Nearly 3,750 YPG and Daesh terrorists neutralized in Turkey’s Afrin offensive
Turkish troops and Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) have 'neutralized' a total of 3,733 YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists in Syria's northern region since the beginning of military offensive dubbed "Olive Branch".
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 12:00 | 24 March 2018
- Modified Date: 02:55 | 24 March 2018
A total of 3,733 terrorists have been 'neutralized' since the start of the Operation Olive Branch in Syria's Afrin region, the Turkish military said in a statement on Saturday.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear terrorist groups from Afrin in northwestern Syria amid growing threats from the region.
On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since 2012.
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 "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.