restraint, and says it’s investigating the source of the mortar.

Lisa Brady, FOX News Radio.

READ the statement from NSC spokesman Tommy Vietor on the Syrian shelling:

“We strongly condemn the Syrian regime’s shelling across the Turkey-Syria border, and deeply regret the loss of innocent Turkish life. Turkey is a close friend and ally of the United States, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones. We stand with our Turkish ally and are continuing to consult closely on the path forward. The Assad regime has inflicted unconscionable suffering on its own people. All responsible nations must make clear that it is long past time for Assad to step aside, declare a ceasefire, and begin the long-overdue political transition process.”