Azerbaijan backs Turkey’s operation in Syria’s Afrin

Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Afrin region of Syria aims to secure Turkey’s border and remove terror threats, Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry’s spokesman said on Sunday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Hikmet Hajiyev said Azerbaijan condemned all kinds of terrorism and voiced support for international efforts to counter them.

"The operation aims to secure Turkey’s border, remove the terror threat and protect the civilians in the region," Hajiyev said.

The fight against terrorism was needed to attain international and regional peace, he added.

"Turkey has faced terror attacks many times and a lot of lives were lost during these attacks. Azerbaijan understands Turkey’s concerns…," Hajiyev said.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh elements from Afrin.

According to Turkish General Staff, the operation was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as eliminating PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terror groups, and protecting the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions, self-defense rights under the UN charter and respect to Syria's territorial integrity, it added.

The military also said only terrorist targets were being destroyed and "utmost importance" was being given to not harm any civilian.

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.