FSA captures military base used by YPG/PKK in Afrin

By Adham Kako and Mohamad Misto

AFRIN, Syria / ANKARA (AA) – The Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Sunday captured a base of the so-called “special forces” of YPG/PKK terrorists in Syria’s northwestern Afrin region.

Moving into central Afrin as part of the Turkish-led Operation Olive Branch, FSA forces seized the base after a brief clash with terrorists, according to Anadolu Agency correspondents on the ground.

The base, 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) northeast of Afrin’s city center, has been cleared of terrorists, and many military vehicles were seized by the FSA.

The base was used by the Bashar al-Assad regime until its withdrawal from the area, which later became an important military zone for the terrorist YPG/PKK.

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 the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

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 "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.