February 17, 2018•Update: February 17, 2018
By Zafer Fatih Beyaz and Orhan Onur Gemici
ANKARA
Two suspects were arrested in Ankara on Saturday for allegedly taking part in an online terrorist PYD/PKK smear campaign against Turkey's ongoing military operation in northwestern Syria, according to security sources.
Ankara chief prosecutor's office issued an arrest warrant for seven suspects for planning to hold street demonstrations against the ongoing operation. Two suspects were arrested by court order and the remaining five were released under judicial control.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists from Afrin in 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 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.
