Turkish army says Syria's Afrin under ‘complete’ control

Afrin has been completely taken under control as part of the ongoing Operation Olive Branch, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) said in a statement on Saturday.

The military stated that all villages located in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region had been cleared of terror elements, and that efforts are in progress to help civilians return home in a secure way.

Turkish troops have also been continuing efforts to search and destroy hand-made explosives and mines planted by the terrorists around the region.

Operation Olive Branch was initiated on Jan. 20 in Afrin to establish security and stability, eliminate terrorists of PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh, and save locals from the terrorists’ oppression and cruelty.

The military said it is putting the "utmost importance" on not harming any civilians.

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.