Over 1,350 militants ‘neutralized’ so far in Turkey’s Afrin operation

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

A total of 1,369 Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have been “neutralized” since the launch of Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch” in the northern Syrian district of Afrin, the Turkish military stated on Feb. 12.

The Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralized” to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said overnight airstrikes had destroyed 15 targets used as shelters, as well as ammunition depots and weapon pits.

According to information gathered from the region, 103 militants “were neutralized on Feb. 11,” the statement said.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” along with elements of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) to clear YPG militants from the Afrin district of northwestern Syria.