Turkish Forces to Remain in Northern Syria despite Completion of Euphrates Shield Operation

“Our activities continue for the protection of our national security to prevent any undesirable entity, to allow Syrian refugees to return to their country, and to ensure security and stability in the region,” the Turkish army said.

The Turkish armed forces said in a statement that they have “successfully completed” mission in Syria.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim Wednesday announced the completion of Euphrates Shield Operation. He did not rule out new military campaign inside Syria.

Kurdish media outlets claimed in mid-March that the Turkish Army troops occupied more land in the outskirts of the town of Afrin in Northern Aleppo.

Hawar news reported that the Turkish soldiers occupied vast areas in Jaqleh village in Shieh region of Afrin.

The news website added that the Turkish snipers targeted a shepherd in Jaqleh village.

Media source said that the Turkish Army troops were forcing Arab citizens in Northern Syria to join the Ankara-backed militants of the Euphrates Shield Operation, killing those who do not obey.

Hawar news reported that the Turkish army killed four civilians in the villages of Kari Sabi town in Northern Syria after they refused to join the Euphrates Shield Operation forces.

Hawar new went on to say that the Turkish soldiers further left the body of the killed Syrian civilians at the border region between Rojava and Bakour in Syria’s Kurdistan.

The news website added that the Turkish army intended to send the four killed civilians via border to Rojava but it faced tough opposition by the civilians.