UPDATE - Turkish army, FSA liberate 7 more villages in Afrin

UPDATES WITH THREE MORE VILLAGES FREED FROM THE TERRORIST GROUP

By Said Ibicioglu, Burak Karacaoglu and Esref Musa

AFRIN, Syria / ISTANBUL, Turkey (AA) - The Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Saturday liberated seven more strategic villages in Afrin, northwestern Syria from the control of PYD/PKK terrorists.

According to Anadolu Agency correspondents on the ground, the villages Kokana, Ayn Al Hajar and Haji Qasimli are now controlled by Turkey-backed forces, cutting off the main highway between Mabatli town and Afrin city center.

An operation in Mabatli town center -- the sixth town center of the region -- has not been launched yet.

The other five town centres: southwestern Jinderes, western Shaykh al-Hadid, northwestern Rajo, northern Bulbul and northeastern Sharan, have been cleared of terrorists.

In Jinderes town, the forces also took control of the villages of Khaltan Garbi, Jaqa Lillua al Jum and Ashqan Shari from YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists.

Astaro village of Afrin city center has also been cleared of terrorists.

Since the launch of the operation, the Turkish military and FSA have liberated 268 locations, including five town centers, 224 villages, 44 strategic mountains and hills, and one YPG/PKK base.

The forces reached Afrin city's border last week and encircled it.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

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 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, it said.

The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.