By Sibel Ugurlu
ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s president said on Tuesday that 3,655 terrorists have been “neutralized” since the start of Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, northwestern Syria.
Speaking at a ceremony at the presidential complex, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the terrorists were “neutralized” during Turkey’s counter-terrorist operation in Afrin, near Turkey's southern border.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear terrorist groups from Afrin in northwestern Syria amid growing threats from the region.
On Sunday, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since 2012.
According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch has aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.