Blood of martyrs to not go in vain: Turkish army chief

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - The blood of Turkish martyrs and veterans will not go in vain, Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar said on Sunday.

"Even a single drop of blood of our martyrs and veterans will not be left on the ground," Akar said, according to the Turkish General Staff statement.

His remarks came during his visit to southern Hatay province to inspect troops taking part in Operation Olive Branch in Syria's Afrin. Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Guler and Turkish Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz also accompanied him.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

Akar reiterated that the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and in Afrin as well as to protect Syrians from cruelty of terrorists.

He also said "utmost care and effort" was being taken to avoid harm to civilians, innocent people and environment, despite the fact that terrorists were deliberately wearing civilian clothes and using civilian houses for their positions and shelters.

The chief added 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

Akar said Turkey will continue to "resolutely" fight against terrorists in the region until they get uprooted.