Turkish soldier martyred in Syria’s Afrin

By Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish soldier was martyred in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region on Thursday during the military’s sweep and clear activities, a statement said.

In the statement, the Turkish General Staff said the soldier was martyred in Afrin region when an improvised explosive detonated during the military’s sweep and clear activities.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorist groups from Afrin amid growing threats from the region. On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated Afrin town center, which had been a major hideout for the YPG/PKK since 2012.

After liberating the area from the terror group, Turkish military have also been continuing efforts to search and destroy hand-made explosives and mines planted by the YPG/PKK terrorists.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.