Pro-Assad militia to enter Afrin: Syrian media

By Adham Kako and Mohamad Misto

ANKARA (AA) - Pro-Assad regime "Popular Forces" will enter Afrin in northwestern Syria where a Turkish military operation to remove YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists is ongoing, according to media outlets close to Syrian regime on Monday.

Assad regime's state-run news agency SANA reported that the pro-Assad militia called Popular Forces was going to enter Afrin within a few hours.

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

The terrorist organization YPG/PKK-Daesh is said to have held talks with the Syrian regime after more than 70 different strategic areas were liberated during Turkey's Operation Olive Branch since its launch.

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 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 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 "utmost care" was being taken to not harm any civilian.