Turkey says its forces encircle Kurdish-held Afrin in northern Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 March 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey says its forces encircle Kurdish-held Afrin in northern Syria, 13 March 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b20dd3ba.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 13, 2018 10:47 GMT
Ankara says Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels have captured "areas of critical importance" in the Afrin region. (file photo)
The Turkish military says it has surrounded the northern Syrian city of Afrin, the focus of Ankara's cross-border operation against a Kurdish militia.
Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels also captured "areas of critical importance" in the surrounding Afrin region, a statement said on March 13.
There was no immediate confirmation from local Kurdish officials.
But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Turkish Army and allied Syrian rebels had encircled the city of Afrin, 90 villages, and a nearby town.
The British-based war monitor said thousands of civilians fled Afrin as Turkey advanced.
The city is home to around 350,000 people, it said.
Turkey's military launched its air-and-ground offensive on Afrin on January 20 to clear the enclave of the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Ankara considers a terrorist group.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
