Operation Olive Branch#Afrin offensive

{{multipleimage|width=300px|align=left | direction=vertical|total_width=|caption_align=center | image1=Demonstration in Afrin against Turkish military operation.png|image2=Demonstration in Bizaah to support Turkish military operation in Afrin.png|footer_align=center | footer=Demonstration in Afrin (top) to support the YPG and the YPJ against the Turkish military operation, and demonstration in Bizaah (bottom) to support the Turkish military operation in Afrin against the YPG and the YPJ, 19 January 2018.}}

After Syrian government forces pulled out of Afrin in 2012, Kurdish YPG forces took control of the territory.{{cite web |work=Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com) |title=Turkey launches offensive against Kurdish-held Afrin in Syria {{!}} News |date= 19 January 2018 |access-date= 23 March 2018 |url= http://www.dw.com/en/turkey-launches-offensive-against-kurdish-held-afrin-in-syria/a-42223622 }} Afrin managed to maintain trust with both the Syrian government and its neighboring rebel groups.{{cite web |last=Schmidinger |first=Thomas |title=Afrin and the Race for the Azaz Corridor |work=Atlantic Council |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=23 March 2018 |url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/syriasource/afrin-and-the-race-for-the-azaz-corridor}} In February 2016, during the latter part of the Battle of Aleppo, Syrian government forces cut off the rebel supply route to Aleppo. Subsequently, the SDF moved eastward out of Afrin, and successfully attacked the rebels, capturing the Menagh Military Airbase and the town of Tell Rifaat. In response, Turkish forces shelled SDF positions across the border to protect the rebel-held city of Azaz.{{cite news |first1=Nick |last=Paton Walsh |access-date=4 February 2018 |title=Syria war near Aleppo: Huge impact on Sunni moderates – CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/16/middleeast/syria-battle-north/index.html |publisher=CNN}}{{cite news |first1=Selin |last1=Girit |access-date=4 February 2018 |title=Why Azaz is so important for Turkey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35595023 |work=BBC News |date=18 February 2016}} In 2017, Russian military troops stationed themselves in Afrin as part of an agreement to protect the YPG from further Turkish attacks.{{cite news |title=US and Russian military units patrol Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-us-russian-military-units-patrol-kurdish-controlled-areas-northern-syria/ |agency=Al-Masdar |date=1 May 2017 |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013233406/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-us-russian-military-units-patrol-kurdish-controlled-areas-northern-syria/ |url-status=dead }}

Turkey had been fighting PKK and other groups in southeastern and eastern Turkey for several decades. The Kurdish–Turkish conflict is estimated to have cost 40,000 lives. The Turkish government has publicly stated that it does not recognize a difference between the Syrian YPG forces and PKK, and says both are terrorist organizations.{{cite web |title=Turkey's operation in Syria's Afrin: The key players |access-date=23 January 2018 |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/turkey-operation-syria-afrin-key-players-180121060919195.html}} While the PKK has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States, the United States' position on the YPG is that it is not a terrorist organization, a stance that has generated much conflict between the two NATO allies.{{cite news |author1=Gul Tuysuz |author2=Joe Sterling |author3=Schams Elwazer |title=Turkish jets hammer Syrian town to oust US-backed Kurdish militia |publisher=CNN |access-date=23 January 2018 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/20/middleeast/turkey-syria-military-operation/index.html}}{{cite news |title=US does not see YPG as terrorist group despite Turkish concerns: State Department |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-does-not-see-ypg-as-terrorist-group-despite-turkish-concerns-state-department-110611 |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=9 March 2017}} Despite this, the CIA named the PYD as the "Syrian wing" of the PKK in its World Factbook on 23 January 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2018/01/27/cia-officially-recognizes-pyd-as-terror-group-pkks-syrian-wing |title=CIA officially recognizes PYD as terror group PKK's Syrian wing |work=Daily Sabah |date=27 January 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018}} On 14 February, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence described YPG as the Syrian wing of PKK in a report.[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-intel-report-presented-to-congress-says-ypg-is-pkks-syrian-militia-searching-for-autonomy-127294] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330143444/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-intel-report-presented-to-congress-says-ypg-is-pkks-syrian-militia-searching-for-autonomy-127294|date=30 March 2018}} US intel report presented to Congress says YPG is ‘PKK's Syrian militia,’ searching for autonomy

During the early stages of the operation, United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis noted that Turkey was the only NATO ally with an "active insurgency" within its borders. Mattis acknowledged that Turkey has "legitimate security concerns" regarding PKK, and said Turkey had consulted the United States prior to launching the offensive.{{Cite news |issn=0447-5763 |title=Turkey gave U.S. heads-up on Syria operation, has 'legitimate' security concerns: Jim Mattis |work=Japan Times |access-date=13 April 2018 |date=22 January 2018 |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/22/world/turkey-gave-u-s-heads-syria-operation-legitimate-security-concerns-jim-mattis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201636/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/22/world/turkey-gave-u-s-heads-syria-operation-legitimate-security-concerns-jim-mattis/ |archive-date=12 February 2018 |url-status=live }} The offensive came amid growing tension between the Turkish and American governments over the latter's support of the Syrian Democratic Forces, which are made up primarily of Kurdish fighters of the YPG, which Turkey considers to be a branch of the PKK. In particular, Turkey objected to announced plans by the US to train and equip a 30,000 strong SDF border force, which Turkey stated posed a direct threat to their security. "A country we call an ally is insisting on forming a terror army on our borders," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in a speech in Ankara. "What can that terror army target but Turkey? Our mission is to strangle it before it's even born."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/15/turkey-condemns-us-plan-for-syrian-border-security-force |title=Erdoğan accuses US of planning to form 'terror army' in Syria |work=The Guardian |date=15 January 2018 |access-date=20 January 2018}}

According to media reports with reference to sources in the Syrian Kurdish leadership, shortly before the Turkish incursion, as an alternative option, Russia proposed that the Kurdish authorities in Afrin recognise the Syrian government's control in the region; the proposal was rejected at the time.[http://www.newsru.com/world/19feb2018/erdoganthreat.html Эрдоган в разговоре с Путиным пригрозил сирийским властям последствиями за сотрудничество с курдами] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219190204/https://www.newsru.com/world/19feb2018/erdoganthreat.html |date=19 February 2018 }} NEWSru, 19 February 2018.[https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2018-01-21/the-latest-turkey-says-troops-enter-syrian-kurdish-enclave The Latest: Russia Warned Kurdish Officials of Turkey Attack: Three Kurdish officials have said that Russian military officials have proposed handing over a Kurdish-ruled enclave in Syria's northwest to the Syrian government to avert a Turkish military offensive.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092257/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2018-01-21/the-latest-turkey-says-troops-enter-syrian-kurdish-enclave |date=20 February 2018 }} AP/U.S. News & World Report, 21 January 2018.

The Afrin offensive has jeopardized the Astana Peace Process by placing the major parties—Russia, Iran, and Turkey—on opposing sides of the conflict. According to an Iranian official, Tehran has warned Ankara that "many parties might want to see Turkey stuck in a quagmire" and has advised that Turkey "try to contain this adventure". Tehran's position is that the Kurdish fighters are not acting independently, but rather are receiving support from multiple sides in the conflict.{{cite web |title=Afrin puts Turkish-Iranian-Russian mistrust on full display |work=Al-Monitor |access-date=13 April 2018 |date=16 February 2018 |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/iran-reaction-sochi-turkey-afrin-russia-mistrust-kurds.html}}{{Update inline|date=November 2019}}

In the days prior to the offensive, Turkey and the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army exchanged artillery fire with YPG militants along the Turkish-Syrian border near Afrin. The YPG shelled the TFSA-held town of Azaz.{{cite web |url=https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2018/01/20/ypg-shelling-renders-azaz-psychiatric-hospital-inoperable/ |title=YPG Shelling Renders Azaz Psychiatric Hospital Inoperable – Revolutionary Forces of Syria media office |date=20 January 2018 |publisher=rfsmediaoffice.com |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227111845/https://rfsmediaoffice.com/en/2018/01/20/ypg-shelling-renders-azaz-psychiatric-hospital-inoperable/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nso-sy.com/Details/862/10-women-at-least-were-wounded-by-%22YPG%22-shelling-at-the-psychiatric-hospital-in-Azaz-north-Aleppo/en |title=10 women at least were wounded by YPG shelling at the psychiatric hospital in Azaz north Aleppo |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122071759/https://www.nso-sy.com/Details/862/10-women-at-least-were-wounded-by-%22YPG%22-shelling-at-the-psychiatric-hospital-in-Azaz-north-Aleppo/en |archive-date=22 January 2018 |url-status=dead }} The Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency reported that Russian military observers in the Afrin area began withdrawing on 19 January 2018 in anticipation of a Turkish offensive on YPG positions in Afrin.{{cite news |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/russian-troops-in-afrin-begun-to-be-withdrawn-state-run-media-125999 |title=Russian troops in Afrin begin withdrawing: Turkish state-run agency |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-troops-withdraw-afrin-ahead-turkish-invasion/ |title=Breaking: Russian troops withdraw from Afrin ahead of Turkish invasion |date=20 January 2018 |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919143747/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-troops-withdraw-afrin-ahead-turkish-invasion/ |url-status=dead }}

On 12 February, Turkey's Interior Ministry added the former PYD co-leader Salih Muslim Muhammad to its "wanted terrorists" list along with several new names and offered money for information on his whereabouts.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/former-pyd-leader-salih-muslim-pro-assad-group-leader-mihrac-ural-added-to-turkeys-wanted-terrorists-list-127163 |title=Former PYD leader Salih Muslim, pro-Assad group leader Mihraç Ural added to Turkey's 'wanted terrorists' list |website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=12 February 2018 }} On 25 February, Salih Muslim was detained in Prague at Turkey's request.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd/syrian-kurdish-leader-arrested-in-prague-at-turkeys-request-idUSKCN1G90E2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226135450/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd/syrian-kurdish-leader-arrested-in-prague-at-turkeys-request-idUSKCN1G90E2|date=26 February 2018}} Syrian Kurdish leader arrested in Prague at Turkey's request The Turkish Deputy PM Bekir Bozdağ said that Turkey is requesting Muslim's extradition.[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-requests-extradition-kurdish-leader-salih-muslim-180226082015004.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226135207/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-requests-extradition-kurdish-leader-salih-muslim-180226082015004.html|date=26 February 2018}} Turkey requests extradition of Kurdish ex-leader Salih Muslim However a Czech court released Muslim.[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/czech-releases-salih-muslim-preventing-extradition-turkey-180227105106092.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228214101/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/czech-releases-salih-muslim-preventing-extradition-turkey-180227105106092.html|date=28 February 2018}} Czech court releases Salih Muslim, preventing Turkey extradition The Turkish Deputy PM said this was "a move in support of terror".[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-lashes-czech-court-salih-muslim-release-180228062820768.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228214058/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-lashes-czech-court-salih-muslim-release-180228062820768.html|date=28 February 2018}} Turkey lashes out at Czech court over Salih Muslim's release

{{Main|Order of battle for Operation Olive Branch}}

File:Afrine ASL Bursaya 29-01-18 (2).jpg fighters and a Turkish tank on Mount Barsa ("Barṣāyā")]]

The largest group is between 10,000 and 25,000 Syrian Arab and Turkmen rebel fighters operating under the banner of the Syrian Interim Government and trained and supported by Turkey. The second largest group is 6,400 soldiers from the Turkish Armed Forces along with armored and air force support. Sunni Islamist rebels were also seen fighting alongside the Turkish-backed forces, including Ahrar al-Sham and Sham Legion."[https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/syria-operation-olive-branch-kurdish-fighters-fsa-afrin-ypg.html Kurdish fighters join Turkey's Afrin operation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217011830/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/syria-operation-olive-branch-kurdish-fighters-fsa-afrin-ypg.html |date=17 February 2018 }}". Al-Monitor. 16 February 2018.

In addition, The Independent reported that Turkey had a contingent of ex-ISIL fighters within the ranks of its allied military during the assault on Afrin.{{cite news |title=Turkey accused of recruiting ex-Isis fighters in their thousands to attack Kurds in Syria |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/turkey-isis-afrin-syria-kurds-free-syrian-army-jihadi-video-fighters-recruits-a8199166.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/turkey-isis-afrin-syria-kurds-free-syrian-army-jihadi-video-fighters-recruits-a8199166.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |agency=Independent |date=7 February 2018}} Several Jihadist fighters among the Turkish-backed forces released a video threatening to cut off the heads of Kurds whom they consider "infidels".{{cite news |title=After continued and heavy shelling since Wednesday…the Turkish forces and the factions of Operation "Olive Branch" take the control of about half of the city of Afrin |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=87003 |agency=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |date=18 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Syria's war of ethnic cleansing: Kurds threatened with beheading by Turkey's allies if they don't convert to extremism |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-turkey-afrin-kurds-eastern-ghouta-us-allies-militia-a8252456.html |agency=Independent |date=3 March 2018}} A video clip surfaced on the Internet which showed several TFSA Jihadists singing praise of previous battles that they've fought including Tora Bora (former headquarters of Osama bin Laden), Grozny, and Dagestan and then concluding: "And now Afrin is calling to us".{{cite news |title=Propaganda machines at full speed in northern Syria conflict |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20180211-syria-turkey-afrin-propaganda-kurds-video-twitter |publisher=France 24 |date=3 March 2018}} The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also stated that members of the Grey Wolves, a Turkish fascist, ultranationialist extremist organisation, fought alongside the pro-Turkish forces in Afrin.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=84036|title=The Turkish forces, the Gray Wolves and the factions advance in the west of Afrin and seek to wrap around a new village to expand their scope of control backed by intensive aerial and ground shelling|work=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)|date=30 January 2018}}

{{main|Democratic Federation of Northern Syria}}

The DFNS forces include the Syrian Democratic Forces (with the Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party’s{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/erdogan-operation-syria-afrin-begun-180120120424928.html |title=Erdogan: Operation in Syria's Afrin has begun |publisher=Al Jazeera}} armed wing the People's Protection Units (YPG), Afrin Region regional defense{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=87003 |title=After continued and heavy shelling since Wednesday…the Turkish forces and the factions of Operation "Olive Branch" take the control of about half of the city of Afrin |work=SOHR |date=18 March 2018 |access-date=18 March 2018}} and police forces.{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/asayish-forces-in-tirbe-sipi-renewed-martyrs-bledge/ |title=Asayish Forces in Tirbe Sipi renewed martyrs pledge |agency=Hawar News Agency |date=31 January 2018 |access-date=30 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064318/https://en.hawarnews.com/asayish-forces-in-tirbe-sipi-renewed-martyrs-bledge/ |archive-date=3 February 2018}} There have been reports that some of the YPG fighters in Afrin were child soldiers. The DFNS was also supported by foreign fighters,{{cite web |title=British men prepare to fight Turkish-led forces in Syria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42799284 |publisher=BBC |date=24 January 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/27/world/middleeast/foreign-fighters-kurdish-militia-syria.html |title=Foreign Fighters Back Kurdish Militia in Syria in Fight Against Turkey |work=The New York Times |date=27 January 2018 |access-date=2 February 2018 |author=Megan Specia}} including Iraqi fighters of the Sinjar Alliance, troops of the International Freedom Battalion, and PKK fighters.{{cite web |url=https://anfnews4.com/kurdistan/komalen-ciwan-efrin-da-hayatini-kaybeden-navdar-serhat-i-andi-105572 |title=Komalên Ciwan Efrîn'de hayatını kaybeden Navdar Serhat'ı andı |work=ANF News |language=tr |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328041319/https://anfnews4.com/kurdistan/komalen-ciwan-efrin-da-hayatini-kaybeden-navdar-serhat-i-andi-105572 |archive-date=28 March 2018 |url-status=dead }} In addition, Syrian pro-government forces entered the conflict on the side of the DFNS in February 2018. It is not clear how many government loyalists eventually fought in the operation; a YPG commander said that 4,000 militiamen were planned to enter Afrin,{{cite web |url=https://syriadirect.org/news/turkish-backed-forces-advance-in-afrin-despite-entry-of-pro-government-militias/ |title=Turkish-backed forces advance in Afrin despite entry of pro-government militias |author1=Ammar Hamou |author2=Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim |author3=Avery Edelman |work=SYRIA:direct |date=21 February 2018 |access-date=23 August 2018 }} though only about 500 were confirmed to have fought alongside the SDF. According to Kurdish officials over 20,000 fighters rallied to defend Afrin.

