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Thousands of Syrians have returned to terror-free regions in Syria following Turkish military-led Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch.
According to Interior Ministry officials, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media, some 190,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned.
Turkish and American armed forces on Monday completed their 22nd round of patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij as part of a deal with the U.S. to rid the area of the YPG/PKK terror group.In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said forces of both countries conducted separate coordinated patrols in the region between areas liberated by Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield and Manbij.The first patrols by Turkish and U.S. troops in the region began on June 18.Turkey expects 'mutual respect' in ties with USThe Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives, including many women and children. The YPG/PKK is its Syrian branch.YPG/PKK terrorists, Syrian regime collaborate on ManbijShould the Manbij model prove a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.Turkey has said the presence of terror forces near its border constitutes a threat and has launched military operations and other efforts to rid the region of terrorists.
Turkey, US complete 22nd round of patrols in Manbij
Turkey supports the return of Syrians in peaceful and stable regions, according to the officials.
Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from northwestern Afrin. On March 18, Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army liberated the Afrin district center.
Since the launch of the operation, a total of 4,546 terrorists have been neutralized, according to the Turkish military.
A PKK/YPG terrorist surrendered to Turkish security forces in southeastern Sirnak province on Sunday, according to a security source.The terrorist used to work for PKK's Syrian branch YPG, the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to media, said.He was identified as A.B. codenamed Azad, 19, who had joined the terrorist group in February.Separately, Aram Civan codenamed Osman Gulen -- who was neutralized on July 23 in southeastern Diyarbakir -- was found to be mentioned in the grey category of the Turkish Interior Ministry’s wanted list on Sunday.Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people.Video: Moment two fleeing PKK terrorists were neutralized in SE Turkey
PKK/YPG terrorist surrenders in southeastern Turkey
Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) continue sweep and clear activities in Afrin while taking utmost care about the safety of civilians.
Meanwhile, Turkish and American armed forces have been conducting patrols in the northern Syrian city of Manbij as part of a deal with the U.S. to rid the area of the YPG/PKK terror group.
Operation Euphrates Shield, which began in August in 2016 and ended in March 2017, also eliminated terrorists along the Syrian border.