Rescued elderly from northern Syria thank Turkey

By Selim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Azime Huseyin, 82, and Ahmet Hannan, 65, were rescued by Turkish soldiers from Afrin, northwestern Syria during an ongoing operation.

They are now being taken care of at a nursing home in Turkey’s southern Hatay province.

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

Hannan told Anadolu Agency that his family had escaped from PYD/PKK terror seven years ago and moved to an unknown location.

Three days before Turkish soldiers came to Bilal Aga village, he said, villagers had moved to another place leaving him behind.

The soldiers, he said, gave him food, brought him to Turkey and took him to a hospital.

“Now I am very comfortable and happy. This is more peaceful than Syria. They gave me food and a bed. I did not have these in my home,” he said.

Huseyin said she lived alone in the village. Her children had moved to another place several years ago.

When Turkish soldiers gained ground in the village PYD/PKK terrorists ran away, Huseyin said.

“I am very happy in Turkey and they gave me new clothes and took me to the hospital. Turkey is a beautiful country but I miss my home and children,” she added.

Ali Sandikci, provincial director of Family and Social Policy Ministry, said the Turkish army has remained sensitive to the needs of the disabled and elderly since the beginning of the operation.

“Ahmet uncle and Azime aunt are a living example to this sensitization,” he said, adding they are receiving free-of-cost treatment.

According to a statement by 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 terrorist oppression and cruelty.

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, the statement said.