Haaretz reported that US-backed Kurdish forces received aid from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after Kurds requested that Damascus send reinforcements to protect Afrin's border. In response to the request, the Syrian government allowed Kurdish fighters, civilians and politicians to enter Afrin, including fighters from Kobani and Jazira. For much of the conflict the Syrian government and Kurdish forces have avoided one another; however, in the months leading up to the conflict Damascus began threatening to retake parts of North and Eastern Syria that had been captured by the US-backed SDF and even launched an attack against Deir al-Zor, which was met by coalition airstrikes.{{Cite news| last1 = Haaretz| last2 = Reuters| title = Why Assad Quietly Aids Syrian Kurds Against Turkey| work = Haaretz| access-date = 19 November 2018| date = 12 February 2018| url = https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/why-assad-quietly-aids-syrian-kurds-against-turkey-1.5807846}}

In late January, there were multiple reports that Western foreign fighters, including Americans, British, and Germans among others, had moved into Afrin to aid its defense against Turkish-led forces.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42799284 |title=British men prepare to fight Turkish-led forces in Syria |work=BBC News |date=24 January 2018 |access-date=2 February 2018}} On 12 February 2 foreign fighters, French citizen Olivier François Jean Le Clainche and Spanish citizen Samuel Prada Leon were killed in Afrin.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/tehdit-savurmuslardi-3-yabanci-terorist-olduruldu-40745726|title=Tehdit savurmuşlardı... 3 yabancı terörist öldürüldü|website=www.hurriyet.com.tr|date=18 February 2018 |access-date=14 September 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ypgrojava.org/Fallen-martyrs-of-Afrin-resistance |title=Fallen martyrs of Afrin resistance – English |website=www.ypgrojava.org |access-date=18 February 2018 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218125428/https://www.ypgrojava.org/Fallen-martyrs-of-Afrin-resistance |url-status=dead }} On 24 February, Icelandic activist Haukur Hilmarsson, who was fighting on the behalf of YPG, was killed in a Turkish airstrike in Afrin.{{cite news |author1=Birgir Olgeirsson |author2=Kolbeinn Tumi Daðason |author3=Samúel Karl Ólason |title=Íslendingur sagður hafa fallið í stríðsátökum í Sýrlandi |url=http://www.visir.is/g/2018180309241/islendingur-sagdur-hafa-fallid-i-stridsatokum-i-syrlandi |access-date=8 March 2018 |work=Vísir.is |date=7 March 2018 |language=is}}{{cite news |author1=Etkin Haber Ajansı |title=EÖT savaşçısı İzlandalı Haukur Hilmarsson şehit düştü |url=http://www.etha.com.tr/Haber/2018/03/06/guncel/eot-savascisi-izlandali-haukur-hilmarsson-sehit-du/ |access-date=8 March 2018 |work=etha.com |date=6 March 2018 |language=tr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306145728/http://www.etha.com.tr/Haber/2018/03/06/guncel/eot-savascisi-izlandali-haukur-hilmarsson-sehit-du/ |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |author1=Alma Ómarsdóttir |title=Aktífisti og baráttumaður fyrir hælisleitendur |url=http://www.ruv.is/frett/aktifisti-og-barattumadur-fyrir-haelisleitendur-0 |access-date=8 March 2018 |work=RÚV |date=7 March 2018 |language=is}}{{cite news |title=Íslendingur sagður hafa verið myrtur af tyrkneska hernum í Sýrlandi |url=https://stundin.is/grein/6354/islendingur-sagdur-drepinn-af-tyrkneska-hernum-i-syrlandi/ |access-date=8 March 2018 |work=Stundin |date=7 March 2018 |language=is}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nso-sy.com/det/964/en |title=NSO | Olive Branch Capture Sharran Area and SDF Move Hundreds of Fighters from East Euphrates to Efrin |publisher=Nso-sy.com |date=6 March 2018 |access-date=16 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151017/https://www.nso-sy.com/det/964/en |archive-date=7 March 2018 |url-status=dead }} On 9 March 3 Turkish citizen foreign fighters belonging to MLKP were reportedly killed in Afrin.[http://etha.com.tr/Haber/2018/03/09/guncel/efrinde-3-mlkp-savascisi-yasamini-yitirdi/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310151146/http://etha.com.tr/Haber/2018/03/09/guncel/efrinde-3-mlkp-savascisi-yasamini-yitirdi/|date=10 March 2018}} Efrin'de 3 MLKP savaşçısı ölümsüzleşti On 15 March, a Briton named Anna Campbell was reportedly killed in Afrin.[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43453292] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625180912/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43453292|date=25 June 2018}} Briton Anna Campbell killed fighting with Kurdish YPJ unit{{cite web |url=https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/8th-british-ypg-pkk-terror-group-member-dies-in-syria/1093241 |title=8th British YPG/PKK terror group member dies in Syria |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=20 March 2018}}

Following the end of open combat and the start of the insurgency, three new groups emerged which said to fight against the pro-Turkish forces in Afrin: The "Afrin Falcons",{{cite web |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/28062018 |title='Afrin Falcons' claim responsibility for city bombings |work=Rudaw Media Network |date=16 August 2018 |access-date=19 November 2018}} the "Afrin Liberation Forces",{{cite web |url=https://anfenglish.com/news/afrin-liberation-forces-hit-invaders-in-mare-32315 |title=Afrin Liberation Forces hit invaders in Mare |work=ANF News |date=21 January 2019 |access-date=6 February 2019}} and the "Wrath of Olives" operations room; they disavowed any connection to the YPG. The groups openly declared to "liquidate all the traitors dealing with the Turkish occupation".{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/bf4aae78-f0cd-422d-9bfb-99a889a63f8d |title=Mysterious armed group warns Afrin residents of 'new battle' |author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg |work=Kurdistan 24 |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=29 August 2018}} A Middle East security analyst said that these were front organizations for the YPG, as the latter was "under pressure from the United States to disassociate itself from the most controversial assassinations in Afrin."{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/c598314c-abb4-4468-a0a0-66e336661b32 |title=YPG rejects involvement in attacks by mysterious groups in Afrin |author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg |work=Kurdistan 24 |date=22 August 2018 |access-date=29 August 2018}}

The Turkish government announced the start of the offensive on 19 January 2018, with Turkish Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli stating, "The operation has actually de facto started with cross-border shelling." He added no troops had crossed into Afrin.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turkey-shells-syrias-afrin-region-minister-says-operation-has-begun-idUSKBN1F80XX |title=Turkey shells Syria's Afrin region, minister says operation has begun |work=Reuters |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=19 January 2018}} Turkey intensified its shelling later, while People's Protection Units (YPG) stated that 70 shells had been fired overnight.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42747702 |title=Turkey steps up Syria shelling as invasion of Afrin looms |publisher=BBC |date=19 January 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017}} On 20 January, after days of shelling, Turkish fighter jets carried out air strikes on the border district targeting positions held by the PYD and YPG groups.

File:Operation Olive Branch-Turkish Army tanks.jpg on the road to Afrin.]]

Turkish media reported that 20 buses carrying Turkish-backed Syrian opposition rebels had crossed into Syria through the Öncüpınar border crossing. An AFP photographer stated that 30 buses carrying Syrian fighters had also crossed through the Cilvegözü border crossing.{{cite news |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/turkish-troops-shell-afrin-to-oust-us-backed-kurdish-militia-9878402 |title=Turkish troops shell Afrin to oust US-backed Kurdish militia |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=19 January 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017 |archive-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065743/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/turkish-troops-shell-afrin-to-oust-us-backed-kurdish-militia-9878402 |url-status=dead }}

On 20 January, the pro-PYD Hawar News Agency reported that fighters of the Army of Revolutionaries in the Shahba Canton killed 4 Syrian National Army (SNA) fighters and wounded 5 others in a response to the recent mortar and artillery bombardments of civilian areas.{{cite web |url=http://en.hawarnews.com/afrin-sneaking-attempt-thwarted-ypg-ypj-inflicted-mercenaries-vast-damage/ |title=Afrin: sneaking attempt thwarted, YPG, YPJ inflicted mercenaries vast damage – ANHA |website=en.hawarnews.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120184123/http://en.hawarnews.com/afrin-sneaking-attempt-thwarted-ypg-ypj-inflicted-mercenaries-vast-damage/ |archive-date=20 January 2018}} YPG forces fired rockets on Turkish border towns Kilis and Reyhanli, where at least one civilian was reported killed and a number of others wounded. Turkey announced that its airstrikes had hit 150 targets in Afrin.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/21/turkey-starts-ground-incursion-into-kurdish-controlled-afrin-in-syria |title=Turkey starts ground incursion into Kurdish-controlled Afrin in Syria |first=Kareem |last=Shaheen |date=21 January 2018 |website=The Guardian}}{{cite news |title=Airstrikes pound Syria's Afrin as Turkey launches 'Operation Olive Branch' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/airstrikes-pound-syrias-afrin-as-turkey-launches-operation-olive-branch-idUSKBN1F90RQ |work=Reuters}}

The Turkish General Staff made the announcement in a statement published on its website, saying the objective of the mission is to "establish security and stability on our borders and region, to eliminate terrorists of PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and ISIL."{{cite web |url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-launches-border-security-mission-in-syria-s-afrin-14435 |title=Turkey launches border security mission in Syria's Afrin |website=Turkey launches border security mission in Syria's Afrin |access-date=21 January 2018}} On 21 January 2018, Turkish state media reported that Turkish ground forces had begun to move into Afrin.{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/turkish-state-media-reports-that-turkish-ground-forces-have-crossed-into-syrian-kurdish-enclave/ |title=Turkish state media reports that Turkish ground forces have crossed into Syrian Kurdish enclave |date=21 January 2018 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121184320/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/turkish-state-media-reports-that-turkish-ground-forces-have-crossed-into-syrian-kurdish-enclave/ |archive-date=21 January 2018 |url-status=live}} and had advanced up to {{convert|5|km|mi}} into the territory. SOHR reported that Turkish troops had clashed with Kurdish militias on the northern and western borders of Afrin and entered the towns of Shankil and Adah Manli to the west.{{cite news |title=Turkish troops attack Kurdish enclave in northern Syria |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/turkish-troops-attack-kurdish-enclave-northern-syria/ |access-date=22 January 2018 |publisher=CBS News}}

File:YPJ fighters (Afrin February 2018).jpg (YPJ) fighters in the Afrin Region during the operation.]]

By 22 January 2018, Turkish forces announced the capture of seven villages, although the YPG recaptured two.{{cite news |title=Syria offensive: Turkish troops 'capture villages' in Afrin |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42771469 |access-date=22 January 2018 |work=BBC News |year=2018}} The same day, the first Turkish soldier was reported killed in the fighting.{{cite news |title=Turkish soldier killed in clashes near Syria's Afrin region |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-soldier/turkish-soldier-killed-in-clashes-near-syrias-afrin-region-idUSKBN1FB2UX |access-date=22 January 2018 |work=Reuters}}{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/first-turkish-soldier-killed-northern-aleppo-operation/ |title=First Turkish soldier killed during northern Aleppo operation |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408015146/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/first-turkish-soldier-killed-northern-aleppo-operation/ |url-status=dead }} By 23 January, territorial gains of the pro-Turkish forces were still "limited". Both sides said to have inflicted numerous casualties on each other,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42788054 |title=Syria war: Thousands flee Turkish assault on Afrin enclave |work=BBC News |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=26 January 2018}} including a high-ranking TFSA commander,{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-kill-high-ranking-fsa-commander-northern-afrin/ |title=Kurdish forces kill high ranking FSA commander in northern Afrin |author=Leith Aboufadel |work=al-Masdar News |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=29 January 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919122747/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-forces-kill-high-ranking-fsa-commander-northern-afrin/ |url-status=dead }} amid the back-and-forth fighting for several strategic points at the border. Meanwhile, about 5,000 civilians had fled the Turkish advance in the contested areas, relocating into the central areas of Afrin Region.

On 27 January, in the first case of a Kurdish suicide attack against Turkish forces, female Kurdish YPJ fighter Zuluh Hemo (a.k.a. "Avesta Habur") reportedly threw a grenade down the turret of a Turkish tank, destroying the tank and killing two Turkish soldiers and herself. The reported attack took place during fighting in the village of al-Hammam.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/28/world/middleeast/kurds-female-suicide-bomber-syria.html |title=Female Kurdish Fighter Kills Turkish Troops in Likely Suicide Bombing in Syria |first=Rod |last=Nordland |date=30 January 2018 |work=The New York Times}} The Turkish military denied that any Turkish soldiers had been killed or injured in the incident, and also said that Hemo blew herself up with a grenade in her mouth.{{cite web |url=http://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/2537635-agzinda-el-bombasiyla-turk-askerine-saldirdi/?detay=1 |title=Ağzında el bombasıyla Türk askerine saldırdı! |last=Haber7 |website=Haber7}}

File:FSA and Turkish flags on Barsaya mountain.png and the Syrian independence flag on the top of Barsaya mountain.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCR5XfDJIjI | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/JCR5XfDJIjI| archive-date=18 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=FSA Captures Bursaya Mountain And Begin The Battles To Reach Afrin |website=YouTube |agency=Qasioun News Agency |language=ar |date=29 January 2018 |access-date=1 February 2018}}{{cbignore}}]]

On 28 January, pro-Turkish forces achieved their first major victory by capturing the strategic Barsaya mountain{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/01/28/world/middleeast/ap-syria-.html |title=Turkish Forces Target Strategic Hill Near Syria's Afrin |access-date=28 January 2018}}
[https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/Ag/news/world-policy/article/2018/01/28/turkish-forces-target-hill-syria Turkish Forces Target Hill in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023837/https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/Ag/news/world-policy/article/2018/01/28/turkish-forces-target-hill-syria |date=31 January 2018 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-score-first-major-victory-afrin/ |title=Turkish forces score first major victory in Afrin |date=28 January 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919114542/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-forces-score-first-major-victory-afrin/ |url-status=dead }} after several previous attacks on the mountain since 22 January failed{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=83907|title=With the continuation of clashes in Afrin area, the Turkish warplanes re-bombard the village in which they carried out a massacre today, killing 8 civilians of one family including 5 children • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=28 January 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}} due to Kurdish resistance.{{cite web |url=http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/jan/29/turkey-backed-forces-capture-syrian-hil/ |title=Turkey-backed forces capture Syrian hill |date=29 January 2018}} According to Kurdish reports, Kurdish fighters once again pushed back the Turkish-led forces from the mountain the following day,{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/01/turkey-olive-branch-claims-victory-bursaya.html |title=Battle for strategic Syrian peak continues |last=kjenson |date=29 January 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129220824/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/01/turkey-olive-branch-claims-victory-bursaya.html |archive-date=29 January 2018}} although Turkey disputed this,{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-soldiers-fsa-stay-on-alert-at-mt-bursaya/1047297 |title=Turkish soldiers, FSA stay on alert at Mt. Bursaya |publisher=Anadolu Agency}} with Turkish commander Lt. Gen. İsmail Metin Temel, who was leading the operation, reportedly visiting Barsaya.{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkish-commander-visits-peak-captured-from-terrorists/1045778 |title=Turkish commander visits peak captured from terrorists |publisher=Anadolu Agency}}

At the start of February, some rebel factions fighting on behalf of the Turkish army reportedly withdrew from Afrin in order to fight the Syrian army.{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ |title=Breaking: Turkey-led rebel factions begin withdrawing from Afrin towards east Idlib to fight Syrian Army – reports |date=1 February 2018 |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919143916/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-rebel-factions-begin-withdrawing-afrin-towards-east-idlib-fight-syrian-army-reports/ |url-status=dead }}

On 3 February, a Turkish Leopard 2 tank was destroyed by a YPJ Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) team northeast of Afrin city. Five Turkish soldiers reportedly died in the attack.{{Cite web |date=3 February 2018 |title=Syria war: Turkey suffers deadliest day in Afrin offensive |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42934041 |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=BBC NEWS}}{{Cite web |date=4 February 2018 |title=Afrin offensive: seven Turkish soldiers die in Syria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/04/afrin-offensive-seven-turkish-soldiers-tank-attack-syria |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |date=4 February 2018 |title=State media: 7 soldiers killed near Afrin |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/02/04/syria-afrin-turkey-attack.cnn |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=CNN}}

On 6 February, a convoy from the eastern parts of SDF-controlled Northern Syria carrying YPG as well as Yazidi YBŞ and YJÊ fighters passed through government-held territory and arrived in the city of Afrin after an agreement for the transfer was approved by Damascus. Their number was unclear, but estimates ranged from 500 to 5,000. There had been reports that the agreement, as well as a recent halt in Turkish airstrikes on the Afrin region, was approved after the Turkish troop deployment in the Aleppo province and the downing of a Russian Su-25 by rebels in the Idlib province, located close to Turkish troops on 3 February. A commander among the pro-Syrian government forces also said that the army had deployed air defenses and anti-aircraft missiles to the front lines near Turkish positions, covering the airspace of northern Syria including Afrin.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2018/02/06/ypg-sends-terrorists-to-syrias-afrin-under-civilian-guise |title=YPG sends terrorists to Syria's Afrin under civilian guise |website=Daily Sabah |date=6 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/russia-may-have-set-no-fly-zone-syria-claims |title=Russia may have set up no-fly zone in Syria – claims – Ahval |newspaper=Ahval |date=6 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207063159/https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/russia-may-have-set-no-fly-zone-syria-claims |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/060220183 |title=Supporters from across Rojava rally in Afrin |access-date=18 July 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allows-massive-ypg-convoy-travel-afrin-lines/ |title=Syrian Army allows massive YPG convoy to travel to Afrin from their lines |date=6 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919120056/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allows-massive-ypg-convoy-travel-afrin-lines/ |url-status=dead }} According to Turkish sources, Russia temporarily closed Syrian airspace to Turkey to establish an electronic defence mechanism against the shoulder-launched missiles since the night of 4 February. According to the report, Turkish armed drones can still operate in Afrin.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/afrin-havasinda-rusya-molasi-40734830 |title=Afrin havasında Rusya molası |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018}}

On 9 February, the Syrian airspace was reopened for Turkish jets.{{cite web |url=http://nedaa-sy.com/news/4156 |title=مجلس الأمن يرفض إدانة هجوم التحالف على النظام السوري |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=8 February 2018 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923191130/http://nedaa-sy.com/news/4156 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/son-dakika-jetler-afrinde-pkkyi-vuruyor-40735996 |title=Hava sahası açıldı: Türk Jetleri havalandı |work=Hürriyet Daily News|date=9 February 2018 }} On 10 February, a Turkish T129 ATAK attack helicopter crashed with both crew members being killed. According to Turkish President Erdoğan, the SDF, and SOHR, the helicopter was shot down.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-helicopte/turkish-helicopter-shot-down-by-kurdish-militia-in-syrias-afrin-erdogan-idUSKBN1FU0M3 |title=Turkish helicopter shot down by Kurdish militia in Syria's Afrin: Erdo |date=11 February 2018 |work=Reuters}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/10022018 |title=Kurdish forces shoot down Turkish helicopter over Afrin: SDF |access-date=18 July 2018}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=84554|title=Ambiguity surrounds the crew of a Turkish helicopter targeted by the Kurdish units in the skies of Raju area in the western section of Afrin countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=10 February 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}} The Turkish Prime Minister also confirmed that a helicopter had been downed, while the Turkish military did not give a cause for the crash but stated an investigation was being conducted.{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/world/11-turkish-troops-killed-in-deadliest-day-of-kurdish-offensive/|title=11 Turkish troops killed in deadliest day of Kurdish offensive|date=10 February 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}} The SDF on 17 February claimed a cross-border attack on Turkish forces and its allies in Kırıkhan. Turkish media had reported two Turkish soldiers and five Syrian rebels being wounded when a police station was hit by mortar fire in Kırıkhan.{{cite news |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/syria-kurds-claim-striking-positions-turkey-doc-10a52z1 |title=Syria Kurds claim striking positions in Turkey |publisher=Agence-France Presse |date=18 February 2018}}

