Two Turkish soldiers killed during ‘Olive Branch Operation’ in Syria’s Afrin

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Two Turkish soldiers were killed on Jan. 22 and 23 during 'Olive Branch Operation' in northwestern Syria as part of the Turkish military's offensive in the Afrin district.

The Turkish General Staff stated that one soldier was killed on Jan. 22 in clashes between the Turkish Armed Forces, the YPG and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that took place southeast of the Turkish village of Gülbaba, just across the Syrian border.

In the statement, the General Staff conveyed its condolences to the family and friends of the killed soldier.

The second soldier, Oğuz Kaan Usta, was killed on Jan. 23 during the fourth day of the operation.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG militants from Syria’s Afrin. 

According to the General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region, as well as protect Syrians.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the U.N. charter and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said it is putting the “utmost importance” on not harming any civilians.