Turkish soldier killed in Syria’s Afrin

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

A Turkish soldier was killed in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region on May 3 during the military’s sweep and clear activities, a statement said.

In the statement, the Turkish General Staff said the soldier was killed in Afrin when an improvised explosive detonated during the military’s activities.

Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” on Jan. 20 to clear People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from Afrin. On March 18, Turkish-backed troops declared full control of Afrin town center, which had been controlled by the YPG since 2012.

After capturing the region from the YPG, the Turkish military has also been continuing efforts to search and destroy hand-made explosives and mines planted by the YPG militants.

Turkish military shoots down drone in northern Iraq

A drone attack attempt by militants in northern Iraq was thwarted by the Turkish military, the Turkish General Staff has said.

“A drone approaching the Güven Base area in Zap, northern Iraq was shot down by an anti-drone weapon,” read the Twitter message from the General Staff on May 3.

Two photos of aerial footage of a drone were attached to the post.

Meanwhile, the Turkish military has found several anti-tank weapons, AK-47 rifles and materials used in making improvised explosive devices during searches in the caves in northern Iraq’s “Hakurk area,” where the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) operates camps.

The Turkish Armed Forces has been conducting operations against the militants inside Iraqi territory in the vicinity of the border.