File:Forces pro-régime Afrine 21-02-18 (3).jpg]]

On 19 February, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the Syrian government had reached a deal with the YPG in Afrin.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/syrian-tv-pro-syrian-government-forces-to-enter-syrias-afrin-within-hours-idUSKCN1G30SB |title=Turkey warns Syrian army against helping Kurdish YPG in Afrin |date=19 February 2018 |work=Reuters}} Turkish FM Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu responded that they welcomed Syrian forces if they wanted to fight the YPG, stating, "If so, there is no problem. However, if they are entering [Afrin] to protect YPG/PKK, nobody can stop the Turkish army". Nuri Mahmoud, a YPG spokesman, told Al-Jazeera that they had called upon pro-Syrian government forces "to preserve a united Syria" but added they hadn't arrived yet.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/cavusoglu-stop-turkish-forces-afrin-180219110149141.html |title=Cavusoglu: Nobody can stop Turkish forces in Afrin |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=19 February 2018}} However, a while later, Nuri denied they had reached an agreement with the Syrian government.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-ypg/syrian-kurdish-ypg-denies-deal-for-army-to-enter-afrin-idUSKCN1G31YU |title=Syrian Kurdish YPG denies deal for army to enter Afrin |date=19 February 2018 |work=Reuters}}

On 20 February, Turkish President Erdoğan stated that Turkey had thwarted the possible deployment of pro-Syrian government forces into the Afrin area after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the situation in Afrin could be resolved through direct dialogue between Damascus and Ankara.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-lavrov/russias-lavrov-calls-for-syria-turkey-talks-to-resolve-afrin-standoff-ifax-idUSKCN1G41LN |title=Russia's Lavrov calls for Syria-Turkey talks to resolve Afrin... |date=20 February 2018 |work=Reuters}} On the same day, TFSA linked the Bulbul area with Azaz, after capturing the Deir al-Sawan village.{{cite web |url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4405 |title="Olive Branch" connects A'zaz city to the areas of "Sharan" and "Bulbul" in Afrin (map) |date=20 February 2018 |access-date=20 February 2018 |archive-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124111830/http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4405 |url-status=dead }}

Later on 20 February, pro-Syrian government militias calling themselves the "Popular Forces" entered YPG-held Afrin.{{cite web |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-pro-government-forces-seen-moving-afrin-aid-fight-against-turkey-433640662 |title=Turkey Begins Shelling Pro-Government Forces in Syria |date=20 February 2018}} The Baqir Brigade, part of the Local Defence Forces (LDF) militia network, announced that it would be leading those forces. A convoy of pro-Syrian government troops entered the region to support the YPG, but was hit by Turkish forces, who fired "warning shots". Anadolu Agency stated that pro-Syrian government troops withdrew {{convert|10|km|mi}} from Afrin town because of the warning shots. SANA confirmed Turkish artillery involvement but didn't mention any retreat.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/pro-government-fighters-move-syria-afrin-180220145017422.html |title=Pro-government fighters move into Syria's Afrin |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=20 February 2018}} President Erdoğan said that the militias were repelled by Turkish artillery, adding that the convoy consisted of "terrorists" who acted independently. He also stated, "Unfortunately, these kind of terror organizations take wrong steps with the decisions they take. It is not possible for us to allow this. They will pay a heavy price."{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Erdogan-says-pro-Damascus-Shiite-forces-repelled-by-Turkish-artillery-543166 |title=Erdogan says pro-Damascus, Shi'ite forces repelled by Turkish artillery |date=20 February 2018 |agency=Reuters}}

File:Afrine 2018 23e division ASL (2).jpg, a TFSA member group, man observation points near Afrin, February 2018]]

Ex-PYD co-chair Salih Muslim Muhammad meanwhile denied any political agreement with the Syrian government, stating the agreement about Afrin was purely military.{{cite web |url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4426 |title=No political agreement held with the Syrian regime, Saleh Musallam says |date=21 February 2018 |access-date=21 February 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914044123/http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/4426 |url-status=dead }} The Syrian state media on 21 February announced the arrival of more pro-Syrian government forces. A commander of an alliance fighting for the Syrian government stated that pro-government militias in Afrin had retaliated after being attacked by Turkish-backed rebels during the preceding night.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/stakes-rise-in-turkeys-afrin-assault-as-pro-assad-militia-arrive-idUSKCN1G50ON |title=Stakes rise in Turkey's Afrin assault as pro-Assad militia arrive |work=Reuters|date=21 February 2018 }}

By 26 February, the YPG had been pushed back from most of the border with Turkey. During the day, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag announced the deployment of police special forces in Afrin for a new battle.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turkey-gains-control-of-border-strip-inside-syrias-afrin-sends-special-forces-idUSKCN1GA14E |title=Turkey sends special forces for next stage of Afrin offensive |work=Reuters|date=26 February 2018 }} The Turkish government stated on 28 February that the United Nations' recent Syrian ceasefire resolution didn't cover Afrin, and that Turkey wasn't a part of the Syrian conflict.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-ceasefire-resolution-afrin-180228122333571.html |title=Turkey: UN resolution is not about Afrin |publisher=Al Jazeera}} On the next day, the SOHR reported that Turkish forces and its allies had taken complete control for the border, which was also confirmed by Turkish media. Meanwhile, Turkish forces were fighting to capture the towns of Jandairis and Rajo.{{cite web |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/260220182 |title=Turkey takes full control of Afrin borders: monitor |publisher=Rudaw}}

The TAF stated on 1 March that eight Turkish soldiers were killed, while 13 were wounded in clashes. SOHR reported that Turkish airstrikes in the village of Jamaa killed 17 pro-government fighters overnight.{{cite web |url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/turkey-strikes-at-syrian-fighters-after-eight-soldiers-killed-in-afrin-1.709458 |title=Eight Turkish soldiers killed, 13 wounded in clashes in Syria's Afrin |work=Agence-France Presse |date=2 March 2018}} Doğan News Agency stated that a Turkish helicopter evacuating wounded had to return when it was hit.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/02/turkey-suffers-deadly-day-afrin-offensive/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/02/turkey-suffers-deadly-day-afrin-offensive/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Turkey suffers deadly day in Afrin offensive |work=Agence-France Presse|date=2 March 2018 |agency=Agence France-Presse }}{{cbignore}} 36 militiamen belonging to the NDF were killed in Turkish airstrikes two days later on a camp in Kafr Jina, per SOHR.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43271148 |title=Afrin offensive: 36 pro-Syrian government soldiers 'killed in Turkish air strike' |work=BBC News |date=3 March 2018 }}

File:Afrin frontlines 2018.gif

On 3 March, the Turkish-led forces said they had captured Rajo,{{cite web |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1GF0LE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303225604/https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1GF0LE |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2018 |title=Syrian government makes Ghouta gains; Turkey steps up Afrin attack |first=Reuters |last=Editorial |access-date=3 March 2018}} one of the major Kurdish strongholds in western Afrin. It was reported that Turkish-led forces quickly breached its defenses and captured it in an hour.{{cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-forces-seize-major-kurdish-stronghold-west-afrin-prepare-storm-another/ |title=Breaking: Turkey-led forces seize major Kurdish stronghold in west Afrin, prepare to storm another |work=Al-Masdar News |date=3 March 2018 |access-date=3 March 2018 |archive-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101143330/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkey-led-forces-seize-major-kurdish-stronghold-west-afrin-prepare-storm-another/ |url-status=dead }} However, SOHR reported that the town was still contested,{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest/ |title=The Latest: Turkey tightens grip on Syrian Kurdish enclave |website=Fox News |date=3 March 2018 |access-date=3 March 2018}} although the TFSA had captured 70 percent of it. The TFSA/TSK also stated the capturing of six villages, including two on the Jinderes district axis, as well as the Bafilyun mountain west of Azaz, making quick gains in recent days.{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-43273586 |date=3 March 2018 |title=Suriye İnsan Hakları Gözlemevi: Türk uçakları Suriye yönetimi yanlısı güçleri vurdu |publisher=BBC Türkçe |language=tr}} The next day, Rajo was still under heavy Turkish bombardment as the TFSA was attempting to take full control of the town.{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=86117 |title=Afrin's battles rage and the Turkish forces fight desperately to take the control of two towns in the western section of the area with the help of intensive aerial and ground shelling |date=4 March 2018 |publisher=SOHR |access-date=4 March 2018}} The SDF confirmed pro-Turkish forces had entered the town and that clashes were continuing during the morning.{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/8fa9ba62-7818-41f4-b133-81209f10fdaf |title=Turkish military intensifies bombardment on Afrin from four sides, rising civilian casualties |last=Kurdistan24 |access-date=20 March 2018}} Later in the day, the SOHR reported large parts of Rajo were captured, while the TFSA had also entered Shaykh al-Hadid.{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=86124 |title=Fears of besieging more than one million people in Afrin area by the Turkish forces after they become 12 km away from Afrin city |date=4 March 2018 |publisher=SOHR |access-date=4 March 2018}} On 5 March, Rajo was confirmed by the SOHR to had been captured by the TFSA.{{cite web |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=86197 |title=More than 120 casualties and injuries in the violent aerial and ground shelling on Afrin area |date=5 March 2018 |publisher=SOHR |access-date=5 March 2018}} After the capture of Rajo the TFSA also captured the notorious "black prison" near Rajo, which was known to be used by the YPG to jail and torture Kurdish dissents as well as anti-Assad activists and rebels.{{cite web |url=http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/syriasource/the-black-prison-of-afrin |title=The Black Prison of Afrin |first=Khalifa |last=al-Khuder |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=3 June 2018}}

On 6 March, the SDF announced that it had shifted 1,700 personnel from their frontlines in the Middle Euphrates river valley in Deir ez-Zor to Afrin.{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/us-coalition-asks-for-pause-in-hostilities-in-northwest-syria/4283260.html |title=US Coalition Asks for Pause in Hostilities in Northwest Syria |date=6 March 2018 |publisher=Voice of America}} Between 8 and 9 March, the Turkish Army, alongside the TFSA, captured Jandairis{{cite web |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1261956/middle-east |title=Turkish military seize control of Jinderes town in Syria's Afrin region |date=8 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018}} and the Afrin Dam,{{cite web |title=Turkey May Be Violating International Law in its Afrin Offensive |work=Al Bawaba |access-date=20 March 2018 |date=19 March 2018 |url=https://www.albawaba.com/news/turkey-may-be-violating-international-law-its-afrin-offensive-1104952}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/afrinde-cok-kritik-gelisme-17-nisan-baraji-da-ele-gecirildi-40766523 |title=Afrin'de çok kritik gelişme! 17 Nisan Barajı da ele geçirildi |date=9 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018}} reaching the outskirts of Afrin on 10 March.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/turkish-forces-reach-outskirts-of-afrin-town-monitor-idUSKCN1GM0JR |title=Turkish forces reach outskirts of Afrin town: monitor |date=11 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018 |work=Reuters}} On 12 March, Turkish Forces had severed the water supply to the city of Afrin, and also cut off the city's Internet access.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/civilians-organise-human-shield-protect-kurdish-afrin-180311163553611.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704165102/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/civilians-organise-human-shield-protect-kurdish-afrin-180311163553611.html|url-status=dead|title=Civilians organise 'human shield' to protect Kurdish Afrin|archive-date=4 July 2018|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=14 September 2019}}

By 13 March, Turkish troops announced they had now surrounded the city{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43384120 |title=Afrin: Turkish forces 'encircle' Syrian Kurdish city |date=13 March 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 March 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/13/middleeast/syria-afrin-surrounded-intl/index.html |title=Turkey says troops encircle Kurdish-held city in Syria |date=13 March 2018 |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720194248/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/13/middleeast/syria-afrin-surrounded-intl/index.html |archive-date=20 July 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.dw.com/en/turkish-army-surrounds-syrian-city-of-afrin/a-42955719 |title=Deutch Weller |date=13 March 2018 |work=Deutch Welle |access-date=15 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314123223/http://www.dw.com/en/turkish-army-surrounds-syrian-city-of-afrin/a-42955719 |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkish-forces-have-surrounded-afrin-city-syria-operation-says-state-media-1815588845 |title=Turkish forces say they have 'surrounded' Afrin city |date=13 March 2018 |website=middleeast eye |access-date=16 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315195931/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkish-forces-have-surrounded-afrin-city-syria-operation-says-state-media-1815588845 |archive-date=15 March 2018 |url-status=live}} later confirmed by the UK based human rights group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/turkey-forces-encircle-kurdish-controlled-centre-afrin-180313085406588.html |title=Turkey forces encircle Kurdish-controlled centre of Afrin |date=14 March 2018 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=14 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313212244/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/turkey-forces-encircle-kurdish-controlled-centre-afrin-180313085406588.html |archive-date=13 March 2018 |url-status=live}} On the next day, seven people were killed in Turkish shelling on Afrin. Between eight and ten pro-government fighters were killed in Turkish airstrikes to the south of Afrin.{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/seven-killed-turkish-shelling-kurdish-afrin-intensifies/4298957.html |title=7 Killed as Turkish Shelling of Kurdish Afrin Intensifies |date=14 March 2018 |publisher=Voice of America}}{{cite web |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/826/turkish-raids-kill-10-syria-regime-loyalists-near-afrin-monitor-doc-12i06m3 |title=Turkish raids kill 10 Syria regime loyalists near Afrin: monitor |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=20 March 2018}}

By then, SDF troops had moved into Afrin from other areas, including retreating troops from the unsuccessful defence of Jinderes, and dozens of international volunteers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/battle-for-afrin-turkish-forces-advance-raises-fears-of-new-ghouta-20180313-p4z41v.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720194244/https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/battle-for-afrin-turkish-forces-advance-raises-fears-of-new-ghouta-20180313-p4z41v.html|url-status=dead|title=Battle for Afrin: Turkish forces' advance raises fears of 'new Ghouta'|first=Josie|last=Ensor|date=13 March 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=14 September 2019}} reinforcing the troop numbers there, and preparing defences.{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/03/will-ypg-retreat-afrin.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711201013/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/03/will-ypg-retreat-afrin.html|url-status=dead|title=Erdogan menaces Afrin as YPG digs in|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|website=Al-Monitor|access-date=14 September 2019}} By Mid March, civilians started arriving in the city, organising themselves as human shields in anticipation of the attack while another 2000 civilians fled the city, in advance of the Turkish troops.{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180312-syria-afrin-city-hundreds-civilians-flee-turkish-forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055524/http://www.france24.com/en/20180312-syria-afrin-city-hundreds-civilians-flee-turkish-forces|url-status=dead|title=Hundreds of civilians flee as Turkish forces advance on Syria's Afrin city|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=18 July 2018|website=France 24|access-date=14 September 2019}}

On 15 March, Turkish artillery bombardment against the city increased, with 12 people killed and 60 injured. Food shortages were reported in the city, with long queues at bakeries. Turkey allowed people to exit the city through the one remaining road, with about 10,000 people exiting the city.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/turkish-led-assault-syria-afrin-displaced-10000-day-180315181847193.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005445/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/turkish-led-assault-syria-afrin-displaced-10000-day-180315181847193.html|url-status=dead|title=Fighting in Afrin displaces thousands, says monitor|archive-date=27 June 2018|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=14 September 2019}} Turkey started dropping flyers on the city on 15 March, urging the Kurdish and allied fighters to give up, and asking civilians to stay away from "terrorist" positions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journal.com/ap/international/the-latest-turkey-urges-syrian-kurds-in-afrin-to-surrender/article_0c014c02-604e-5a34-85d7-9c08912a42ff.html|title="The Latest: Turkey urges Syrian Kurds in Afrin to surrender" Longview News Journal, 15 March 2018|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316135325/https://www.news-journal.com/ap/international/the-latest-turkey-urges-syrian-kurds-in-afrin-to-surrender/article_0c014c02-604e-5a34-85d7-9c08912a42ff.html|url-status=dead}} Turkish artillery fire continued on the next day, killing another 16 people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/turkeu-syria-afrin-18-civilians/208310|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712005156/https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/turkeu-syria-afrin-18-civilians/208310|url-status=dead|title=Turkish artillery fire on Syria's Afrin kills 18 civilians: Monitor|archive-date=12 July 2018|website=www.timesnownews.com|access-date=14 September 2019}} Meanwhile, the YPG claimed a Turkish airstrike hit the main hospital in the city - the only functioning hospital - resulting in 16 civilians dead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/turkish-air-strike-hits-hospital-in-syria-s-afrin-nine-dead-monitor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711194638/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/turkish-air-strike-hits-hospital-in-syria-s-afrin-nine-dead-monitor|url-status=dead|title=Turkish air strike hits hospital in Syria's Afrin, nine dead: monitor|archive-date=11 July 2018|website=SBS News|access-date=14 September 2019}} The hospital had already been inundated with injured people from the region, fleeing Turkish advances.{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005172|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327182758/https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005172|url-status=dead|title=Syria: Children, families killed by airstrikes, shelling in Afrin – UN|date=16 March 2018|archive-date=27 March 2018|website=UN News|access-date=14 September 2019}} However, Turkish drone footage released the next day allegedly showed the hospital intact.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/free-syrian-army-group-captures-afrin-city-180318081430817.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318091622/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/free-syrian-army-group-captures-afrin-city-180318081430817.html|url-status=dead|title=Turkish forces and Free Syrian Army capture Afrin city|archive-date=18 March 2018|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=14 September 2019}}

File:Turkish Army Captured Afrin 01.jpg and TFSA fighters at the building in Afrin that had hosted the PYD-led government of the region, 18 March 2018]]

