Turkey’s president receives update on Afrin operation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was updated Monday on the progress of Operation Olive Branch by commanders in a video conference, according to presidential sources.

After holding meetings, Erdogan received information from military commanders in the region on the operation’s third day at the Presidential Complex’s government information coordination center at 11pm (2000GMT) local time, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

The president first spoke to lieutenant general Ismail Temel Metin at the operating base in southern Hatay province bordering Syria.

He then spoke with generals at the Turkish General Staff and Turkish Land Forces’ operating bases.

Erdogan wished success in the operation against terrorist elements in Afrin to ensure Turkey’s national security, while the military informed him their morale was at the highest level.

Erdogan also connected live to the governors of bordering provinces Hatay, Sanliurfa, Kilis and Gaziantep to inquire about conditions in their cities.

Turkey on Saturday launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Syria’s Afrin region.

Operation Olive Branch 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, according to the Turkish General Staff.

The military also said only terrorist targets are being destroyed and “utmost importance” is being placed on not harming any civilians.

The PYD/PKK is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

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