Turkey army confirms start of new ‘Olive Branch’ operation inside Syria

Ankara (AFP) – The Turkish army on Saturday confirmed it had started a major new ground and air cross border operation against the People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia in Syria, which Turkey deems to be a terror organisation.

Dubbing the new campaign operation “Olive Branch”, the Turkish army said it had begun at 1400 GMT and was aimed against the YPG and also Islamic State (IS) jihadists. 

The army also said the operation would be carried out “with respect for Syria’s territorial integrity” and stemmed from Turkey’s rights under international law.