Turkish tank targeted by terrorists in Syria's Afrin

By Ozcan Yildirim

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish Armed Forces tank was attacked Monday by the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terror groups in the Afrin region of Syria.

The terrorist antitank attack against the vehicle occurred in the Darmiq Mountain region during Turkey's Operation Olive Branch, the Turkish General Staff said.

It added the tank was slightly damaged but there were no casualties to military personnel.

The Turkish army launched Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin. The Turkish General Staff said the operation is to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

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.

The military has said only terror targets are being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.