As Afrin, Syrians demand their city free from YPG/PKK

By Selen Temizer

AZAZ, Syria (AA) – Syrian residents of Tal Rifaat city in the northern Aleppo province staged a rally on Saturday to demand a Turkish military operation against the YPG/PKK terrorist group in their city.

Protesters, including around 400 fighters from the Free Syrian Army, blocked the road between Azaz city and Sijo town amid calls for Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch to include Tal Rifaat to free the city from the terrorist group.

The demonstrators were convinced by Turkish military personnel and local security forces to reopen the road and end their rally.

In early 2016, YPG/PKK took control of Afrin and surrounding villages with the help of Russia and the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Around 25,000 residents have been forced out from their homes and surrounding areas by the terrorist group and sought refuge in Azaz city.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear terrorist groups from Afrin in northwestern Syria amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since 2012.

On Saturday, in a statement the Turkish General Staff said that Afrin has been taken under “complete” control and efforts are in progress to help civilians return home in a secure way.

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, according to the Turkish military.

The military also said only terror targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.