PYD, Assad regime ‘block’ civilians from leaving Afrin

By Kerem Kocalar

KILIS, Turkey (AA) - Turkish Red Crescent head on Sunday said that PYD/PKK terrorists and Bashar al-Assad regime blocked the roads in northwestern Afrin region of Syria to prevent exit of civilians.

"PYD/YPG and regime in the south do not allow the civilians who want to leave Afrin. These routes are currently closed. This is a violation of humanitarian law,” Kerem Kinik told reporters at Oncupinar Border Gate in Turkey's southern Kilis province.

"YPG/PYD and Syrian regime forces should end their blockades for civilians who want to leave Afrin," the head of Turkish Red Crescent said.

Kinik said they have the information that 50,000 people want to leave the region. "We are establishing shelter centers for these people."

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terror groups from Afrin.

The operation was 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 to Syria's territorial integrity, the Turkish General Staff has said.

The military also said only terrorist targets were being destroyed and "utmost importance" was being given to not harm any civilian. The PYD/PKK is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terrorist group, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.