Wounded Free Syrian Army fighter recovers in Turkey

By Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey

A Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighter, who was heavily wounded in a landmine explosion during Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syria, has recovered after receiving treatment in Turkey.

Omer Bedran, 33, had stepped on a landmine planted by PYD/PKK terrorists and was heavily wounded.

He was treated by Turkish doctors in southern Kilis State Hospital in Turkey, where he underwent an operation and was saved from being disabled.

Bedran joined the FSA seven years ago; he had been shot twice before.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bedran said before the war, he used to have a normal life as a driver in Aleppo.

He said regime forces had raided his village in the 80s and arrested his uncle and cousins. He added he did not hear from them since that time.

Because of that he remained angry at the regime and when the civil war started he joined the opposition ranks immediately.

"Hopefully, I will recover, return to the battlefield and fight to save Tal Rifaat from YPG/PKK terror group," Bedran said.

He said thanks to Turkey, the region was now being cleared from terrorism rapidly.

"The Turkish Republic is backing us. This gives us confidence," Bedran added.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Syria's northwestern Afrin.

On March 18, Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army liberated the Afrin district center.