Turkish soldier martyred in Afrin, Syria

By Omer Olcay

ANKARA (AA) - One Turkish soldier was martyred while another was injured in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region as the Turkish-led Operation Olive Branch continues there, the military said on Monday.

A Turkish General Staff statement said the casualties occurred during sweep and clear operations in Afrin's Jinderes region.

The statement added that the injured soldier is being treated at the hospital, without giving further details.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/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 to protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

Separately, another soldier was martyred during clashes with terrorists in Turkey’s eastern Agri province, and three terrorists were neutralized.

The military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the targets were either surrendered or killed, or captured.

Two children also were injured in a terrorist attack when an improvised roadside explosive went off, Agri’s Governor’s Office said in a written statement.