Turkey destroys 924 terror targets during Afrin op.

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - A total of 924 PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, Daesh terrorist targets have been destroyed in airstrikes since the launch of Operation Olive Branch in Syria's northwestern Afrin region, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement on Saturday.

The military said at least 2,434 terrorists were "neutralized" since the beginning of the operation.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as to 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 that "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming civilians.

Operations against PKK/KCK terrorist organization continue in southeastern provinces of Turkey and northern Iraq, the military said Saturday.

Seventeen terrorists were "neutralized" in Sirnak, Siirt, Diyarbakir, Bitlis and in norhern Iraq from Feb.24-March 2, according to the statement.