In 3 tongues, Turkey drops note in Afrin against terror

By Adham Kako

ANKARA (AA) – The Turkish Armed Forces on Tuesday airdropped messages in three languages into northwestern Syria -- the site of its current Operation Olive Branch -- urging the public to take a stand against terrorists.

The note addressing “Our brothers of Afrin,” the Syrian region where the operation is concentrated, begins with "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim" -- Arabic for “in the name of God, the Merciful, the Gracious.”

The note -- including the same text in Turkish, Arabic, and Kurdish -- calls on the people to work together to establish peace, trust, and prosperity to the region.

“It is time to stop the oppression and persecution of the treacherous PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh terrorists who are shooting guns at their neighbors, destroying our mosques,” says the note.

“Do not allow terrorists to use your children, trample on you, your home, or your future. It is time to stay ‘stop’ to terrorists. Afrin belongs to the people of Afrin. Allah willing, to days of peace, health, tranquility, security and blessings in Afrin.”

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

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.