07 February 2018•Update: 08 February 2018
By Omer Koparan
AFRIN/ANKARA
Turkish army forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) have uncovered a terrorist PYD/PKK tunnel network on Sirghaya hill, which has liberated from terrorists on Monday as part of Operation Olive Branch in Syria's northwestern region.
The tunnel network was used by the terrorist group as shelter against jet strikes and other heavy artillery fire amid Turkey’s counter-terrorism operations.
Some kitchens and beds were seen inside the tunnels, which appeared to be two-meter in height and one-meter in width.
Turkish border province of Kilis, which has been subjected to cross-border rocket attacks by PYD/PKK terrorist organization, can be viewed from Sirghaya hill.
The PYD/PKK terrorist group has set up a number of shelters and tunnels for seven years in the mountainous regions.
The Turkish forces and FSA have liberated a total of 40 zones, including 24 villages and 12 strategic mountains or hills since the onset of Operation Olive Branch.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Syria’s nothwestern Afrin region.
According to Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.
The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions, self-defense rights under the UN charter and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, the military said.
The military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to not harm any civilians.
Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.