On 17 March, Turkish and TFSA forces started their ground attack on the city. They met light resistance and penetrated to the center of the city. Most of the population had left, and rather than engaging the Turkish forces, most of the SDF had retreated, leaving only a small resistance effort behind. On 18 March, TAF forces posted pictures from the center of the city, which appeared to be largely empty. Turkish troops initially shot at, and then removed with a bulldozer, a statue of Kawa, a legendary Kurdish figure, in the center of the town, and raised Turkish flags throughout the city. The city was captured with minimal losses by the TAF and minimal losses by the SDF in their withdrawal.{{cite news |title=Syria war: Turkey-backed forces oust Kurds from heart of Afrin |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-43447624 |access-date=18 March 2018 |publisher=BBC}} SDF troops had withdrawn to government-held areas, or to SDF areas east of the Euphrates. SDF troops had been ordered to withdraw, though a few minor pockets refused orders and stayed to combat the Turkish forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin-idUSKCN1GU07P|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711170549/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/turkish-forces-and-syrian-allies-drive-kurds-from-afrin-idUSKCN1GU07P|url-status=dead|title=Turkish forces and Syrian allies drive Kurds from Afrin|date=18 March 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|access-date=14 September 2019|via=www.reuters.com}} The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said of the capture: "In the city of Afrin, which was captured by Turkish forces yesterday, scores of civilians have been killed and injured due to airstrikes, ground-based strikes, and explosive hazards, and thousands have been displaced."{{cite news |title=Displacement surges as twin military offensives drive thousands from Afrin and east Ghouta – UN |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1005392 |agency=UN News |date=21 March 2018}}

After the capture of Afrin, which had been deserted by most of its residents, Turkish-backed fighters then began stealing vehicles and goods, looting the homes, businesses, and political and military sites.{{cite news |title=Turkish-backed forces loot Syrian town of Afrin |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/19/middleeast/afrin-looting-intl/index.html |access-date=18 March 2018 |publisher=CNN |date=19 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Pro-Turkish forces pillage Afrin after taking Syrian city |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pro-turkish-forces-pillage-afrin-taking-syrian-city-195451166.html |access-date=18 March 2018 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=18 March 2018}} In response to these events, the Turkish military and allied TFSA units, including the Syrian Interim Government's Military Police, set up checkpoints in front of the city, and arrested several looters. Some battalions of the TFSA's 3rd Corps were disbanded due to their participation in the thefts.{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/03/syrian-national-army-efforts-security-afrin-corrupt-members.html |title=Syrian opposition seeks to clamp down on looting in Afrin |work=al-Monitor |author=Khaled al-Khateb |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=30 March 2018}} The Levant Front announced that they dismissed 52 of its members, due to assault on the properties of civilians.[http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/5155] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720194158/http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/5155|date=20 July 2018}} Shami Front taking action against looters in shape of battalion involved in attacking civilian funds in Afrin

{{main|SDF insurgency in northern Syria}}

After the Turkish-led forces captured Afrin District in early 2018, they began to implement a resettlement policy by moving Arab refugees from southern Syria into the empty homes that belonged to displaced locals.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-yazidis-isis-islam-conversion-afrin-persecution-kurdish-a8310696.html |title=Yazidis who suffered under Isis face forced conversion to Islam amid fresh persecution in Afrin |author=Patrick Cockburn |work=The Independent |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=23 August 2018 }}{{cite news |title=Syria's war of ethnic cleansing: Kurds threatened with beheading by Turkey's allies if they don't convert to extremism |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-assad-regime-turkey-afrin-kurds-eastern-ghouta-us-allies-militia-a8252456.html |work=The Independent |date=12 March 2018}}

The border crossing between Afrin and Turkey reopened in November 2018.{{Cite news| title = Turkey opens gate with neighboring Syria's Afrin: trade minister| work = Reuters| access-date = 19 November 2018| date = 9 November 2018| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUSKCN1NE0UU}}

On 18 November 2018, the Turkish Army and Turkish-backed rebel factions launched an operation against a group named al-Sharqiya Martyrs of about 200 fighters who were reported to disobey and commit abuses.{{Cite web|url=https://smartnews-agency.com/en/breakingNews/345510/clashes-erupt-between-national-army-and-alsharqiya-martyrs-brigade-in|title=SMART News Agency - Clashes erupt between National Army and al-Sharqiya Martyrs Brigade in Afrin, killing and injuring members on both sides, according to military source.|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124054941/https://smartnews-agency.com/en/breakingNews/345510/clashes-erupt-between-national-army-and-alsharqiya-martyrs-brigade-in|url-status=dead}} A rebel commander named Mahmoud ‘Azazi was killed on 19 November and a mass rebel surrender took place on the same day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-commander-killed-by-turkish-military-in-northern-syria/|title=Rebel commander killed by Turkish military in northern Syria|first=Leith|last=Aboufadel|date=19 November 2018|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101150448/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-commander-killed-by-turkish-military-in-northern-syria/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://en.muraselon.com/2018/11/turkish-military-rebels-surrender-afrin/|title=Afrin : Renegade rebels surrender to Turkish military|date=19 November 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/scores-of-rebels-surrender-to-turkish-army-after-fierce-clashes-in-aleppo/|title=Scores of rebels surrender to Turkish Army after fierce clashes in Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Aboufadel|date=19 November 2018|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124060543/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/scores-of-rebels-surrender-to-turkish-army-after-fierce-clashes-in-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} The clashes left 25 fighters dead.{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/clashes-between-pro-turkish-rebel-factions-kill-25-syrias-afrin|title=Clashes between pro-Turkish rebel factions kill 25 in Syria's Afrin|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=14 September 2019}}

{{See also|Turkish occupation of northern Syria}}

File:Prise d'Afrine(7).jpg distributes aid to the local civilians ]]

Soon after Afrin city had been captured, Turkey began to consolidate its control over the entire district through a number of policies. The Turkish-backed forces pushed back the Syrian government loyalists: On 21 March, the Turkish Air Force launched airstrikes against pro-government forces located in towns of Kimar and Barad. By the evening, the TFSA had captured the two settlements, advancing within few kilometres from Nubl and Al-Zahraa.{{Cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkish-backed-rebels-attack-syrian-military-in-northern-aleppo/ |title=Breaking: Turkish-backed rebels attack Syrian military in northern Aleppo |date=21 March 2018 |work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324124533/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-turkish-backed-rebels-attack-syrian-military-in-northern-aleppo/|archive-date=24 March 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-seize-first-towns-from-government-forces-in-northern-aleppo/ |title=Turkish-backed rebels seize first towns from government forces in northern Aleppo |date=21 March 2018 |work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322104132/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-rebels-seize-first-towns-from-government-forces-in-northern-aleppo/|archive-date=22 March 2018|url-status=live}} Furthermore, Turkish President Erdoğan announced that the operation would only achieve its goal by taking Tell Rifaat,[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-tal-rifaat-to-be-taken-soon-129285] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023553/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-tal-rifaat-to-be-taken-soon-129285|date=27 March 2018}} Erdoğan: Tal Rifaat to be taken soon and rebuked a Russian demand to return Afrin to Syrian government control, saying "When the time comes, we will give Afrin to the people of Afrin personally, but the timing of this is up to us, we will determine it, not Mr. Sergei Lavrov."{{cite news |date=10 April 2018 |title=Turkey refutes Russian call for Syria's Afrin |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-refutes-russian-call-for-syrias-afrin-130097}} These actions were in line with the Turkish policy to prevent the Syrian government from retaking the Turkish-occupied territories in Syria.{{cite web |url=https://syriadirect.org/news/as-syria%e2%80%99s-proxies-converge-on-idlib-what%e2%80%99s-next-for-turkey%e2%80%99s-northern-state-within-a-state/ |title=As Syria's proxies converge on Idlib, what's next for Turkey's northern state-within-a-state? |author=Madeline Edwards |work=SYRIA:direct and Konrad Adenauer Foundation |date=6 August 2018 |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171532/https://syriadirect.org/news/as-syria%E2%80%99s-proxies-converge-on-idlib-what%E2%80%99s-next-for-turkey%E2%80%99s-northern-state-within-a-state/ |url-status=dead }}

Furthermore, Turkey organized a number of local councils to serve as civilian government of Afrin District,{{cite web |url=https://syriadirect.org/news/interim-governing-council-formed-to-tackle-%e2%80%98disaster%e2%80%99-in-afrin-after-turkish-backed-offensive/ |title=Interim governing council formed to tackle 'disaster' in Afrin after Turkish-backed offensive |author1=Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim |author2=Alice Al Maleh |author3=Tariq Adely |work=SYRIA:direct |date=26 March 2018 |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194252/https://syriadirect.org/news/interim-governing-council-formed-to-tackle-%E2%80%98disaster%E2%80%99-in-afrin-after-turkish-backed-offensive/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/interim-local-council-established-in-syria-s-afrin/1116152|title=Interim local council established in Syria's Afrin|website=www.aa.com.tr|access-date=14 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/interim-local-council-established-in-syrias-afrin-130227|title=Interim local council established in Syria's Afrin - World News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=12 April 2018 |access-date=14 September 2019}} with the one for Afrin city composed of Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen civilian representatives.{{cite web |url=https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/interim-local-council-established-in-syria-s-afrin/1116152 |title=Interim local council established in Syria's Afrin |publisher=Aa.com.tr |access-date=30 April 2018}} Though the Turkish government closely works with these councils, they generally operate as autonomous entities and are supposed to help restoring civil society,{{cite web |url=https://spectator.org/in-syria-its-either-reconciliation-or-annexation/ |title=In Syria, It's Either Reconciliation or Annexation |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |work=The American Spectator |date=23 August 2018 |access-date=26 August 2018 }} as Turkey followed a "hands-off approach to governance and policing". The councils helped to demine Afrin city, as the SDF had left a disputed number of mines behind while leaving the city. One YPG commander said that his troops had not placed any explosives "within cities or residential areas", while TFSA officials estimated that the YPG had left "tens of thousands" of hidden mines behind. The pro-Turkish Afrin Civil Council later stated that mines had killed about 250 civilians in Afrin city by May 2018, though this was not independently verifiable.{{cite web |url=https://syriadirect.org/news/hidden-explosives-stunt-movement-frighten-afrin-residents-two-months-into-pro-turkish-rule/ |title=Hidden explosives stunt movement, frighten Afrin residents two months into pro-Turkish rule |author1=Bahira al-Zarier |author2=Justin Clark |author3=Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim |author4=Ammar Hamou |work=SYRIA:direct |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=16 August 2018 }} These efforts meant that Afrin city had been stabilized to some degree by May, with displaced civilians returning and municipal services resuming. With the support of the Turkish government and the stabilization committee, the local council in Afrin was able to fix the engines of Meydanki Dam, and was able to pump water to the desalination plant in the town of Sharran, to provide drinkable water for residents of Afrin and the city of Azaz.{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/05/syria-afrin-turkey-fsa-return-services-displaced.html |title=Syria's Afrin rebuilds, welcoming back displaced citizens |first=Khaled |last=al-Khateb |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=3 June 2018}}

File:TFSA fighters praying on Barsaya mountain.png fighters praying after capturing Mount Barsa. The conservative values of the Turkish-backed FSA fighters caused tensions with many "leftist-minded" Kurdish civilians. ]]

Turkey has also implemented more contentious policies, however, as it began to resettle TFSA fighters and refugees from southern Syria{{cite web |url=https://syriadirect.org/news/seizing-lands-from-afrin%e2%80%99s-displaced-kurds-turkish-backed-militias-offer-houses-to-east-ghouta-families/ |title=Seizing lands from Afrin's displaced Kurds, Turkish-backed militias offer houses to East Ghouta families |author1=Ammar Hamou |author2=Barrett Limoges |work=SYRIA:direct |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194307/https://syriadirect.org/news/seizing-lands-from-afrin%E2%80%99s-displaced-kurds-turkish-backed-militias-offer-houses-to-east-ghouta-families/ |url-status=dead }} into the empty homes that belonged to displaced Kurdish and Yazidi locals. Though some Kurdish militias of the TFSA and the Turkish-backed civilian councils opposed these resettlement policies, most FSA units fully supported them. Many were also critical of the deeply conservative and religious policies of the TFSA units. There were other locals, however, who approved of the new government, considering it less harsh and ideologically charged than the previous PYD government.

{{See also|Wrath of Olives|2019 Tell Rifaat Clashes}}

A PYD spokesman had already announced shortly after the capture of Afrin city that the SDF would continue to fight the pro-Turkish forces using guerilla tactics.{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/kurds-promise-guerrilla-war-turkey-backed-forces-take-afrin-city-centre|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180319044721/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkish-led-forces-seize-centre-syrias-afrin-653387275|url-status=dead|title=Kurds promise guerrilla war as Turkey-backed forces take Afrin city centre|archive-date=19 March 2018|website=Middle East Eye|access-date=14 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://anfenglish.com/features/saleh-moslem-guerrilla-warfare-begins-in-afrin-25573|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711201908/https://anfenglish.com/features/saleh-moslem-guerrilla-warfare-begins-in-afrin-25573|url-status=dead|title=Saleh Moslem: Guerrilla warfare begins in Afrin|archive-date=11 July 2018|website=ANF News|access-date=14 September 2019}} On 4 May, the YPG also declared that they would target the family members of rebel fighters active in Afrin region, as well as refugees that were settled in Afrin.{{cite news |url=https://ahvalnews.com/ypg/syrian-kurdish-forces-threaten-families-turkeys-allies-afrin |title=Syrian Kurdish forces threaten families of Turkey's allies in Afrin – Ahval |newspaper=Ahval |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=18 July 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194202/https://ahvalnews.com/ypg/syrian-kurdish-forces-threaten-families-turkeys-allies-afrin |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://theregion.org/article/13387-ypg-will-target-any-group-working-with-turkish-army-afrin |title=YPG will target any group working with Turkish army in Afrin |first=Wladimir van |last=Wilgenburg |access-date=3 June 2018 |archive-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101141628/http://theregion.org/article/13387-ypg-will-target-any-group-working-with-turkish-army-afrin |url-status=dead }} The "Wrath of Olives" operation room was established in early summer, 2018. The YPG has denied being affiliated with this group,{{Cite web|url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/c598314c-abb4-4468-a0a0-66e336661b32|title=YPG rejects involvement in attacks by mysterious groups in Afrin|access-date=14 September 2019}} which has been active all over Turkish-held Syria.

File:July 2018 VBIED attack in Jarabulus.webm attack on Jarabulus that wounded over 10 people. Various groups were accused of being the preparators, including the YPG, but also ISIL and Syrian government loyalists. ]]

By May 2018, an insurgency had broken out in Afrin District, as YPG holdouts{{cite news |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/13/turkey-has-made-a-quagmire-for-itself-in-syria/ |title=Turkey Has Made a Quagmire for Itself in Syria |author=Borzou Daragahi |work=Foreign Policy |date=13 July 2018 |access-date=28 July 2018}} and allied militants, calling themselves the "Afrin Falcons",{{cite news |url=https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/twin-explosions-mark-new-tensions-afrin |title=Twin explosions mark new tensions in Afrin |author=Sirwan Kajjo |work=Ahval |date=30 June 2018 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194159/https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/twin-explosions-mark-new-tensions-afrin |url-status=dead }} were carrying out bombings, ambushes and assassinations against the Turkish army, the TFSA, and civilian sympathizers.{{cite news |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/02701924-aa19-4978-870e-ded15e10ded9 |title=YPG continues attacks on Turkish army and rebels in Afrin |author=Wladimir van Wilgenburg |work=Kurdistan 24 |date=17 July 2018 |access-date=28 July 2018}} The insurgents were aided in their attempts to destabilize the Turkish-led rule over Afrin by the unrest that still dominated the area. Hostilities remained high between mostly Kurdish natives and largely Arab refugees who had settled in the region after the occupation, while several TFSA groups continued to cause security problems. Despite Turkish attempts to train and disciplined them, these militias sometimes violently clashed with each other and terrorized the local civilians. A TFSA vehicles was seen with portraits of Saddam Hussein, who had committed a genocide against Iraqi Kurds. Kurds in Afrin said this was an attempt to humiliate suspected PKK members.

By mid-2018, the insurgency was mostly focused on the rural areas and Afrin city's outskirts, where Turkish Air Force bombarded YPG holdouts in early May and early July.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=91831|title=After 54 Days of Controlling the Area, Turkish Warplanes Bomb North of Afrin, In Conjunction with Ground Shelling Accompanies A Direct Confrontation Between the Kurdish And Turkish Forces • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=11 May 2018|access-date=14 September 2019}} In early May, the YPG killed the former leader of the Free East Ghouta Police, Jamal al-Zaghloul, whose forces had been tasked with police duties in Afrin after the occupation. He was killed by a mine in al-Basouta, south of Afrin city. Following his death, the YPG stated that "anyone in cooperation with the invasion forces is our target". On 26 August, the YPG published a video of the assassination of an al-Rahman Legion commander, Abu Muhammad Al-Shmali, in Babili.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-18-ypg-assassinated-high-ranking-fsa-commander-in-afrin-video/|title=YPG assassinated high ranking FSA commander in Afrin|work=AMN – Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413194209/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-18-ypg-assassinated-high-ranking-fsa-commander-in-afrin-video/|url-status=dead}}

The insurgents also carried out a smaller number of urban bombings in the Turkish occupation zone. On 27 June, a twin bombing targeted Afrin's city center which killed nine people, injuring several others, with the Kurdish Afrin Falcons group claiming responsibility, stating that the group has no affiliation with any other Kurdish military or political groups and that its "struggle was independent". Other major bombings occurred in Jarablus on 7 July (seven wounded), al-Bab on 8 July (several killed), and again in Afrin's city center on 22 August (at least one killed).{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/7eafa4e4-7c94-46c1-8b2a-0ae13f80d424|title=Explosion in Afrin city center kills three|work=Kurdistan 24}}{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/c598314c-abb4-4468-a0a0-66e336661b32|title=YPG rejects involvement in attacks by mysterious groups in Afrin|work=Kurdistan 24}} It is not always clear, however, who is responsible for the bombings, with ISIL remnants and Syrian government loyalists also being suspected of carrying out some attacks.{{cite news |url=https://smartnews-agency.com/en/media/305629/car-bomb-explodes-in-jarabulus-city-aleppo |title=Car bomb explodes in Jarabulus city, Aleppo |work=SMART News Agency |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126092709/https://smartnews-agency.com/en/media/305629/car-bomb-explodes-in-jarabulus-city-aleppo |url-status=dead }} By the end of August, 108 rebels and Turkish soldiers were reportedly killed in Kurdish guerrilla attacks.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/7540fde9-cade-4fa7-b4e4-ce9011091ff3|title=YPG claims it killed rebel commander, 18 fighters in Afrin|access-date=14 September 2019}} As of early September, attacks were taking place in the forests in the outskirts of Afrin city.{{Cite web|url=https://syriadirect.org/news/ypg%e2%80%99s-insurgent-campaign-edges-closer-to-afrin-rebels-civilians-with-deadly-attack/|title=YPG's insurgent campaign edges closer to Afrin rebels, civilians with deadly attack|website=Syria Direct|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711175514/https://syriadirect.org/news/ypg%e2%80%99s-insurgent-campaign-edges-closer-to-afrin-rebels-civilians-with-deadly-attack/|url-status=dead}}

