Turkish army chief inspects troops in border province

By Emin Sansar

HATAY, Turkey (AA) – Turkey’s army chief on Friday visited the southern border province of Hatay to inspect troops taking part in the ongoing Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria.

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar was briefed by the commanders on duty in the region and issued orders.

He was accompanied by the commanders of the Turkish Land and Air Forces, Gens. Yasar Guler and Hasan Kucukakyuz, as well as Naval Forces Commander Adm. Adnan Ozbal.

Akar said the Turkish army is concentrating on clearing away terrorist mines and explosives so locals can return to their homes in peace and security.

Operations to provide all the public's basic needs, notably health care, are continuing, he added.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from northwestern Syria's Afrin region.

On March 18, day 58 of the operation, Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army members liberated the town of Afrin.