Turkey arrests 11 over social media terror propaganda

By Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) - At least 11 suspects were arrested across Turkey over online terror propaganda, security sources said Monday.

In capital Ankara, 10 suspects were apprehended, while another was arrested in southern Hatay province, according to the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The arrests came after Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for 13 people, who shared posts against Turkey’s ongoing Operation Olive Branch.

The search for the remaining two suspects is ongoing, the source added.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear terrorist groups from Afrin in northwestern Syria amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town center of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the YPG/PKK since 2012.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.