Syrian killed by mine planted by YPG/PKK terrorists

By Soner Kilinc

AFRIN, Syria

A Syrian died Wednesday after stepping on a mine planted near his house by YPG/PKK terrorists.

The incident occurred in the village of Sharan in Syria’s northwestern Afrin province, which was cleared of terrorists during Operation Olive Branch, which aims to clear YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from the region.

After the explosion, the Turkish Armed Forces evacuated the heavily injured civilian to a medical facility, where he later died, his identity as yet unknown, according to correspondents on the ground.

According to security sources, there are many landmines and improvised explosives in Sharan left behind by YPG/PKK terrorists, and so residents should be careful until the area can be swept.

Since the launch of Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20, the Turkish military and the Free Syrian Army have liberated 151 locations, including four town centers, 121 villages, 30 strategic areas, and one YPG/PKK base.

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 terrorist targets are being destroyed and that "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.