Flyer in Afrin: Trust Turkey, don't believe terrorists

By S. Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA

As Turkey’s operation in Afrin, Syria nears the district center, Turkish Armed Forces planes have dropped flyers telling locals in Kurdish and Arabic about the operation and the terrorist YPG/PKK that Turkey is fighting, the Turkish military said on Friday.

“We are here for your peace and security; trust in Turkey’s justice. Please don’t believe terrorists' empty promises,” said the flyer, as posted on the Turkish Armed Forces’ Twitter account.

YPG/PKK terrorist leaders "are fleeing Afrin and living good lives elsewhere. Please stay away from the bloody terror organization. Trust Turkey’s justice, take our hands, please surrender. A good future with peace awaits you in Afrin,” it added.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/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 are being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.