Seven civilian casualties and 113 injured since launch of Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in Syria, Binali Yildirim says
A total of 94 rockets were fired by the PYD/PKK terrorist group since the beginning of Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in Syria’s Afrin, Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim said Sunday.
Sixty rockets targeted the Hatay province and 34 landed in the Kilis province, both bordering Syria, Yildirim said during a visit to the Kilis governor’s office.
“Seven civilians have been martyred, 113 people have been injured,” Yildirim added.
Without giving any names, Yildirim criticized certain allies for smearing the operation instead of supporting it.
Yildirim said: “I have something to say to those who are spreading smear campaigns. You are our ally in NATO and we are working together in various fields”
“If this alliance is to persist, you will ignore words of looters, and accredit the words of Turkey, a trustworthy friend,” Yildirim said.
On Jan. 20, the Turkish army launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin. According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as 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.
The military has said only terror targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.
