Operation Olive Branch advances rapidly

The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and Free Syrian Army (FSA) are continuing to advance despite unfavorable weather conditions in the north of Afrin. Eight members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s Syrian offshoot, the PYD, who attempted to infiltrate the territory cleared of terrorists between Mahmud Obasi and Sheikh Horoz north of Afrin were neutralized early Wednesday morning. The terrorists were thought to be preparing for an attack against forces on the ground. Clashes around the strategic Bulbul point continued on Wednesday. Hills around the Shenkal village, which was cleared of terrorists, are also being cleared one by one.

The operation is also continuing on the other side of the Hassa-Kırıkhan-Reyhanlı front. Rain has caused mud and water buildup, and fog has affected visibility, causing slow advancement of troops. The fog is expected to disappear within a few days. The mountains boast olive trees grouped closely together, and soldiers are trying to open new roads for armored vehicles to use.

The elimination of PKK terrorists west of Afrin in the Adamanli, Omar Usagi, Karmanlık and Kışla regions captured as part of the operation is ongoing. As the positions of terrorists along the path to Rajo are captured, troops are heading toward Kafr Janna and Sheikh Hadid. It is especially important to capture hill number 740, as it is strategically located on the road going to the town of Sheikh Hadid. Two hundred specially trained soldiers were brought from the Hakkari Mountain Commando Brigade to the region to conduct operations around this hill.

The TAF and FSA aim to capture all strategic points in a short period of time in the mountainous area filled with olive trees extending from the north to the south, and to go east and reach the flat area going to Afrin, as it is believed that the PKK cannot hold on in the center of the Afrin district on flat ground. Once Jindiris, Rajo, Kafr Janna and Sheikh Hadid are all cleared, only the Afrin center will remain. The clearing of mountainous land in the west of Afrin is crucial.

Despite the progress in the countryside, the biggest threat is the sniper fire of terrorists stationed in the surrounding hills. On some of the peaks, the necessary measures have been taken and the offensive continues. When necessary, warplanes and armed UAVs will also take part in the operation. The FSA seized heavy machine guns and other arms from the PKK in high quantities after clashes. “I captured three villages with a group of 10 people in a few hours,” a FSA commander said.

Turkey's Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar inspected troops which are taking part in ongoing Operation Olive Branch in Syria's Afrin in Turkey’s southern border province of Hatay.

According to a statement by Turkish General Staff, Akar was accompanied by Commander of the Turkish Land Forces Gen. Yasar Guler, Commander of the Turkish Navy Forces Adm. Adnan Ozbal and Turkish Air Forces Commander Gen, Hasan Kucukakyuz.

Operation Olive Branch was initiated on Jan. 20 in Afrin to establish security and stability, eliminate PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists, and save locals from their oppression and cruelty.

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

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.

Cross-border attacks by the PYD/PKK terror group in southern Turkey started as the Turkish army operation in Syria’s northwestern town of Afrin continues.

At least 287 PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists have been neutralized since the beginning of the Operation Olive Branch in Syria, Turkish General Staff said Wednesday.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.