Turkey: 2 suspects held for spreading Daesh propaganda

By Ismail Sen

ELAZIG, Turkey (AA) - Turkish police arrested at least two Daesh-linked suspects in eastern province of Elazig for spreading terror propaganda on the social media, a police official said on Thursday.

The arrests came after police squads conducted simultaneous raids in the province as part of a probe launched by Elazig Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The propaganda in support of the terror organizations, including PYD/PKK, has increased soon after Turkey launched the military operation in Syria’s northwestern region of Afrin.

PYD/PKK terrorist organization posted fake and distorted photographs on the social media and falsely claimed that they were from Afrin.

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

The Turkish General Staff has said the Afrin operation was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protecting the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

It said the operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law.

The military also said "utmost diligence" was shown to avoid collateral damage to civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Bashar Assad regime left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.