Turkish agency continues aid delivery in NW Syria

By Adem Salvarcioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) on Tuesday delivered more humanitarian aid in northwestern Syria as part of Operation Olive Branch.

In a statement, the foundation said food, childcare packages and hygiene kits have been delivered to the families in Afrin's town center, Mabatli town and Kawkabah village -- which were liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists.

The Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army fighters took control of the Afrin town center early on Sunday.

It said almost 2,000 families have so far received the aid.

Yakup Alaca, an official at IHH Press Office in southern Turkish province of Kilis, said that they have been sending aid to civilians in Afrin since the launch of the operation on Jan. 20.

In addition to humanitarian aid, IHH is also sending bread to Afrin from a bakery in Reyhanli district of southern province of Hatay, close to the Syrian border.

Selim Tosun, IHH’s media adviser, told Anadolu Agency that they are delivering 30,000 loaves of bread to the families in Afrin daily.

Tosun added that they are planning to open two bakeries in Afrin and Jinderes district.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.

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, it said.

The military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming any civilians.