World Bulletin / News Desk

The Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) on Saturday liberated four more strategic villages in Afrin, northwestern Syria from the control of PYD/PKK terrorists.

The villages Kokana and Ayn Al Hajar were now controlled by Turkey-backed forces, cutting the main highway between Mabatli town and Afrin city center.

An operation in Mabatli town center -- the sixth town center of the region -- has not been launched yet.

The other five town centres: southwestern Jinderes, western Shaykh al-Hadid, northwestern Rajo, northern Bulbul and northeastern Sharan, have been cleared of terrorists.

In Jinderes town, the forces also took control of the villages of Khaltan Garbi and Jaqa Lillua al Jum from YPG/PKK-ISIL terrorists.

Since the launch of the operation, the Turkish military and FSA have liberated 265 locations, including five town centers, 221 villages, 44 strategic mountains and hills, and one YPG/PKK base.

The forces reached Afrin city's border last week and encircled it.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and ISIL terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and the "utmost care" is being taken to not harm civilians.