By January 2019, about 220 insurgent attacks had been documented since late March 2018 in the Afrin area, most of them carried out by official YPG forces, as well as the Wrath of Olives operations room and Afrin Liberation Forces. The latter had also acquired anti-tank guided missiles. One researcher noted that the rebels might be operating "with the acquiescence" of the Syrian government.{{cite web |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/03/afrin-human-rights-turkey-fsa-war-crimes.html |title=Turkey faces growing Kurdish insurgency in Syria's Afrin |author=Amberin Zaman |work=al-Monitor |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=6 March 2019}} On 18 February 2019, a Turkish soldier was killed during "ongoing operational activities" in the Afrin area.{{Cite news|title=1 Turkish soldier killed during anti-terror op in northern Syria|work=Daily Sabah|access-date=18 February 2019|date=18 February 2019|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/02/18/1-turkish-soldier-killed-during-anti-terror-op-in-northern-syria/amp}} In response to the continued insurgency, Turkey and its allied militias launched a military operation against the Tell Rifaat Subdistrict which was jointly held by the SDF and Syrian government and considered a base for YPG guerrilla attacks. In course of the subsequent clashes on 4 May 2019, pro-Turkish troops initially captured a few villages, but were pushed back by SDF and Syrian government counter-attacks. The operation was then cancelled due to new Turkish-Russian negotiations about the fate of the Tell Rifaat Subdistrict.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-rebels-kurds-idUSKCN1SA0KW|title=Turkey-backed Syrian rebels launch attack into Kurdish-held area|newspaper=Reuters|date=4 May 2019|access-date=7 May 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-cancels-offensive-in-northern-aleppo-amid-safe-zone-talks-with-russia-reports/|title=Turkish Army cancels offensive in northern Aleppo amid safe zone talks with Russia: reports|first=News|last=Desk|date=5 May 2019|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508061015/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-army-cancels-offensive-in-northern-aleppo-amid-safe-zone-talks-with-russia-reports/|url-status=dead}} Frequent insurgent attacks against the TFSA and the Turkish military continued until early August 2019.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=136684 3 members including a Turkish soldier were killed as a result of targeting by unidentified persons to a military checkpoint in Afrin city north-west of Aleppo]
[http://www.hawarnews.com/en///haber/hre-7-turkish-soldiers-eliminated-in-afrin-h10840.html HRE: 7 Turkish soldiers eliminated in Afrin]

In October 2019, in retaliation for the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria, the YPG attacked a Turkish military outpost in Afrin, and two Turkish soldiers were killed in the mortar attack.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-attacks-idUSKBN1WQ26W|title=Two Turkish soldiers killed in Kurdish militant attack in Syria: ministry|date=11 October 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=11 October 2019|language=en}} Subsequently, starting in early December 2019, sporadic insurgent attacks restarted against Turkish forces in the Afrin region.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-afrin-liberation-forces-attack-turkish-base-in-syria-video/ Kurdish-led Afrin Liberation Forces attack Turkish base in Syria: video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225100152/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/kurdish-led-afrin-liberation-forces-attack-turkish-base-in-syria-video/ |date=25 December 2019 }}
[http://www.hawarnews.com/en/haber/hre-operations-conjunction-on-2nd-anniversary-turkish-attacks-on-afrin-h13951.html HRE operations conjunction on 2nd anniversary Turkish attacks on Afrin]
[https://thearabweekly.com/resistance-against-turkish-forces-raqqa-grows-increasingly-violent Resistance against Turkish forces in Raqqa grows increasingly violent]
[https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2859027&language=en One killed, seven others wounded in northern Syria - Turkey]

On 28 April 2020, a bombing in Afrin killed 40 people, including 11 children. No group claimed responsibility. Turkey blamed the YPG for the attack. According to the head of the British-based Observatory for human rights in Syria, at least six pro-Turkish Syrian fighters were among those killed in the blast with a possibility of increase in the death toll.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-blast-afrin/bomb-blast-kills-40-people-in-syrias-afrin-turkey-idUSKCN22A2IC|title=Bomb blast kills 40 people in Syria's Afrin: Turkey|website=Reuters|date=28 April 2020}}{{Cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/29/fuel-truck-bomb-kills-more-than-40-in-northern-syria |title= Fuel truck bomb kills more than 40 in northern Syria. |website= TheGuardian.com |date= 29 April 2020 }} At least 47 people were reported injured, according to Al Jazeera.{{Cite web|url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/fuel-truck-bomb-blast-kills-dozens-syria-afrin-turkey-200428170837725.html |title= Fuel truck bomb blast kills dozens in Syria's Afrin: Turkey. }} The explosion was believed to have been caused by the rigging of a fuel tanker with hand grenades, the governor of Hatay province of the neighboring Turkish border stated.{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-52454134 |title= Syria war: Dozens killed in truck bomb attack at Afrin market. |work= BBC News |date= 28 April 2020 }} Many people, alongside those who got trapped in their cars were burnt to death as a result of the blast, Syrian activists disclosed.{{Cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/04/28/world/middleeast/ap-ml-syria.html |title= Attack in Syria Town Run by Turkish-Backed Fighters Kills 40. |website= The New York Times }}

Various casualty estimates were made during the operation. The pro-Syrian opposition activist organization the SOHR documented 1,586 SDF (as of March 2019) and 616 TFSA fighters were killed, as well as 91 pro-Syrian government militiamen, and 389 civilians. It also reported 96 Turkish losses, though was imprecise as to whether these losses were dead or injured. The SCWM site reported the death of 798 SDF and 696 TFSA fighters, 61 Turkish soldiers, 51 pro-Syrian government militiamen and 564 civilians by 26 April 2018.{{cite web |url=https://syriancivilwarmap.com/syria-death-toll |title=Death toll: Battle of Afrin |date=26 April 2018 |website=Syrian Civil War Map |access-date=26 April 2018 |archive-date=16 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616204228/https://syriancivilwarmap.com/syria-death-toll |url-status=dead }}

Turkey stated that 4,612 SDF fighters were killed, wounded or captured. Pro-Turkish sources also reported the deaths of 318 TFSA fighters, 58 Turkish soldiers, one civilian worker and 7–9 civilians in Turkey. According to the SDF, 2,772 TFSA fighters and Turkish soldiers were killed, while they themselves lost 600–876 fighters. The SDF also reported 500 civilians and 62 pro-Syrian government militiamen were killed. British national Anna Campbell was killed fighting for the Kurdish forces in Afrin.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/23/thousands-could-die-female-british-fighter-rukan-renas-urges-support-for-syrias-kurds |title='Thousands could die': female British fighter urges support for Syria's Kurds |last=Blake |first=Matt |date=23 March 2018 |website=The Guardian}}

According to a pro-Syrian government and pro-Shia based news, the Turkish operation displaced 167,000 people as of 23 March 2018,{{cite web|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/middle-east/item/33647-turkish-offensive-displaces-167-000-in-syria-s-afrin-un|title=Turkish offensive displaces 167,000 in Syria's Afrin: UN|website=Shiite News|publisher=Shiitenews.com|access-date=24 March 2018|archive-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325045007/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/middle-east/item/33647-turkish-offensive-displaces-167-000-in-syria-s-afrin-un|url-status=dead}} up from 5,000 people in January 2018.{{cite news |title=U.N. says Turkish offensive reportedly displaces 5,000 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-un/u-n-says-turkish-offensive-reportedly-displaces-5000-idUSKBN1FC2B8 |work=Reuters |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=24 March 2018}} Between 50,000 and 70,000 civilians still remained in Afrin city.{{cite web |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-81 |title=Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock: Statement to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria (27 March 2018) |date=27 March 2018 |access-date=3 June 2018}}

File:Wounded civilian in Afrin.png

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized Turkey for having "failed to take necessary precautions to avoid civilian casualties" in several instances during the offensive.{{cite news |last1=Zaman |first1=Amberin |author-link1=Amberin Zaman |title=Turkey moves to take key town in Afrin operation |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/03/turkey-operation-syria-afrin-jindires.html |agency=Al-Monitor |date=5 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=The Latest: UN delays vote on 30-day Syria cease-fire |url=https://www.apnews.com/196209b95d26488e8da9889006f0fb97 |work=Associated Press |date=23 February 2018 |quote=Human Rights Watch is criticizing the way Turkey is conducting its offensive in northern Syria, saying it has failed to take necessary precautions to avoid civilian casualties.}}{{cite news |title=Rights group: Turkey not avoiding civilians in Syria strikes |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-rights-group-turkey-not-avoiding-civilians-in-syria-strikes-2018-2 |agency=Business Insider |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073622/http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-rights-group-turkey-not-avoiding-civilians-in-syria-strikes-2018-2 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Deadly airstrikes continue near Damascus as death toll surpasses 400 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ceasefire-syria-airstrikes-ghouta-un-security-council-1.4548407 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 February 2018}} The report specifically cited three attacks which left 26 civilians dead of which 17 were children. Lama Fakih, the deputy Middle East director at HRW, stated: "It appears that vulnerable civilians are facing displacement and death because of the way Turkey's latest offensive is being conducted."{{cite news |title=Syria: Civilian Deaths in Turkish Attacks May Be Unlawful |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/02/23/syria-civilian-deaths-turkish-attacks-may-be-unlawful |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=23 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Ankara Faces Mounting Pressure Over Syria Operation |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/turkey-faces-mounting-pressure-syria-operation/4277955.html |agency=VOA |date=2 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Syria: 'Unlawful' civilian deaths in Afrin condemned as Assad forces raise stakes in Kurdish-Turkey conflict |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-afrin-civilian-death-assad-regimes-rebels-kurdish-turkey-fighting-ypg-a8225506.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-afrin-civilian-death-assad-regimes-rebels-kurdish-turkey-fighting-ypg-a8225506.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |agency=Independent |date=23 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Turkish forces shell convoy headed to Syria's Afrin region |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/turkish-forces-shell-convoy-headed-to-syrias-afrin-region-idUSKCN1G71BU |work=Reuters |date=23 February 2018}} The HRW noted that such attacks have been conducted near farms, homes, and civilian shelters. The HRW stated that such attacks are a violation of international law: "Turkey should thoroughly investigate these strikes, make the findings public, and provide adequate redress to civilian victims or their families. It should hold to account those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law arising from the attacks."

According to HRW, Turkish border guards have been indiscriminately shooting at refugees attempting to flee the conflict zone into Turkey. The deputy Middle East director at the HRW said: "Syrians fleeing to the Turkish border seeking safety and asylum are being forced back with bullets and abuse." Several witnesses who were asylum seekers affirmed that they were beaten, suffered abuses, and were denied medical care.{{cite news |title=Turk border guards shoot at fleeing Syrians – Human Rights Watch |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turk-border-guards-shoot-at-fleeing-syrians-human-rights-watch-idUKKBN1FN0CZ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203172021/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey/turk-border-guards-shoot-at-fleeing-syrians-human-rights-watch-idUKKBN1FN0CZ |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2018 |work=Reuters |date=3 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Turkey/Syria: Border Guards Shoot, Block Fleeing Syrians |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/02/03/turkey/syria-border-guards-shoot-block-fleeing-syrians |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=3 February 2018}} The official statement from the HRW calls on Turkey to "respect the principle of nonrefoulement, which prohibits rejecting asylum seekers at borders when that would expose them to the threat of persecution, torture, and threats to life and freedom. Turkey must also respect the right to life and bodily integrity, including the absolute prohibition on subjecting anyone to inhuman and degrading treatment."

Videos emerged on social media which showed Turkish soldiers stepping on and kicking the corpse of a YPG fighter.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/conflict-in-syria-afrin-province-is-getting-more-dire-2018-2 |title=Fighting in northwest Syria is in a tailspin, as Turkish forces shoot at fleeing civilians and mutilate US-backed forces |website=Business Insider |access-date=9 February 2018}} More videos on social media then emerged, including one such video that showed Turkish soldiers beating a Kurdish civilian while questioning him.{{cite web |url=https://turkeypurge.com/video-purportedly-shows-turkish-soldiers-beat-kurdish-villager-afrin |title=Video purportedly shows Turkish soldiers beat Kurdish villager in Afrin – Turkey Purge |date=5 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207010751/https://turkeypurge.com/video-purportedly-shows-turkish-soldiers-beat-kurdish-villager-afrin |url-status=dead }}

Less than a week after the operation began, Redur Xelil, a senior SDF official, said that at least 66 civilians had been killed by aerial and artillery bombardment by Turkish forces, and accused Turkey of committing war crimes.{{cite news |title=U.S.-backed SDF warns Turkey against widening attack |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-sdf/u-s-backed-sdf-warns-turkey-against-widening-attack-idUSKBN1FF2F6 |work=Reuters |date=26 January 2018}} Amnesty International reported that civilians were being killed by the Turkish Army due to indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, an act that is in violation of international law. According to Amnesty, the situation "painted a grim picture" throughout numerous villages in Afrin, within which civilians were subjected to indiscriminate shelling that lasted for hours. Amnesty also reported the shelling by the YPG of Azaz, though these actions were to a lesser extent. Lynn Maalouf of Amnesty International stated: "The use of artillery and other imprecise explosive weapons in civilian areas is prohibited by international humanitarian law and all parties should cease such attacks immediately."

Syrian news media outlets and Kurdish fighters stated that Turkish forces were bombing schools. The SOHR also stated that Turkey had bombed the main water plant of the city of Afrin, which supplies water to more than 100,000 civilians.{{cite news |title=Turkish army hit school, water plant in Syria's Afrin: Syrian Kurdish YPG |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-afrin/turkish-army-hit-school-water-plant-in-syrias-afrin-syrian-kurdish-ypg-idUSKBN1FR23M |work=Reuters |date=7 February 2018}} Sixteen civilians were reported dead when Turkish forces bombed the only hospital in Afrin city. Those killed included two pregnant women.{{cite news |title=Turkey accused of killing 16 in hospital attack |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180317_22/ |agency=NHK World |date=17 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Pregnant women among dead as Turkish strike hits hospital in Syria's Afrin |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2018/03/17/Pregnant-women-among-dead-as-Turkish-strike-hits-hospital-in-Syria-s-Afrin.html |agency=Al-Arabiya |date=17 March 2018}} Turkey denied the reports.{{cite news |title=Tragedy in Afrin and Ghouta continues, as Turkey denies striking hospital |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/17/tragedy-afrin-ghouta-continues-turkey-denies-striking-hospital/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/17/tragedy-afrin-ghouta-continues-turkey-denies-striking-hospital/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 March 2018}}{{cbignore}} Turkish drone footage released the next day showed the hospital intact.{{Cite web |title=Turkish forces and Free Syrian Army capture Afrin |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/3/18/turkish-forces-and-free-syrian-army-capture-afrin-city |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}

On 16 February, YPG forces stated that Turkey was using chemical gas attacks that wounded several people in Afrin. The SOHR then confirmed the incident and added that there were several individuals who had difficulty breathing and had dilated pupils. Also, Syrian state news agency SANA, citing a doctor in an Afrin hospital, mentioned the incident.{{cite news |title=Turkish army hit village in Syria's Afrin with suspected gas: Kurdish YPG, Observatory |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-afrin/turkish-army-hit-village-in-syrias-afrin-with-suspected-gas-kurdish-ypg-observatory-idUSKCN1G02JE |work=Reuters |date=16 February 2018}} Turkey later denied usage of chemicals, calling the accusations "baseless".{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-never-used-chemical-weapons-in-syria-diplomatic-sources-127485 |title=Turkey never used chemical weapons in Syria: Diplomatic sources |website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=18 February 2018 }}

On 22 February, Syrian government news outlets stated that Turkey was bombing humanitarian aid convoys that were on their way to Afrin. As a result, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent stated that they had suspended all aid convoys to Afrin because it was unsafe for them to head there.{{cite news |title=The Latest: Syrian leaflets urge Ghouta residents to leave |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-bombardment-kills-13-syrian-capital-suburb-53269522 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ABC News |date=22 February 2018}} On the same day, a video surfaced that showed Turkish backed rebels executing a civilian driving a farm tractor. This was followed by another video by the same group that showed a summary execution of six civilians, including one woman near Jendires.{{cite news |title=Factions of the 'Olive Branch' Operation carry out field executions in the countryside of Afrin, killing 7 persons including women |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=85463 |agency=SOHR |date=22 February 2018}} In another bombing in the same area, Kurdish militia claimed that Turkish air strikes had killed 13 civilians, including several children.{{cite news |title=Turkish bombardment kills 13 in Syria's Afrin: YPG, monitor |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-afrin/turkish-bombardment-kills-13-in-syrias-afrin-ypg-monitor-idUSKBN1GH2K1 |work=Reuters |date=3 March 2018}}

File:Prise d'Afrine(10).jpg

Several videos emerged showing Turkish-backed Syrian militants mutilating the bodies of YPG fighters. One such video showed the mutilated body of a dead female YPG fighter with her breasts cut off. Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (TFSA) fighters who appear in the video call the female fighter a "female pig" and are heard saying "shame on them for sending women to fight". They are shown in the film stepping on the female YPG fighter's breasts.{{cite news |title=Videos of Syrian Militia Abusing Kurdish Fighter's Corpse Stir Outrage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/world/middleeast/syria-video-kurds.html |work=The New York Times |date=5 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=The Latest: 7 killed in shelling of Syrian government areas |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-latest-turkish-forces-clear-village-in-syrias-afrin/2018/02/01/efec907c-073e-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201130246/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-latest-turkish-forces-clear-village-in-syrias-afrin/2018/02/01/efec907c-073e-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=1 February 2018}} The TFSA said that it will investigate allegations that its fighters mutilated the corpse of a female member of the YPG.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/syria-outrage-mutilated-female-kurdish-fighter-180203144103977.html |title=Syria: Outrage over 'mutilated' female Kurdish fighter |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=4 February 2018}}

The Independent stated that Turkish allied forces were forcibly converting Yazidis, a Kurdish-speaking religious minority, to Islam and destroying Yazidi places of worship after capturing their villages.{{cite news |title=Yazidis who suffered under Isis face forced conversion to Islam amid fresh persecution in Afrin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-yazidis-isis-islam-conversion-afrin-persecution-kurdish-a8310696.html |work=The Independent |date=19 April 2018}}

The human rights organization Geneva Call stated that the YPG has been recruiting child soldiers during Operation Olive Branch. Geneva Call also stated that it had received "a worrying number of allegations on the use of child soldiers" by the YPG, even though the latter had previously signed an agreement to protect children in conflict zones.{{cite web |url=https://genevacall.org/syria-new-allegations-child-recruitment-afrin/|title=Syria: new allegations of child recruitment in Afrin|work=Geneva Call |date=19 March 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} While pro-Turkish media reiterated these statements, with Daily Sabah stating that the YPG/YPJ had kidnapped children to use them in the defense of Afrin,{{cite web |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1252846/opinion |title=Bias and hypocrisy in 'Olive Branch' coverage |author=Sinem Cengiz |work=Arab News |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2018/02/08/us-backed-ypg-terrorists-kidnap-children-to-fight-against-turkish-military |title=US-backed YPG terrorists kidnap children to fight against Turkish military |author=Anadolu Agency, Daily Sabah |work=Daily Sabah |date=7 February 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} the YPG denied all statements.{{cite web |url=https://anfenglish.com/features/ypg-refutes-hrw-allegations-on-recruitment-of-child-soldiers-28787 |title=YPG refutes HRW allegations on recruitment of child soldiers |author=Sinem Cengiz |work=ANF News |date=6 August 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} SDF officials have claimed that child soldiers are only 16-18 and do not serve on the frontlines, which is a similar arrangements to states like the UK who avoid the ban on under-18 military recruitment through a [https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-11-b&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec treaty reservation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131426/https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-11-b&chapter=4&lang=en#EndDec |date=6 February 2018 }}.

