With Syria’s civil strife coursing through major cities and unsettling neighboring countries, the Turkish military sounded a somber warning on Wednesday, October 10 that it may respond more forcefully after days of shelling from Syria, The New York Times reported. As fighting near the 550-mile border has unfolded over the past week, several mortar bombs have landed on Turkish soil, prompting Turkish gunners to return fire. “We responded but if it continues we will respond with greater force,” Turkish chief of staff, Gen. Necdet Ozel, said. On Monday, Syrian Army gunners exchanged artillery blasts with their Turkish counterparts across the frontier for the sixth consecutive day. The exchange of fire has raised concerns that the conflict will ignite a broader crisis in the region.