Turkish military frees Syrian village from PYD/PKK

By Levent Tok and Adham Kako

AFRIN (AA) - The Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Saturday completely liberated a Syrian village from PYD/PKK terrorists as part of the ongoing Operation Olive Branch in Afrin.

On day eight of the operation, Turkish forces and the FSA took full control of the Ali Bakki district of the town of Raju, northwest of Afrin, Anadolu Agency reported from the field.

The FSA in cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces cleared the village of all PYD/PKK terrorists.

Also, an area in Raju known as point 740 and a terrorist training camp were seized.

Over 10 terrorists were “neutralized” during the liberation.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

Since the beginning of the operation, Turkey and the FSA have already liberated over 2,000 square kilometers of territory.

Turkey on Jan. 20 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 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.

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 a fight.