By Etem Geylan

ISTANBUL

At least 4,376 terrorists have been "neutralized" since the launch of Operation Olive Branch in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.

"Number of terrorists that were neutralized in Afrin was 4,376. In northern Iraq 379, while 297 in [Turkey's] Cudi, Gabar and Tendurek," Erdogan said during the opening ceremony of Istanbul's historic Spice Bazaar after restoration works.

Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 this year to clear the YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorist groups from Afrin, amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated Afrin town center, which had been a major hideout for YPG/PKK terrorists since 2012.

After liberating the area from the terror group, Turkish military have also been continuing efforts to search and destroy hand-made explosives and mines planted by the YPG/PKK terrorists.

According to the Turkish General Staff, Operation Olive Branch was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.