Almost 1,900 terrorists 'neutralized' in Turkey's Afrin operation
Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) have 'neutralized' a total of 1,873 terrorists since beginning of military operation dubbed "Olive Branch" in Syria's Afrin.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 12:00 | 23 February 2018
- Modified Date: 03:56 | 23 February 2018
At least 1,873 YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists have been "neutralized" since the beginning of Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, northwestern Syria, said the Turkish General Staff on Friday.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin.
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 are being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.