The United Nations reported that civilians were prevented from leaving the city of Afrin by the YPG/YPJ, and were at "high risk" of being "killed, injured, besieged, used as human shields or displaced as a result of the fighting."{{cite web | url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22839&LangID=E |author=Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights |title=Press briefing notes on the situation in Afrin, Syria |date=16 March 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=87699 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317164952/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=87699 |archive-date=17 March 2018 |title=UN says civilians trapped, used as 'human shields' in Afrin |publisher=Middle East Central |date=16 March 2018}}[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/civilians-used-as-human-shields-in-afrin-says-un-128875 Civilians used as ‘human shields’ by YPG in Afrin, says UN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318063258/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/civilians-used-as-human-shields-in-afrin-says-un-128875 |date=18 March 2018 }}. Hurriyet. 16 March 2018.

On 24 January 2018, a rocket was fired from inside Syria, hitting the 17th century Çalık Mosque in Kilis, Turkey. The explosion killed two people who had been in the mosque for prayers and injured 11. The dome of the mosque was destroyed.{{cite web |title=Reports of Turkish Attacks on Kurdish Positions After Kilis Mosque Attack |date=24 January 2018 |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/38714881/reports-of-turkish-attacks-on-kurdish-positions-after-kilis-mosque-attack/ |publisher=Yahoo News |access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web |title=Debris is seen inside the Calik mosque |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/photos/debris-inside-calik-mosque-damaged-rocket-attack-wednesday-52600125 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Aftermath of rocket attack on Turkey border town of Kilis |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg2DU_qWqUE | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/Pg2DU_qWqUE| archive-date=18 November 2021 | url-status=live|agency=Associated Press |access-date=12 February 2018 |format=Video}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=In call, Trump issues stern warning to Turkey over Syria operation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-call-trump-issues-stern-warning-to-turkey-over-syria-operation/2018/01/24/fe1cbc3a-0144-11e8-bb03-722769454f82_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web |title=2 Rockets Launched on Kilis, Killing 2 People in Mosque |url=https://bianet.org/english/print/193675-2-rockets-launched-on-kilis-killing-2-people-in-mosque |publisher=Bianet |access-date=12 February 2018}}

On 28 January 2018, Syria's antiquities department and the SOHR, said that Turkish shelling had seriously damaged the ancient temple of Ain Dara at Afrin. Syrian government called for international pressure on Turkey "to prevent the targeting of archaeological and cultural sites".{{Cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-syrian-temple-damaged-in-turkish-raids-against-kurds/ |title=Ancient Syrian temple damaged in Turkish raids against Kurds |work=The Times of Israel |access-date=28 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091827/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-syrian-temple-damaged-in-turkish-raids-against-kurds/ |archive-date=30 January 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-temple/syrian-government-says-turkish-shelling-damaged-ancient-temple-idUSKBN1FH08F/ |title=Syrian government says Turkish shelling damaged ancient temple |work=Reuters |access-date=28 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128111242/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-temple/syrian-government-says-turkish-shelling-damaged-ancient-temple-idUSKBN1FH08F |archive-date=28 January 2018 |url-status=live}} Satellite imagery has shown that more than half of the temple is destroyed.{{cite news |title=Satellite Images of Afrin Identifies Massive Damage to Ancient Temple |url=https://www.directionsmag.com/pressrelease/7276 |work=Directions Magazine |date=5 February 2018}} Turkish Armed Forces denied the report.{{cite journal |url=https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2018/Feb-01/436351-famed-syria-temple-blown-to-pieces-in-turkey-assault.ashx |title=Famed Syria temple blown to pieces in Turkey assault |journal=The Daily Star |date=1 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018}}

On 18 March, Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army militants toppled a statue of Kawa, a Kurdish mythological figure, during the capture of Afrin city.{{cite news |title=Turkish Forces Seize Syrian City of Afrin |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/18/594690169/turkish-forces-seize-syrian-city-of-afrin |date=18 March 2018}}

On 23 March 2018 reports stated that Turkish airstrikes destroyed many important archaeological buildings including the Julianus Church, which is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, in the Barad ancient Christian heritage site near Afrin, which has been in UNESCO's world heritage list since 2011. On 24 March, the Turkish government denied the reports.{{cite news |title=Turkish airstrikes 'damaged ancient Christian site' in Syria |url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/3/23/turkish-airstrikes-damaged-ancient-christian-site-in-syria |date=23 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=No ancient site, church, monastery in Afrin targeted in Turkish airstrike so far: Foreign Ministry |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/no-ancient-site-church-monastery-in-afrin-targeted-in-turkish-airstrike-so-far-foreign-ministry-129246 |date=25 March 2018}}

{{See also|Turkish currency and debt crisis, 2018}}

Turkish PM said that Turkey's economy would not be affected by the operation.[https://aa.com.tr/en/economy/afrin-operation-not-to-affect-economy-turkish-pm/1037994] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308165305/https://aa.com.tr/en/economy/afrin-operation-not-to-affect-economy-turkish-pm/1037994|date=8 March 2018}} Afrin operation not to affect economy: Turkish PM However, on 7 March, Moody's Investors Service downgraded Turkey's debt, warning of an erosion of checks and balances under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and saying that the Afrin offensive, having strained ties with Washington and drawn the country deeper into the Syrian civil war, had added an extra layer of geopolitical risk.{{cite news |title=Moody's downgrades Turkish debt |url=https://www.ft.com/content/18004182-2263-11e8-9a70-08f715791301 |work=Financial Times |date=8 March 2018|last1=Pitel |first1=Laura }}

In January 2019 Kurds stated that Turkey was stealing olive crops from Afrin. Turkey has admitted taking the olives, explaining: "We do not want revenues to fall into PKK hands". One of the Kurdish-led groups that has attacked the Turkish forces in Afrin calls itself "Wrath of Olives".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-47069403|title=Turkey in a pickle over Syrian olives|work=BBC News|date=31 January 2019|access-date=14 September 2019}}

In Istanbul, the offices of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) was attacked when supporters of the operation vandalized the building and wrote sexist and racist writing on the walls.{{cite news |title=Pro-government mob attacks pro-Kurdish HDP office in Istanbul |url=https://turkeypurge.com/pro-government-mob-attacks-pro-kurdish-hdp-office-istanbul |agency=Turkey Purge |date=29 January 2018 |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202034246/https://turkeypurge.com/pro-government-mob-attacks-pro-kurdish-hdp-office-istanbul |url-status=dead }}

Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs called all mosques on Turkey to read Quran’s chapter 48 on conquest (Al-Fath) and invited community to pray for Turkish soldiers.{{cite news |date=21 January 2018 |title=Turkish religious authority calls for 'conquest' sermon in support of military |work=Ahval |url=https://ahvalnews.com/religion/turkish-religious-authority-calls-conquest-sermon-support-military}}

Rising anti-American sentiment has also occurred since the start of the operation. A poll conducted in Turkey during the operation revealed that 90 percent of respondents believed that the United States is "behind" the PKK and YPG.{{cite news |title=In Turkey, soaring support for Syrian offensive and rising anti-Americanism |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkish-support-for-offensive-soars-standing-of-longtime-ally-america-tumbles/2018/02/03/0612e970-06a2-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=4 February 2018}}

A poll by pro-Turkish government A&G company found that 90% of Turkish respondents expressed support for the operation.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2018 |title=Turkish Study Shows Public Support for Military Campaign in Syria |url=https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/turkey-poll/4257664.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725051253/https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/turkey-poll/4257664.html |archive-date=25 July 2021 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} The poll also had 89% of respondents viewing the PYD as a threat.{{cite web |date=12 February 2018 |title=Ünlü araştırmacı Adil Gür: Zeytin Dalı harekatına destek yüzde 90 |url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/unlu-arastirmaci-adil-gur-zeytin-siyaset-2608608/%5D |website=Milliyet}}

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP),{{cite web |url=http://www.anews.com.tr/turkey/2018/01/21/opposition-mhp-supports-afrin-operation |title=Opposition MHP supports Afrin operation |publisher=anews.com.tr}} Good Party, Republican People's Party (CHP),{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-opposition-parties-lend-support-to-afrin-operation-126064 |title=Turkey's opposition parties lend support to Afrin operation |website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=21 January 2018 }} Patriotic Party{{cite news |url=http://vatanpartisi.org.tr/genel-merkez/haberler/oncu-genclik-ten-afrin-operasyonu-aciklamasi-vatan-savasi-nda-zafer-taarruzudur-25858 |title=Öncü Gençlik'ten Afrin Operasyonu açıklaması: Vatan Savaşı'nda zafer taarruzudur |publisher=Patriotic Party |date=21 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018 |language=tr}} and Democrat Party[http://www.milliyet.com.tr/demokrat-parti-genel-baskani-uysal-dan-yalova-yerelhaber-2546362/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214202755/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/demokrat-parti-genel-baskani-uysal-dan-yalova-yerelhaber-2546362/|date=14 February 2018}} Demokrat Parti Genel Başkanı Uysal'dan Afrin operasyonu açıklaması all supported the intervention, while the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP),{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/b77b6a5c-8586-4b06-9b79-977ae5796850 |title=HDP condemns Turkey's Afrin invasion as assault on 'Kurdish freedom' |last=Kurdistan24 |publisher=kurdistan24.net}} Turkish Communist Party{{cite web |url=http://haber.sol.org.tr/toplum/tkpden-afrin-aciklamasi-cekin-suriyeden-elinizi-225809 |title=TKP'den 'Afrin' açıklaması: Çekin Suriye'den elinizi! |date=21 January 2018 |publisher=haber.sol.org.tr}} and the Labour Party{{cite web |url=https://www.evrensel.net/daily/343831/emep-fraternity-of-peoples-is-bombed-in-afrin |title=EMEP: Fraternity of peoples is bombed in Afrin |publisher=evrensel.net}} opposed the intervention.

While the CHP supported the operation, both its leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and deputy leader Öztürk Yılmaz expressed concern at the involvement of the Syrian National Army, with Yılmaz accusing the SNA of being al-Qaeda. In response, Erdoğan and other AKP officials defended the SNA and accused Yılmaz of supporting the YPG.{{Cite news|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/turkey-syria-what-do-turks-really-thinks-of-fsa.html|title=Turkish public divided over military's alliance with FSA|last=Tremblay|first=Pinar|date=16 February 2018|work=Al-Monitor|access-date=17 February 2018|language=en-us}}

Less than a week after the operation began, İsmail Kahraman, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly in Turkey and deputy of AKP, called for an open jihad in Afrin.{{cite news |title=Erdogan umwirbt den Papst |url=https://www.nzz.ch/international/erdogan-umwirbt-den-papst-ld.1353488 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |date=5 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Turkey's Erdogan Declares Jihad on Religious Minorities in Syria |url=https://www.hudson.org/research/14146-turkey-s-erdogan-declares-jihad-on-religious-minorities-in-syria |publisher=Hudson Institute |date=6 February 2018}} He said: "Look, we are now in Afrin. We are a big state. Without jihad, there can be no progress, one cannot stand on their feet."{{cite news |title=TBMM Başkanı Kahraman Kahramanmaraş'ta |url=http://www.meclishaber.gov.tr/develop/owa/haber_portal.aciklama?p1=143453 |agency=Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi Resmi İnternet Sitesi |date=26 January 2018 |language=tr}} When on 7 March a HDP deputy criticised the government for planning "ethnic cleansing" in Afrin, deputies of the governing AKP party physically attacked their HDP colleagues in parliament, leaving two HDP deputies injured.{{cite news |title=Meclis'te Afrin gerilimi: 2 HDP'li vekil yaralandı |url=http://www.demokrathaber.org/guncel/meclis-te-afrin-gerilimi-2-hdp-li-vekil-yaralandi-h98330.html |agency=Demokrat Haber |date=8 March 2018 |language=tr}}

On the website of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople it is written that Turkish Armenians are praying for Turkish soldiers "who are fighting against terrorists".[http://www.agos.com.tr/tr/yazi/20095/patrikhane-den-afrin-operasyonu-mesaji] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324224024/http://www.agos.com.tr/tr/yazi/20095/patrikhane-den-afrin-operasyonu-mesaji|date=24 March 2018}} Patrikhane'den 'Afrin operasyonu' mesajı Yetvart Danzikian, the editor-in-chief of Turkish-Armenian Agos newspaper in Turkey, asserted that it is wrong to state that the Armenians support the Patriarch. He added that there are "strong nationalists winds" in Turkey and going against the operation would lead to arrest and imprisonment.{{cite news |title=Agos Editor-In-Chief considers Armenian Patriarchate's statement in current nationalist atmosphere in Turkey understandable |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/920188/agos-editor-in-chief%C2%A0considers-armenian-patriarchate%E2%80%99s-statement-in-current-nationalist-atmosphere.html |agency=ArmenPress |date=25 January 2018}} In a letter, addressed to President Erdoğan and

published by Turkey's Hürriyet daily, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Bartholomew I of Constantinople, has also lent his support to the Turkish military operation.{{cite news |title=Fear, Silence Weigh on Turkey's Armenians after Failed Coup |url=https://eurasianet.org/s/fear-silence-weigh-on-turkeys-armenians-after-failed-coup |agency=Eurasianet |date=14 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarch lends support to Turkey's 'Operation Olive Branch' in Syria's Afrin |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbul-greek-orthodox-patriarch-lends-support-to-turkeys-operation-olive-branch-in-syrias-afrin-126375 |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=26 January 2018}} Hürriyet's report is reproduced by Greek media, some of which stress, however, that the letter is not uploaded in the Ecumenical Patriarchate's official website.{{Cite news |url=http://www.romfea.gr/oikoumeniko-patriarxeio/19705-oikoumenikos-proseuxomaste-oi-tourkikes-enoples-dunameis-na-epituxoun-ton-skopo-tous |title=Οικουμενικός: Προσευχόμαστε οι τουρκικές Ένοπλες Δυνάμεις να επιτύχουν τον σκοπό τους |work=ROMFEA |access-date=31 January 2018 |language=el-gr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020255/http://www.romfea.gr/oikoumeniko-patriarxeio/19705-oikoumenikos-proseuxomaste-oi-tourkikes-enoples-dunameis-na-epituxoun-ton-skopo-tous |archive-date=1 February 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/754772/dimosieuma-tis-houriet-gia-stirixi-vartholomaiou-se-erdogan-gia-tin-epiheirisi-sto-afrin/ |title=Δημοσίευμα της Χουριέτ για στήριξη Βαρθολομαίου σε Ερντογάν για την επιχείρηση στο Αφρίν |agency=Πρώτο Θέμα |access-date=26 January 2018 |language=el-gr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126192244/http://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/754772/dimosieuma-tis-houriet-gia-stirixi-vartholomaiou-se-erdogan-gia-tin-epiheirisi-sto-afrin/ |archive-date=26 January 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=26 January 2018|title=Επιστολή στήριξης του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου στον Ερντογάν για την επιχείρηση στο Αφρίν|work=NewsIT|url=https://www.newsit.gr/kosmos/epistoli-stiriksis-tou-oikoumenikou-patriarxi-vartholomaiou-ston-erntogan-gia-tin-epixeirisi-sto-afrin/2371901/}}

The Turkish Medical Association stated that the war could end in large-scale human tragedy to which Erdoğan responded by calling the doctors of the association "filth", "agents of imperialism", and "terrorist lovers".{{cite news |title=Syria war: Turkey arrests hundreds for criticising Afrin offensive |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42863531 |publisher=BBC |date=29 January 2018}} The Turkish interior ministry then opened an investigation into the association. At least eleven doctors were then arrested.{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/doctors-arrested-turkey-crackdown-dissent/4231264.html |title=Doctors Arrested as Turkish Crackdown Widens on Dissent |first=Dorian |last=Jones |date=30 January 2018 |access-date=4 February 2018}} Erdoğan stated that the association will lose it "Turkish" tag in its official name and clarified that the organization "will not be able to use the notion of Turkishness, nor the name Turkey." He then added: "This institution has nothing to do with Turkishness and nothing about them is worthy of the notion of Turkishness."{{cite news |title=Medical association to lose Turkish tag over criticism of Syria campaign |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-security/medical-association-to-lose-turkish-tag-over-criticism-of-syria-campaign-idUKKBN1FS35I |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208225255/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-security/medical-association-to-lose-turkish-tag-over-criticism-of-syria-campaign-idUKKBN1FS35I |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2018 |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2018}}

