9 terrorists neutralized in Afrin operation

By Orhan Onur Gemici

ANKARA - At least nine terrorists were "neutralized" Friday in Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, northwestern Syria, the Turkish military said.

The terrorists were hit by ATAK helicopters in western Afrin, according to a statement from the Turkish General Staff.

The total number of terrorists neutralized since the start of the operation has risen to 2,231, according to a tally by Anadolu Agency.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and 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 protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.

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 has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming any civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without a fight.