Turkish forces free village from PYD/PKK in Afrin

By Omer Koparan and Levent Tok

ANKARA/AFRIN, Syria

Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) have liberated another village in Afrin, northwestern Syria, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

Sheikh Horuz village as well as Hawouz hill in northern Afrin were cleared of PYD/PKK terrorists during ongoing Operation Olive Branch.

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.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

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.