Turkish soldier martyred in explosion in Afrin

By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish soldier has been martyred by an improvised explosive during a search operation in Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, northwestern Syria, the Turkish General Staff said on Thursday.

The Turkish General Staff offered its condolences to the family of the martyred soldier.

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

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 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, it said.

The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.