PYD/PKK backers occupy German consulate in Greek island

By Furcan Naci Top

ATHENS (AA) - A group of pro-PYD/PKK sympathizers have occupied the German consulate in Greece's Crete Island, damaging the building, according to Greek media on Friday.

The group also hung a banner reading “Solidarity with Afrin” at the building of the consulate in Kandiye city by lowering the German flag, some media reports said.

During their demonstration, they protested against the Turkish-led Operation Olive Branch in Syria’s Afrin region, according to the reports.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-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 to protect Syrians from 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 resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said only terror targets are being destroyed and that "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.