Turkish flag hoisted in Afrin town center

Turkish flag hoisted by Turkish soldier in Afrin town center after Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) took complete control of northwestern Syria's Afrin within the "Operation Olive Branch" on March 18, 2018.

Halil Fidan • 18 March 2018 • update: 18 March 2018

Turkish flag hoisted in Afrin town center

AFRIN, SYRIA - MARCH 18: Turkish soldier hoists Turkish flag in Afrin town center after Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) took complete control of northwestern Syria's Afrin within the "Operation Olive Branch" on March 18, 2018. Troops entered the town center from east, west and north sides. During the entrance, some mines placed by terrorists at entry points of the district exploded as FSA fighters advanced into the town center, it was learned. 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 cruelty and oppression. 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. ( Halil Fidan - Anadolu Agency )Halil Fidan

Turkish flag hoisted in Afrin town center

AFRIN, SYRIA - MARCH 18: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT - "TURKISH ARMED FORCES GENERAL STAFF / HANDOUT" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) Turkish soldier and Free Syrian Army members display Turkish and Syrian Flags in Afrin town center after Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) took complete control of northwestern Syria's Afrin within the "Operation Olive Branch" on March 18, 2018. Troops entered the town center from east, west and north sides. During the entrance, some mines placed by terrorists at entry points of the district exploded as FSA fighters advanced into the town center, it was learned. 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 cruelty and oppression. 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. ( Turkish Armed Forces General Staff / Handout - Anadolu Agency )Turkish Armed Forces General Staff / Handout