On 19 March, a group of at least seven students at Boğaziçi University conducted an anti-war protest to which Erdoğan responded by saying that the students were "terrorists" and "communist, traitor youth". He then started an investigation into the students and threatened to expel them from the university. He added: "we won't give these terrorist youth the right to study at these universities."{{cite news |title=Turkey's president calls anti-war students "terrorists" |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/turkeys-president-refers-to-anti-war-students-as-terrorists/2018/03/24/9c336800-2f68-11e8-8dc9-3b51e028b845_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324190513/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/turkeys-president-refers-to-anti-war-students-as-terrorists/2018/03/24/9c336800-2f68-11e8-8dc9-3b51e028b845_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=24 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Seven students detained |url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-43533562 |agency=BBC Türkçe |date=21 March 2018}} The president of Boğaziçi University claimed that the protesters had assaulted the participants of a commemoration event on the campus for fallen Turkish soldiers and said their action was "an attack on freedom of expression".{{cite news |title=Boğaziçi Üniversitesinden 'Afrin lokumu' açıklaması |url=http://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/turkiye/946612/Bogazici_Universitesinden__Afrin_lokumu__aciklamasi.html |date=22 March 2018}} Days later, an additional fifteen students were arrested following the incident.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) supported the military operation as well.{{Cite web |title=TFF visits Kilis to Show Support for Olive Branch Operation - TFF |url=https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=471&ftxtID=28845&2586pg=42&rcbID=ctl00_LPane_m_471_2353_ctnr_m_471_2353_mo&rcbServerID=mo&rcbID=ctl00_LPane_m_471_2353_ctnr_m_471_2353_mo&rcbServerID=mo |access-date=7 September 2022 |website=www.tff.org}} A TFF delegation which included its chairman Yıldırım Demirören and two trainers of national teams visited the town of Kilis. The Football clubs Besiktas and Galatasaray, both from Istanbul have expressed their support for the military campaign.{{Cite web |last=Khalidi |first=Ali |date=21 February 2018 |title=Football clubs latest to join frenzy around Turkey's assault on Afrin |url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/14839-Football-clubs-latest-to-join-frenzy-around-Turkey%27s-assault-on-Afrin |website=Kurdistan24}}

Turkish mainstream newspapers featured front page titles such as "We said we would strike despite the US and Russia. We struck the traitors", "We hit them in their den", "Iron fist to terror, olive branch to civilians", and "Our jets hit Afrin. Turkey's heart beats as one" from the Sözcü, Sabah, Habertürk, and Hürriyet newspapers respectively.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} İbrahim Karagül, editor-in-chief of the pro-AKP Yeni Şafak, wrote that the US is the real enemy and that it has a plan to "divide and destroy Turkey" by allying itself to PKK and ISIS. He called for the Incirlik Air Base to be shut down as "since the Syria war started, terrorist organizations are being controlled from this base." He also remarked that if it is not closed down "there will come a time when thousands of people surround and siege the İncirlik Base."{{cite news |last1=Karagül |first1=İbrahim |title=US is the enemy for Turkey. One day, thousands of people will siege İncirlik as well |url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/ibrahimkaragul/us-is-the-enemy-for-turkey-one-day-thousands-of-people-will-siege-incirlik-as-well-2042300 |work=Yeni Şafak |date=26 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126194327/https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/ibrahimkaragul/us-is-the-enemy-for-turkey-one-day-thousands-of-people-will-siege-incirlik-as-well-2042300 |archive-date=26 January 2018}}

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT World) reported that Free Syrian Army "has captured a weapon from the YPG, which is thought to have been supplied to the SDF by the United States."[https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/afrin-operation-sees-another-area-cleared-of-ypg-pkk-14764 Afrin operation sees another area cleared of YPG/PKK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203181315/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/afrin-operation-sees-another-area-cleared-of-ypg-pkk-14764 |date=3 February 2018 }}". TRT World. 1 February 2018.

A newscaster who worked for Akit TV, a television channel that is a part of Yeni Akit, a conservative and Islamist Turkish news outlet that supports the AKP and has close ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, resigned after threatening to kill civilians that lived in Turkey's secular neighborhoods in response to accusations of the civilians being killed in Afrin by the Turkish army.{{cite news |title=Turkey TV anchor Ahmet Keser quits over 'civilian killings' row |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/turkey-tv-anchor-ahmet-keser-quits-civilian-killings-row-180228114431976.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=28 February 2018}} Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International's senior adviser on Turkey, stated that there has been an "alarming" increase of similar rhetoric in Turkey. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Gardner added: "But inciting to violence is something different and it is on the rise in Turkey. This is harmful for human rights and harmful for the society."

Turkish government ministers ordered the Turkish press to follow a 15-point list of "expectations" for reporting on the conflict, which included not mentioning attacks on civilians or protests against the operation, relying on Turkish government statements and ignoring statements by "domestic arms of the PKK", which include the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), ignoring any protests against the Afrin operation, and keeping in mind "national interest" and "patriotic journalism". Journalists were admonished not to "report news that boosts the morale of the PKK/PYD".{{cite news |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-press-restrictions-afrin-olive-branch-1109543029 |title=Turkey imposes restrictive 'guidelines' on reporting Afrin battle |agency=Middle East Eye |date=22 January 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://t24.com.tr/haber/muhalif-medyayi-da-cagirmisti-basbakan-zeytin-dali-harekatini-anlatti-basindan-beklentilerini-siraladi,541170 |title='Muhalif' medyayı da çağırmıştı; Başbakan, 'Zeytin Dalı' harekâtını anlattı, basından beklentilerini sıraladı |date=21 January 2018 |access-date=23 January 2018}} Reporters without Borders notes that the goal of these directives is to essentially "put the Turkish media at the service of the government and its war goals." On 21 January Erdoğan warned that anyone in Turkey protesting against the operation would pay a "heavy price."{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42765697 |title=Turkish ground troops enter Syria enclave |date=21 January 2018 |publisher=BBC}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2018/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogandan-flas-hdp-aciklamasi-2183648/|title=Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan flaş HDP açıklaması|website=www.sozcu.com.tr|date=21 January 2018 |access-date=14 September 2019}} Erdoğan then added: "Know that wherever you go out on the streets our security forces are on your necks."{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-oppositio/turkeys-erdogan-warns-pro-kurdish-not-to-protest-afrin-operation-idUSKBN1FA0K7 |title=Turkey's Erdogan warns pro-Kurdish not to protest Afrin operation |date=21 January 2018 |work=Reuters}}

In a 1 March 2018 report titled "No one in Turkey dares report accurately on the war in Syria", The Economist assessed that "the climate of fear, the ongoing state of emergency and the nationalist zealotry unleashed by the coup have made objective coverage of the war in Afrin impossible" and pointed to arrest as "the weapon of last resort" as well as a "nuanced system of incentives and sanctions".{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21737513-more-100-journalists-jail-it-prudent-not-no-one-turkey-dares-report |title=No one in Turkey dares report accurately on the war in Syria |date=1 March 2018 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301193152/https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21737513-more-100-journalists-jail-it-prudent-not-no-one-turkey-dares-report |archive-date=1 March 2018 |url-status=live}} As of 23 January 2018, at least 24 journalists writing columns against the operation had been arrested in Turkey.{{cite news |title=Journalists detained for social media posts criticising Turkish military operation |url=https://www.ifex.org/turkey/2018/01/23/journalists-detained-social-media/ |agency=Initiative for Freedom of Expression |date=23 January 2018}} In addition to the arrest of journalists, hundreds of known arrests occurred of social media users who criticized the operation. The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said that the posts were violations of the following crimes proscribed by articles of the Turkish Penal Code, including Article 301, which prohibit insulting public officials or the president, degrading the Turkish nation, and spreading terrorist propaganda.

During a news segment on Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), a newscaster is now being investigated by TRT's news division after she stated on air that civilians died due to Turkish bombardment. The news division stated: "After this sad mistake, our speaker has immediately been withdrawn from the air, and a new friend was assigned to replace her. Also, an investigation has been launched against our speaker."{{Cite news |url=https://stockholmcf.org/turkeys-trt-probes-news-presenter-for-saying-turkish-military-targeting-civilians-in-afrin/ |title=Turkey's TRT probes news presenter for saying Turkish military targeting civilians in Afrin |date=29 January 2018 |work=Stockholm Center for Freedom |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202022322/https://stockholmcf.org/turkeys-trt-probes-news-presenter-for-saying-turkish-military-targeting-civilians-in-afrin/ |archive-date=2 February 2018 |url-status=live}}

File:HDP Afrin protesto engeli.jpg raided the local offices of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), 21 January 2018]]

After the Turkish Medical Association stated that "every clash, every war, causes physical, psychological, social and environmental health problems and causes human tragedy", they were issued arrest warrants against 11 board members of the Turkish Medical Association for spreading terrorist propaganda.{{cite news |last1=Pitel |first1=Laura |date=30 January 2018 |title=Turkish doctors arrested after group criticises Syria offensive |website=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4029f562-059a-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5 |access-date=1 February 2018}}

Turkish authorities have arrested numerous leaders and high-ranking members of pro-Kurdish and left-wing political parties.{{cite news |title=Turkey detains pro-Kurdish leaders ahead of congress – party |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-turkey-security-kurds/turkey-detains-pro-kurdish-leaders-ahead-of-congress-party-idUKKBN1FT16S |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209172116/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-turkey-security-kurds/turkey-detains-pro-kurdish-leaders-ahead-of-congress-party-idUKKBN1FT16S |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 February 2018 |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2018}} On 6 February 2018, Mehmet Arslan, co-leader of the Democratic Regions Party, has been arrested for criticizing the operation.{{cite news |title=DBP Eş Genel Başkanı Mehmet Arslan gözaltına alındı |url=https://www.evrensel.net/haber/344966/dbp-es-genel-baskani-mehmet-arslan-gozaltina-alindi-2 |agency=Evrensel |date=6 February 2018 |language=tr}} Days later, more have been arrested which include Onur Hamzaoğlu, a spokesman for the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), Musa Piroğlu, chairman of the Revolutionary Party, Naci Sönmez and Eylem Tunceli, Co-Chairs of the Green Left Party (YSGP), Fadime Çelebi, Deputy Chair of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed, Kezban Konukçu, spokeswoman for the Socialist Solidarity Party, and Ahmet Kaya, co-chair of the Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP).{{cite news |title=HDP Eş Başkanı Kemalbay: Baskılar mücadelemizi engelleyemez |url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-43002450 |publisher=BBC |date=9 February 2018 |language=tr}} More arrests occurred on 19 February when dozens of politicians and journalists were arrested overnight including provincial heads of several Turkish cities that belong to the HDP. Among those arrested also included members of the Human Rights Association (IHD) and leaders of the Democratic Society Congress, a pro-Kurdish NGO.

Turkey has detained over 800 people for social media posts and protesters who opposed the offensive.{{cite news |title=Turkey detains 666 over social media criticism of Afrin operation |url=http://thenationonlineng.net/turkey-detains-666-social-media/ |work=The Nation |date=12 February 2018}}{{cite news |title=The Latest: Turkish, Russian leaders speak on Syria |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-latest-turkey-detains-786-for-syria-offensive-criticism/2018/02/19/c6837ee0-1557-11e8-930c-45838ad0d77a_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=19 February 2018}}

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, called those who criticize the operation as being nothing but "Marxists, communists, and atheists" who are no different from the YPG.{{cite news |title=Çavuşoğlu eleştirilere cevap verdi: YPG'ye ses çıkarmıyorsunuz çünkü aynı ideolojiyi paylaşıyorsunuz |url=https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/cavusoglu-elestirilere-cevap-verdi-ypgye-ses-cikarmiyorsunuz-cunku-ayni-ideolojiyi-paylasiyorsunuz?webPushId=OTQ2MA%3D%3D |publisher=CNN |date=9 February 2018}} Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stated that those social users who make posts that criticize the operation or depict the military incursion as an attack on Kurds would be considered the "biggest villainy". In May 2019, eleven members of Turkey's leading medical association were imprisoned for criticising the invasion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190503-turkey-doctors-get-prison-terms-criticising-syria-offensive|title=Turkey doctors get prison terms for criticising Syria offensive|date=3 May 2019|website=France 24|access-date=14 September 2019}}

On 19 February 2018, Turkish authorities announced that all protests, meetings, rallies, and concerts held in Turkey's capital Ankara will be prohibited for the duration of the operation.

In regards to the arrests, Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said: "Detaining and prosecuting people for tweets calling for peace is a new low for Turkey's government." He then added, "Turkish authorities should respect people's right to peacefully criticize any aspect of government policy, including military operations, and drop these absurd cases."{{cite news |title=Turkey: Crackdown on Social Media Posts |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/03/27/turkey-crackdown-social-media-posts |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=27 March 2018}}

The Syrian Foreign Ministry on 20 January condemned "the Turkish aggression against the town of Afrin", calling it "an inseparable part of Syria".{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} President of Syria Bashar al-Assad denounced the Turkish invasion as terrorism,{{Cite news |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/2129914/assad-slams-turkeys-syria-offensive-support-terrorism |title=Assad: Turkey's Syria offensive is 'support for terrorism' |work=South China Morning Post |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121145211/http://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/2129914/assad-slams-turkeys-syria-offensive-support-terrorism |archive-date=21 January 2018 |url-status=live}} saying "Turkey's aggression in the Syrian city of Afrin cannot be separated from the policy pursued by the Turkish regime since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis and built on support for terrorism and various terrorist groups".{{Cite news |url=http://tass.com/world/986158 |title=Assad slams Turkey's operation in Afrin as support for terrorism in Syria |agency=TASS |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072636/http://tass.com/world/986158 |archive-date=23 January 2018 |url-status=live}}

On 19 March, after the capture of the city of Afrin by the Turkish forces, Syria's foreign ministry demanded that Turkey immediately withdraw from Afrin, saying in two letters sent to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UNSC that Turkey's occupation of the city was "illegal and contradicts the principles and purposes of UN Charter and international law."[https://sana.sy/en/?p=131157 Syria: Turkish regime forces occupation of Afrin illegitimate act] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110145/https://sana.sy/en/?p=131157 |date=20 March 2018 }} SANA, 19 March 2018.{{Cite news |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1269461/middle-east |title=Syria slams Turkey 'occupation' of Afrin, demands withdrawal |publisher=Arab News |date=19 March 2018 |access-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415022544/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1269461/middle-east |archive-date=15 April 2018 |url-status=live}} Among other things, the Syrian foreign ministry said: ″As part of the crimes committed by the Turkish army forces, including the ethnic cleansing policy, the properties of the citizens have been looted, their homes destroyed and many of them were detained.″

On 6 April, at the Non-Aligned Movement mid-term ministerial conference in Azerbaijan, Syria's permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Bashar Jaafari said that "Turkey has to withdraw its troops from Afrin. I am hoping that there will be pressure on Turkey to this end", adding that Syria expects Turkish troops to withdraw from Syrian soil as part of the trilateral mechanism created among Russia, Turkey and Iran: "Turkey's Afrin operation is a military aggression which violates the UN Security Council resolutions concerning Syria as well as the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement."{{Cite news |url=https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/syria-expects-turkey-withdraw-its-soil |title=Syria expects Turkey to withdraw from its soil |work=Ahval |date=6 April 2018 |access-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407054424/https://ahvalnews.com/afrin/syria-expects-turkey-withdraw-its-soil |archive-date=7 April 2018 |url-status=live}}

• {{flagicon|Syrian National Coalition}} Syrian National Coalition supported the joint operation of the Syrian National Army and the Turkish Armed Forces, considering it as continuation of the struggle against "the tyrannical regime and its allied Iranian terrorist organizations." The Coalition called Kurdistan Workers' Party, People's Protection Units, and Democratic Union Party "terrorist organizations," and urged to remove "their danger from Syria." The Syrian Coalition emphasized that "elected local councils will take on the administration of the freed towns and villages away from the authority of terrorist groups and the status quo they sought to establish."{{cite web |url=http://en.etilaf.org/all-news/news/syrian-coalition-operation-olive-branch-is-fundamental-part-of-battle-against-dictatorship.html |title=Syrian Coalition: Operation 'Olive Branch' is Fundamental Part of Battle Against Dictatorship |date=22 January 2018 |publisher=Syrian Coalition's Media Department |access-date=23 January 2018}}
• {{flagicon image|Official Flag of Syrian Turkmen.jpg}} Syrian Turkmen Assembly: Emin Bozoğlan, ex-council head of the assembly stated: "We were informed that the terror group PYD/PKK will transfer its arms to Raqqa, where they used to work with regime forces for years." He also said Turkey should "definitely" take necessary measures in this regard.{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkmen-leaders-hail-expected-afrin-operation/1035846 |title=Turkmen leaders hail expected Afrin operation |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=21 January 2018}}
• {{flagdeco|Kurdistan}} Kurdish National Council: KNC condemned the Turkish military operation in Afrin. In a statement on 22 January, the KNC "categorically rejected" the SNC statement supporting the operation, stating that the SNC statement was released without consultation with the KNC. The KNC also demanded a halt to Turkish bombing and military operations in Afrin.{{cite web |url=http://syriadirect.org/news/syrian-kurdish-political-coalition-breaks-rank-with-mainstream-opposition-to-condemn-turkish-attack-on-afrin/ |title=Syrian Kurdish political coalition breaks rank with mainstream opposition to condemn Turkish attack on Afrin |work=Syria Direct |date=22 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://ara.yekiti-media.org/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%A4%D9%83%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%B9/ |title=The Kurdish National Council Confirms Its Categorical Rejection of the Coalition Statement Supporting The Turkish Intervention in Afrin |work=Yekîtî Media |date=22 January 2018}} YPG also stated that the Russia is a "partner of bloodshed" with Turkey in Afrin.[http://www.ypgrojava.org/The-Russian-Federation-is-a-partner-of-bloodshed-with-the-Turkish-state-in-Afrin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309071121/http://www.ypgrojava.org/The-Russian-Federation-is-a-partner-of-bloodshed-with-the-Turkish-state-in-Afrin|date=9 March 2018}} The Russian Federation is a partner of bloodshed with the Turkish state in Afrin
• {{flagicon image|People's Protection Units Flag.svg|border=}} The YPG stated that "they will respond to the Turkish provocation since civilians have been attacked".{{cite news |title=Turkish jets bomb Syria's Kurdish-held Afrin |url=http://www.dw.com/en/turkish-jets-bomb-syrias-kurdish-held-afrin/a-42234813 |agency=DW |date=20 January 2018 |quote=The YPG said the airstrikes had hit Afrin's civilian neighborhoods and left it with no choice but to fight back.}} General Command of YPG in Afrin stated: "We know that, without the permission of global forces and mainly Russia, whose troops located in Afrin, Turkey cannot attack civilians using Afrin airspace. Therefore we hold Russia as responsible as Turkey and stress that Russia is the crime partner of Turkey in massacring the civilians in the region."{{cite web |url=http://english.ajansfirat.com/anf-news-rojava/turkish-jets-target-100-points-including-civilian-areas-in-afrin/ |title=Turkish jets target 100 points including civilian areas in Afrin – ANF News English |date=20 January 2018 |website=Ajansfirat.com |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121184352/http://english.ajansfirat.com/anf-news-rojava/turkish-jets-target-100-points-including-civilian-areas-in-afrin/ |archive-date=21 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}
• Syrian population in Idlib Governorate: the local population denounced the move of rebel troops to serve Turkey in its focus on Afrin while the Syrian government led an active and successful offensive against rebel groups in the region.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/moyen-orient/20180124-syrie-colere-habitants-idleb-delaisses-rebelles-combattants-afrin|title=Syrie: colère des habitants d'Idleb, délaissés des rebelles combattant à Afrin|date=24 January 2018|website=RFI|access-date=15 September 2019}}

