Turkish army hits terror convoy, shields civilian one

By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA

Turkey bombed a convoy belonging to the YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorist groups during Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, northwestern Syria, the Turkish army said Friday.

In addition to the terrorist convoy in the region, there was also a nearby civilian convoy, according to the Turkish army.

“Only the convoy belonging to YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorist groups was targeted during the operation, and as always, utmost care was taken to not harm any civilians,” the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

It added that the terrorist convoy of 30-40 vehicles was intercepted about 15 kilometers (nine miles) southeast of Afrin and that care was taken to keep gunfire well away from the civilian convoy.

In a video posted on social media showing the Turkish army striking the terrorist convoy, heavy smoke can be seen after the targets were hit.

Multiple blasts coming from the burning vehicles apparently show that they were loaded with ammunition.

Military sources stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces' strict care to not harming civilians was carefully maintained, in line with Turkey’s historical heritage and cultural values.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/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 protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.

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.

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 a fight.