Video shows Turkey ‘neutralizing’ PYD/PKK terrorists

By Ibrahim Toprak

SANLIURFA, Turkey

Turkish Armed Forces ‘neutralized’ several PYD/PKK terrorists, who were digging positions in Rasulayn region of Syria near Turkey's southeastern province of Sanliurfa, a cellphone footage revealed.

The military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the targets were killed.

The PYD/PKK terrorists were digging positions with tractors on borderline in Rasulayn region, according to the information obtained.

The armed forces used a tank to hit the terrorists and the tractors.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the military, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as 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 has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost importance" is being put on not harming any civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.