Turkey repairs water supply network in Afrin

By Omer Koparan, Selen Temizer, Muhammet Kursun

AFRIN, Syria /ANKARA, Turkey (AA) - Residents of the recently liberated Syrian district of Afrin have gained access to running water as Turkey repaired the malfunctioning supply network in the city.

"The PKK damaged the water pipelines before they left here. Turks repaired our water supplies," Mohammed Bakir, a civilian living in Afrin, told Anadolu Agency.

The water system was damaged due to ditches dug by the YPG/PKK terrorists. Turkey's General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI) and Water and Sewerage Administration of Hatay Municipality (HATSU) carried out the reconstruction of the city's water system.

Bakir dismissed the claims that Turkey and the Free Syrian Army members killed and tortured people.

"Don't believe them. They do not hurt anyone and they value our people. Our people have found peace. Nobody has done damage like the PKK," Bakir added.

The locals said they had no access to water for a month. "God bless Turkey. They brought us bread and water. As long as we have bread and water, we need nothing else," Um Muhammad, another resident told Anadolu Agency.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear terrorist groups from Afrin amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town center of Afrin as part of Operation Olive Branch.