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On March 15 and 16, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) captured over 20 villages in the Syrian area of Afrin from the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). According to pro-Turkish sources, in total, the TAF and the FSA have captured 210 villages as well as 43 mountains and hills in Afrin.
The TAF and the FSA are now working to isolate the YPG-held city of Afrin from the northern and northwestern directions. The road from Afrin to Aleppo still remains open. This allows civilians to flee the besieged city.
FSA members are in the village of Juwayq:
On March 16, pro-Kurdish sources reported that 18 civilians had been killed and 45 others had been injured in a Turkish strike on the city of Afrin.
On the same day, the TAF’s general staff said that 3,530 “terrorists” had been neutralized since the start of the military operation in Afrin.
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On March 15, the European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution calling on Turkey to withdraw all its troops from northern Syria. The resolution is another indication of worsening relations between Turkey and the US-led block, which includes the European Union. On March 16, the Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized the resolution saying that it’s “one-sided”.
“As it has up to now, Turkey will continue to fight against all kinds of terrorist groups with determination,” the ministry said.
Results of the Turkish strikes on Afrin:
