INFOGRAPHICS - Turkish army, FSA free strategic village in Afrin

By Omer Koparan and Selen Temizer

AZAZ, Syria/ ANKARA (AA) - Turkish military and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have liberated Afrin’s northeastern village of Dayr Sawwan from YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists, cutting links of terrorists from the Turkey’s border province of Kilis.

According to Anadolu Agency reporter in the field, the move came after Turkey-led Operation Olive Branch focused on an area between Bulbul and Azaz districts on Tuesday morning.

Earlier, Turkey-backed FSA forces cleared Zaytuna village in Sharan district in the northeastern part of Afrin.

In Bulbul district in the northern part of Afrin, Hayyam and Surain villages were also cleared of terrorists, the source on the ground said.

Later in the day, Turkish and FSA forces also liberated northern Akanli village, Carkanli village in Bulbul district and Arpaviran village in Sharan district.

In the southwest of Afrin, Marwana and Haykajah villages in Jinderes district were also cleared of terrorists.

Since the launch of the operation on Jan. 20, Turkish military and the FSA have liberated 89 areas, including one center of a district, 61 villages, 20 strategic mountains and hills, and one YPG/PKK-Daesh base.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions, 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 importance" is being given to not harm 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 putting up a fight.