Almost 1,550 terrorists neutralized in Turkey's Afrin operation
Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) have neutralized at least 1,528 PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists in Turkey's ongoing Afrin operation dubbed "Olive Branch" in Syria's northern region since beginning of military operation on January 20, 2018.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 12:00 | 15 February 2018
- Modified Date: 11:45 | 15 February 2018
A total of 1,528 PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists have been "neutralized" since the beginning of Operation Olive Branch in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin, Turkish military said on Thursday.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
In a statement, Turkish General Staff said the military's overnight airstrikes "neutralized" 43 PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.
According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.
The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.
The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care and sensitivity" were being used to not harm civilians.