26 January 2018•Update: 26 January 2018
By Betul Yuruk
NEW YORK
Turkey’s envoy to the U.N. on Thursday addressed a UN Security Council meeting and talked about Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria
Feridun Sinirlioglu addressed a U.N. Security Council meeting during which the latest developments in the Middle East were discussed as Turkey holds the term presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“The operation is aimed at ensuring border security against the infiltration of Daesh and PKK/PYD/YPG attacks, neutralizing the terrorists in Afrin and rescuing civilians from terror,” Sinirlioglu said.
On Saturday, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.
According to the military, the operation aims to establish security and stability along the Turkish 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 has also 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.
