Russian troops in Syria's Afrin moved to Tel Rifat

By Emre Gurkan Abay

MOSCOW

Russian forces in Syria's northwestern Afrin have been moved to Tel Rifat for their safety in the wake of Turkey's operation in the area, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

According to a statement, the Defense Ministry said Russian military administration in Syria took the necessary steps for the safety of Russian forces in the area.

On Friday, Anadolu Agency reported about the withdrawal of Russian troops from Afrin.

Turkey has started “‘Operation Olive Branch" on Saturday at 5 p.m. [1400GMT] in Afrin "to eliminate terrorists of PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh, and to protect the friendly and brotherly people of the region from their [the terrorists’] oppression and cruelty".