Operation Olive Branch allows locals to return home

Turkey's Afrin operation allows locals to return home

Soldiers provide food aid to families in Adama village after Turkish military clears it of terrorists

Turkish military is continuing to eliminate terrorists under the ongoing Operation Olive Branch in Syria's northwestern region of Afrin.

Turkish soldiers have provided food aid to locals after clearing terrorists from Afrin's Adama village. Military doctors also conducted medical screening of locals there who were returning to their homes.

The commander of the Turkish forces, who met the locals in the village, said: "We are here for you. You are entrusted to us. As Turkish Armed Forces, we will protect you here until the end."

Turkey on Saturday 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 Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

The operation is 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 for Syria's territorial integrity.

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.

The Free Syrian Army also took part in the operation to clear Adama village of terrorists.

In the intense clashes at the village, almost three kilometers away from Turkish border, five FSA soldiers were injured while 30 PYD/PKK terrorists were neutralized.

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

A local from the village, Hussein Bilal Sayyidu, 70, expressed gratitude to the Turkish forces, saying they had been forced to flee their homes due to the terrorists.

"We heard Turkey had arrived... I was joyous and immediately returned home. We are very glad. They are providing everything to us," Sayyidu added.

The commander of the Turkish forces on the ground, who wished to remain anonymous, told the villagers: "Let us know if you have any problems, or needs such as food, medicine, or clothing."