Over 950 militants ‘neutralized,’ 36 strategic areas ‘captured’ in Afrin operation

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

A total of 970 YPG and ISIL militants have been “neutralized” since the launch of “Operation Olive Branch” in Syria’s Afrin district, the military said on Feb. 6. 

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

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said 23 People's Protection Units (YPG) and Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) militants had been neutralized on Feb. 6.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” to clear “YPG and ISIL militants” from Syria’s northwestern Afrin district.

Afrin village captured 

Turkish forces and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Feb. 5 captured another village from YPG militants in Syria’s Afrin. 

According to a correspondent based in the region, Dikmetaş village in the town of Sharan and Mount Sirghaya were both cleared of militants.

Since the beginning of Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch” on Jan. 20, the Turkish Armed Forces and the FSA have managed to capture 36 strategic areas.