Panetta expresses concern over exchange of artillery fire

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said that the continued exchange of artillery fire between Syria and Turkey raised additional concerns that the conflict may escalate and spread to neighboring countries. Speaking at a press conference in Peru, Panetta also said the US was using its diplomatic channels to relay worries about the fighting in the hopes that it will not broaden. Echoing the remarks made by Panetta, The New York Times wrote, "The exchanges — and Turkey's recent warnings to Syria that it would defend itself — have raised fears of a regional conflict," adding, "Potential spillover from the Syrian conflict is a concern not only in Turkey but on all of Syria's borders."