Nine terrorists neutralized by ATAK helicopters in Operation Olive Branch

Domestically-produced ATAK helicopters "neutralized" at least nine terrorists as part of Operation Olive Branch in Syria's Afrin, the Turkish military said on Friday.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

The terrorists were hit by ATAK helicopters in western Afrin, according to a statement from the Turkish General Staff.

The total number of terrorists neutralized since the start of the operation has risen to over 2,200.

The T-129 ATAK helicopter first entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in May 2014. Designed for attack and reconnaissance missions, the helicopter is now exported to militaries around the world.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-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 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, it said.

The military also said only terror targets are being destroyed and that "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.