Turkish military, Free Syria Army liberate three more villages in Syria's Afrin

The Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Tuesday liberated three more villages from YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists as part of the Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syrian region of Afrin.

Turkey-backed FSA forces cleared the Zaytuna village in Sharan district located in the northeastern part of Afrin, Anadolu Agency’s correspondents on the field reported. Later in the day, two more villages were liberated.

Since the launch of the operation on Jan. 20, Turkish military and the FSA liberated over 80 targets including one center of a district, 53 villages, 20 strategic mountains and hills and 1 YPG/PKK-Daesh base.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

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, it said.

The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.