Turkish army, FSA liberate 5 villages, 1 town in Afrin

The Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Tuesday cleared terrorists from the town center of Sharan in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin, according to Anadolu Agency correspondents in the field.

Turkish troops and the FSA liberated three more villages -- including Khirabat Sharanli, Sharanli and Shirkan -- located northwest of Afrin.

Also on Tuesday, Tall Hamu village in southwestern Jinderes district and Metina village in Sharan district were freed from terrorists.

On Feb. 26, a crescent-shaped corridor, stretching along the northwestern Idlib province and Aleppo province's Azaz district, cut off terrorists' connection to Turkey's border.

Since the launch of Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20, the Turkish military and the FSA have liberated 149 locations, including 119 villages, 30 strategic areas, and one YPG/PKK base.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation, which was launched to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin, aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from terrorist 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.

Both the military and Turkish authorities have repeatedly said that the operation targets only terrorist elements and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming any civilians.