Blood of martyrs to not go in vain: Turkish army chief

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

The blood of Turkish killed soldiers and veterans will not go in vain, Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar said on Feb. 11. 

“Even a single drop of blood of our martyrs and veterans will not be left on the ground,” Akar said, according to a statement from the Turkish General Staff. 

His remarks came during his visit to the southern Hatay province to inspect troops taking part in “Operation Olive Branch” in Syria’s Afrin. Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yaşar Güler and Turkish Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Küçükakyüz also accompanied him. 

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” to clear Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) from the northwestern Syrian province of Afrin. 

Akar reiterated that the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and in Afrin, as well as to protect Syrians from the cruelty of militants. 

He also said the “utmost care and effort” was being taken to avoid harm to civilians, innocent people and the environment, despite the fact that terrorists were deliberately wearing civilian clothes and using civilian houses for their positions and shelters. 

The chief added the operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the U.N. charter and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity. 

Akar said Turkey would continue to “resolutely” fight against terrorists in the region until they are uprooted.