Turkish army says it has ‘complete control’ over Syria’s Afrin

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The Turkish military on March 24 said it had gained “complete control” over Syria’s northwestern Afrin region as part of its “Operation Olive Branch.” 

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said efforts are in progress to help civilians return home in a secure way.

Turkish troops have also been continuing efforts to search and destroy hand-made explosives and mines planted by People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants across the region.

Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” on Jan. 20 to clear YPG militants from Afrin. On March 18, the Turkish armed forces and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) declared full control over the city.

Turkey considers the YPG to be the Syrian extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Four Turkish soldiers were killed on March 22 in eastern Turkey and Afrin in two separate attacks carried out by the YPG and the PKK, officials have said.