The number of those killed on the third day of the Turkish military operation “Olive Branch” in the Kurdish-controlled region of Afrin in the north-west of the Syrian province of Aleppo went to dozens. This is evidenced by the data published on Monday, January 22, by the London-based monitoring group “Syrian Observatory of Human Rights”, writes The New Arab outlet.
According to the “Syrian Observatory”, more than 54 combatants were killed on both sides. The irretrievable losses of the “People’s Self-Defense Forces” (YPG) of the Syrian Kurds amounted to 26 fighters. Among the Turkish military and allied fighters of the “Free Syrian Army” (FSA), there are 19 killed.
Among civilians, the death toll increased to 24 people: two residents of the border Turkish villages and 22 residents of the settlements of the Afrin region (as a result of artillery shelling and air strikes from the Turkish side).
On January 20, the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces announced the launch of Operation Olive Branch, which aims to “protect the borders of Turkey, ensure security and stability in the region.”