Over 300 terrorists 'neutralized' in Afrin operation

By Mumin Altas

ANKARA (AA) - At least 303 PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists have been "neutralized" since the beginning of Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Afrin region of Syria, said the Turkish army on Thursday.

The military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the targets were killed.

The Turkish forces have also destroyed six targets used as weapon pits, shelters, and ammunition depots by the PYD/PKK and Deash terrorists, said a statement by Turkish Armed Forces (TAF).

Operation Olive Branch is "successfully continuing as planned", the statement added.

The military asserted that it was showing utmost care in order not to harm any civilian during the operation.

“The only things being targeted are terrorists, and any shelters, pits, weapons, vehicles, and equipment that belong to them,” read the statement.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions, self-defense rights under the UN charter and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.