Turkish tanks thwart PYD/PKK attack in Syria's Afrin

By Sarp Ozer

AFRIN, Syria (AA) – Turkish Armed Forces on Wednesday thwarted a PYD/PKK terror attack targeting a Free Syrian Army (FSA) position in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region.

Turkish tanks struck down an explosive-laden truck advancing towards an FSA position after the troops spotted it through thermal cameras.

Anadolu Agency also filmed the military action carried out on a strategic hill in the west of Afrin.

On Jan. 20, Turkey along with the FSA launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/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.

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 and sensitivity" were being used to not harm civilians.