Turkey affirms solidarity with Afrin via text messages

Turkey on Thursday sent text messages to residents of Afrin in northwestern Syria, where Operation Olive Branch is underway, urging them to unite against terrorists.

The texts, in three languages, begin with "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim", which is Arabic for “In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.”

They continue: "Do not allow terrorists to use your children, trample on you, your home, or your future. It is time to stay ‘stop’ to terrorists. Afrin belongs to the people of Afrin. Allah willing, to days of peace, health, tranquility, security and blessings in Afrin.”

“It is time to stop the oppression and persecution of the treacherous PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh terrorists who are shooting guns at their neighbors, destroying our mosques.”

On Tuesday, The Turkish Armed Forces airdropped similar messages into Afrin.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch 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.