Civilians start returning to Afrin: Turkish army chief

Turkish Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar said Thursday that civilians have begun returning to areas cleared of terrorists in Afrin, northwestern Syria.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

Last week, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town center of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the YPG/PKK since 2012.

According to a statement from the General Staff, Akar said that the main goal of the operation was to ensure the safe and peaceful return of civilians who had faced persecution and oppression of the terror group.

The remarks came during his visit to military units, command centers and headquarters in southern Hatay and Kilis provinces.

He was accompanied by Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Guler, Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz, Naval Forces Commander Adm. Adnan Ozbal and 2nd Army Commander Lt. Gen. Metin Temel.

The Turkish military has been collaborating with public institutions to provide medical services and other support to the civilians, Akar said

He added that 157 military personnel who were injured in Afrin, voluntarily returned to the battlefield after getting treatment at hospitals.

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, he said.

Turkey has set an example for other countries to follow through its extraordinary conduct during the operation.

According to the General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The military also said only terror targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.