Turkish civilian worker killed, three soldiers wounded in Syria’s Afrin

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

One Turkish civilian worker was killed and three soldiers were injured when a military vehicle drove over a mine in Afrin in northwestern Syria, the Turkish military said on April 1.

The vehicle was on its way to Afrin’s Kestele Hidirya neighborhood, according to a General Staff statement.

Since Afrin’s town center was captured by the Turkish army on March 18, mines planted by People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants have claimed several lives, including civilians, according to Turkish authorities.

The Turkish military has been doing security sweeps for mines, improvised explosive devices and hideouts.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched “Operation Olive Branch” to remove YPG militants from Afrin.

On March 18, the Turkish army and Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters declared full control over the district.