Ottoman military band performs at Turkey-Syria border

HATAY

An Ottoman-style military band performed in the border province of Hatay as a show of support for troops taking part in Turkey’s Olive Branch Operation in Syria’s Afrin on Jan. 22.

The “Mehter” band performed in Hatay’s Reyhanli district, on the Turkish-Syrian border, in a performance organized by the Hatay Metropolitan Municipality.

A number of soldiers filmed the performance with their mobile phones, later taking photos with the band at the end of the show.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched the Olive Branch Operation to remove Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from Afrin.

The Turkish General Staff says the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region, as well as to protect the Syrian people.

It stated that the operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, U.N. Security Council decisions, self-defense rights under the U.N. charter, and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity.

The military also said “utmost importance” was being placed on not harming any civilians.