Afrin residents hand over three terrorists to Turkish army

Residents of Afrin on Monday handed over three PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG terrorists to Turkish troops carrying out efforts to normalize life in the region in the wake of the liberation of the town center.

Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army fighters took control of the town center on Sunday as part of Operation Olive Branch launched Jan. 20 to clear the area of YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists.

Residents, who long for security and peace, are also helping the Turkish army, which is carrying out efforts to clear the town from explosives and mines planted by the terrorists in the region.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria amid growing threats posed from the region.

A total of 3,622 terrorists have been "neutralized" since the beginning of the operation, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch has aimed to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.

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, it said.

The military has also said only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid civilian casualties.