Turkey arrests 36 for terror promotion on social media

By Ferdi Akilli

ZONGULDAK, Turkey (AA) – A total of 36 suspects were arrested in a number of Turkish cities on suspicion of promoting terrorist groups on the social media, security sources said on Wednesday.

In the Black Sea province of Zonguldak, the number of arrested suspects has risen to five as they shared posts against Turkey’s ongoing Operation Olive Branch, according to a security source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Four others were arrested during an operation on Tuesday, the source added.

Also in the central Kayseri province, a Syrian national was arrested for promoting the terror group PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG on social media, another source said.

Another suspect was arrested in the Black Sea province of Bolu for promoting the terror group in his posts on Operation Olive Branch.

Separately, in the eastern Mus province, 33 suspects were arrested during a two-day operation against the PKK/KCK terror group, which ended on Tuesday, according to the office of the Mus governor.

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

On Sunday, 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 has aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.