File:Defend Afrin Demonstration at BBC London (2).jpg

{{over-quotation|section|date=February 2020}}

• {{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} Azerbaijan: Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hikmət Hacıyev said that Azerbaijan fully understands Turkey's security concerns against the "terror threat". Hacıyev also said: "Azerbaijan, which suffered from terrorism, condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism and supports the efforts of the international community in the fight against this menace."{{cite web |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2850401.html |title=Azerbaijan fully understands Turkey's security concerns against terror threat – Foreign Ministry |date=21 January 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} Bulgaria: The President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev condemned the operation and insisted that the European Union should intervene to stop it.{{cite news |url=https://ahvalnews.com/bulgaria-turkey/bulgarian-president-calls-eu-intervention-against-turkish-syria-incursion |title=Bulgarian President calls for EU intervention against Turkish Syria incursion – Ahval |newspaper=Ahval |date=24 January 2018 |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-date=9 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209052955/https://ahvalnews.com/bulgaria-turkey/bulgarian-president-calls-eu-intervention-against-turkish-syria-incursion |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.artigercek.com/bulgaristan-dan-ab-ye-afrin-e-acil-mudahale-cagrisi |title=Bulgaristan'dan AB'ye: Afrin'e acil müdahale edin |website=Arti Gerçek |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208204657/https://www.artigercek.com/bulgaristan-dan-ab-ye-afrin-e-acil-mudahale-cagrisi |archive-date=8 February 2018 |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagicon|Cyprus}} Cyprus: The Republic of Cyprus condemned the Turkish invasion in Afrin as "illegal" and stressed that the Syrian crisis cannot be resolved by military means.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/All/031830C1F69F8D76C225821D004171E4?OpenDocument |title=The Republic of Cyprus condemns the illegal Turkish invasion in Afrin in north-western Syria |date=22 January 2018 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus |access-date=24 January 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Egypt}} Egypt: On 21 January, Egypt condemned Turkey's military operation in the Afrin region and stated it was a serious threat to Syria's sovereignty.{{cite news |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/21/c_136913330.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122071858/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/21/c_136913330.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2018 |title=Egypt condemns Turkish military operation in Syria's Afrin – Xinhua – English.news.cn |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=21 January 2018}} On 19 March, the foreign ministry of Egypt condemned Turkey's capture of Afrin from the YPG, affirming its rejection of any "infringement on Syrian sovereignty", denouncing the large-scale displacement of Syrian civilians as well as the grave humanitarian threats posed by Turkey's seizure of the city: "Egypt considers the ongoing breach of Syrian sovereignty unacceptable."{{cite news |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/293121.aspx |title=Egypt says Turkish capture of Afrin an 'infringement on Syrian sovereignty' |publisher=Ahram Online |date=21 January 2018}}
• {{flagicon|France}} France: Since Ankara launched its operation against Afrin, Paris has been an unrelenting critic of the Turkish stance.{{cite news |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/297134/World/Region/Turkey%E2%80%99s-fight-with-France-over-Afrin-military-ope.aspx |title=French calls for emergency Security Council meeting on SyriaTurkey's fight with France over Afrin military operation |publisher=Ahram Online |author=Sayed Abdel-Meguid |date=6 April 2018}} Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting hours after the Turkish incursion into Afrin. On Twitter, he indicated that the meeting would also cover the situation in Ghouta and Idlib.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/french-calls-for-emergency-security-council-meeting-on-syria-idUSKBN1FA0K5 |title=French calls for emergency Security Council meeting on Syria |work=Reuters |access-date=21 January 2018}} President Emmanuel Macron stated on 31 January 2018, that if the Operation Olive Branch intends something different from securing Turkish borders against terrorists and evolves into an attempted invasion, that it becomes a real problem for France.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/frances-macron-warns-turkey-over-syrian-operation-le-figaro-interview-idUSKBN1FK12S |title=France's Macron warns Turkey over Syrian operation |date=31 January 2018 |work=Reuters |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131195116/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/frances-macron-warns-turkey-over-syrian-operation-le-figaro-interview-idUSKBN1FK12S |archive-date=31 January 2018 |url-status=live}} Macron also stated that Turkey must respect Syria's sovereignty.{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/758b99d066984f5a8c6c72dc54ffa69f/Civilians-pay-price-as-Turkey-battles-Syrian-Kurds |title=Civilians pay price as Turkey battles Syrian Kurds |work=Associated Press |access-date=1 February 2018}} On 7 February France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Ankara should not worsen the Syrian conflict: "Ensuring the security of its borders does not mean killing civilians and that should be condemned. In a dangerous situation in Syria, (Turkey) should not add war to war."{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/france-says-turkey-iran-violating-international-law-in-syria-idUSKBN1FR0ZY |title=France says Turkey, Iran violating international law in Syria |date=7 February 2018 |work=Reuters}} On 13 March, France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers in parliament that Turkey's operation against the YPG in the Afrin region was not justified, the strongest language yet from Paris regarding its NATO ally's intervention in Syria.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-france/under-pressure-france-toughens-talk-on-turkish-syria-operation-idUSKCN1GP2EG |title=Under pressure, France toughens talk on Turkish Syria operation |date=23 March 2018 |work=Reuters}} On 29 March 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to send troops to Syria's Manbij in a bid to assist local SDF militias in preventing Turkish forces from advancing on the town.{{Cite news |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/international/afrin-emmanuel-macron-recoit-une-delegation-du-rojava-29-03-2018-7636626.php |title=Syrie : Emmanuel Macron annonce l'envoi de soldats au secours des Kurdes |publisher=Le Parisien |language=fr |date=29 March 2018}} On 30 March it was reported that France offered to mediate between Turkey and the SDF, an offer immediately rejected by Turkey.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43592323 |title=Syria war: France offers to mediate between Turkey and Kurds |date=30 March 2018 |access-date=30 March 2018 |publisher=BBC}}
• {{flagicon|Germany}} Germany: The assistant spokesman from the Minister for Foreign Affairs said that "Turkey has legitimate security interests along its border with Syria. We hope and expect that Turkey will continue to exert political and military restraint". Breul also added that Germany believes that the focus of military activities in northern Syria should be on ISIL and its successor terrorist organizations in the region.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2018/01/20/germany-turkey-has-legitimate-security-interests-in-syria |title=Germany: Turkey has legitimate security interests in Syria |date=20 January 2018 |publisher=dailysabah.com}} Due to the ongoing Operation Olive Branch, Germany halted the upgrading of the Leopard 2 tanks. According to Sigmar Gabriel, the German government decided it was better not to deliver arms to conflict zones.{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.com/en/germany-halts-plans-to-upgrade-turkeys-leopard-tanks/a-42305167 |title=Germany halts plans to upgrade Turkey's Leopard tanks {{!}} News {{!}} DW {{!}} 25 January 2018|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|website=DW.COM|access-date=1 February 2018}} In the German parliament on 1 February, all parties criticised the Turkish assault on Afrin.{{cite news |title=Opposition kritisiert 'Kniefall der Regierung' vor Erdoğan |url=http://www.zeit.de/politik/2018-02/bundestag-tuerkei-offensive-afrin-kritik |agency=Rudaw |date=1 February 2018}} As Turkey has been reportedly used Leopard 2A4 tanks (which are German-made) in the operation, the oppositional parties Die Linke and Die Grüne demanded a halt to all military cooperation with Turkey. After meeting with Turkish officials in Munich, the leader of the Green party, Cem Özdemir, who is a critic of the operation, received special police protection after being called a "terrorist" and receiving various other threats from the Turkish delegation.{{cite news |title=Polizei muss Grünen-Politiker Özdemir in München vor türkischen Delegierten schützen |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.de/entry/sicherheitskonferenz-turken-beschweren-sich-uber-den-terroristen-ozdemir_de_5a888c65e4b05c2bcacb9433 |agency=HuffPost |date=17 February 2018 |language=de |access-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117162709/https://www.huffingtonpost.de/entry/sicherheitskonferenz-turken-beschweren-sich-uber-den-terroristen-ozdemir_de_5a888c65e4b05c2bcacb9433 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Cem Özdemir steht nach Begegnung mit Türkei-Delegation unter Polizeischutz |url=http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/Cem-Oezdemir-steht-nach-Begegnung-mit-Tuerkei-Delegation-unter-Polizeischutz-id42907021.html |agency=Augsburger Allgemeine |date=17 February 2018 |language=de}} On 21 February, the chairman of the Bundestag foreign affairs committee. CDU's Norbert Röttgen said that Turkey should entirely withdraw from Syria and return to a political path in its conflict with Kurds.{{cite web |title=CDU-Politiker Röttgen fordert Rückzug der Türkei aus Nordsyrien |url=https://de.reuters.com/article/t-rkei-syrien-r-ttgen-idDEKCN1G52D7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052717/https://de.reuters.com/article/t-rkei-syrien-r-ttgen-idDEKCN1G52D7 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 February 2018 |work=Reuters |language=de |date=21 February 2018}} On 21 March, German chancellor Angela Merkel criticized Turkey's military offensive in Afrin: "Despite all justified security interests of Turkey, it's unacceptable what's happening in Afrin, where thousands and thousands of civilians are being pursued, are dying or have to flee."[http://www.dw.com/en/turkey-rejects-angela-merkels-criticism-over-afrin-offensive/a-43081853 Turkey rejects Angela Merkel's criticism over Afrin offensiv] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322183305/http://www.dw.com/en/turkey-rejects-angela-merkels-criticism-over-afrin-offensive/a-43081853 |date=22 March 2018 }}". Deutsche Welle. 22 March 2018.
• {{flagicon|Iran}} Iran: A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 January said: "Iran hopes that this operation will be ended immediately to prevent a deepening of the crisis in the border regions of Turkey and Syria. A continued crisis in Afrin may boost (..) terrorist groups in northern Syria."{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-iran/iran-calls-for-end-to-turkish-offensive-in-syria-idUSKBN1FA0O0?il=0 |title=Iran calls for end to Turkish offensive in Syria |work=Reuters |access-date=21 January 2018}} On 5 February, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, demanded Turkey to immediately halt its operation.{{cite news |title=Iran urges Turkey to stop army offensive in northern Syria |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-iran/iran-urges-turkey-to-stop-army-offensive-in-northern-syria-idUSKBN1FP1WS?il=0 |work=Reuters |date=5 February 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Iraq}} Iraq: The Iraqi government condemned the operation. Iraqi foreign minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on 4 February stated: "We reject any foreign nation from intervening in the affairs of another country."{{cite news |title=Iraq rejects Turkish military 'intervention' in Afrin, FM |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/04022018 |agency=Rudaw |date=4 February 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Luxembourg}} Luxembourg: In a 19 March media interview, Luxembourg's foreign minister Jean Asselborn said about Turkey's conduct that "this has nothing to do with self-defence any more", adding that Turkey would have to cease and desist from attacking the YPG and explain its conduct in Afrin to the NATO council.{{cite news |title=Was Erdogan macht, hat nichts mit Selbstverteidigung zu tun |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/afrin-jean-asselborn-kritisiert-tuerkische-offensive-in-syrien-scharf-a-1198743.html |work=Der Spiegel |date=19 March 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Netherlands}} Netherlands: The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Halbe Zijlstra, on 22 January said that Turkey had the right to defend itself and its border, but at the same time pleaded with Turkey to show restraint. He also mentioned in his letter to the Dutch parliament that the Turkish offensive in Afrin would impact the joint fight against ISIL. He believes this to be the case, because the Kurdish YPG fights alongside the international coalition against ISIL, and are now being attacked by Turkey. Furthermore, he hopes to get more information from Turkish authorities concerning the operation, however, if this is not the case, then he will ask for more clarity at the next NATO meeting.{{cite news |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2213255-zijlstra-kritisch-over-turkse-operatie-mogelijk-impact-op-strijd-tegen-is.html |title=Zijlstra kritisch over Turkse operatie: 'mogelijk impact op strijd tegen IS' |agency=NOS |language=nl |access-date=22 January 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Qatar}} Qatar: Spokeswoman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lulwah Rashif Al-Khater said that: "The launching of the Turkish military operation last Saturday was motivated by legitimate concerns related to its national security and the security of its borders, in addition to protecting Syria's territorial integrity from the danger of secession. Turkey, a NATO member, has always been a stabilizing factor in the region." She also added that Turkey's counterterrorist operation in Syria's Afrin region was motivated by legitimate security concerns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qasioun-news.com/news/show/127172/%20/%3E|title=Qatar: Turkey's Olive Branch Operation In Afrin is Legitimate|website=www.qasioun-news.com|access-date=14 September 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• {{flagicon|RU}} Russia: Chairman of the Defense Committee of the State Duma Vladimir Shamanov said: "Not to recognize the Turkish interests in Afrin is impossible."[https://rusreality.com/2018/02/16/shamans-not-to-recognize-the-turkish-interests-in-afrin-is-impossible/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217203107/https://rusreality.com/2018/02/16/shamans-not-to-recognize-the-turkish-interests-in-afrin-is-impossible/|date=17 February 2018}} Shamans: not to recognize the Turkish interests in ‘ Afrīn is impossible Assistant to the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Alexander Venediktov said: "The Kurds are being boosted with advanced weaponry. The deliveries of modern weapons and encouragement of separatist sentiments among the Kurds have in fact provoked Turkey into carrying out the military operation in Syria's northern Afrin region."[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-provoked-turkey-to-stage-ongoing-afrin-operation-by-arming-ypg-russia-128074] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302104015/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-provoked-turkey-to-stage-ongoing-afrin-operation-by-arming-ypg-russia-128074|date=2 March 2018}} US provoked Turkey to stage ongoing Afrin operation by arming YPG: Russia On 9 April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia expects Turkey to bring Afrin under the control of the Syrian government.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/russia-expects-turkey-to-hand-over-syrias-afrin-130004 |title=Russia 'expects Turkey to hand over Afrin to Assad' |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=9 April 2018}}
• {{flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden: The Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden Margot Wallström on 7 February cancelled her visit to Turkey that was due in two weeks, to protest the Afrin invasion.{{cite news |title=Swedish FM Wallström Cancels Turkey Visit Over Its Military Campaign in Afrin |url=https://stockholmcf.org/swedish-fm-wallstrom-cancels-turkey-visit-over-its-military-campaign-in-afrin/ |agency=Stockholm Center for Freedom |date=7 February 2018}}
• {{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom: Boris Johnson, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said: "Watching developments in Afrin closely. Turkey is right to want to keep its borders secure. We share the goal of reducing violence and keeping the focus on the most important task: a political process in Syria that leads to the end of the Assad regime."{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-turkey-has-legitimate-interest-in-border-security/1038748 |title=UK: Turkey has legitimate interest in border security |publisher=Anadolu Agency}} On 26 January, PM Theresa May called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both have agreed that civilians must be protected in his country's offensive against a Kurdish militia in Syria. Downing Street spokesman said: "The leaders discussed the ongoing Turkish operation in Afrin in Syria, with the Prime Minister recognising the right of Turkey to secure its border."{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/pm-and-erdogan-discuss-turkish-offensive-against-kurdish-militia-in-syria-36535472.html |title=PM and Erdogan discuss Turkish offensive against Kurdish militia in Syria |work=The Belfast Telegraph}} File:JamesN.Mattis.Nurettin Canikli.JPG and Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli at NATO headquarters in Brussels, February 2018]]
• {{flagicon|US}} United States: A spokesman for the Pentagon stated: "We encourage all parties to avoid escalation and to focus on the most important task of defeating ISIS." The spokesman then added that the United States understands Turkey's concerns about the PKK, but would like to see a deescalation of violence and instead focus on fighting ISIS.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/abdden-ilk-tepki-turkiyenin-pkk-ile-ilgili-guvenlik-kaygilarini-anliyoruz-40716735 |title=ABD'den ilk tepki: Türkiye'nin PKK ile ilgili güvenlik kaygılarını anlıyoruz |date=20 January 2018 |access-date=20 January 2018}} US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that US is "very concerned" and that the operation should remain limited in scope and should show restraint.{{cite news |title=Turkey Attacks Kurds in Syria as U.S. Warnings Ignored |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-21/turkey-attacks-kurds-in-syria-as-u-s-warnings-ignored |agency=Bloomberg |issue=21 January 2018}} In a phone call on 24 January 2018, President Donald Trump urged Erdoğan to "deescalate, limit its military actions, and avoid civilian casualties and increases to displaced persons and refugees."{{cite web |title=Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey |url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/readout-president-donald-j-trumps-call-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-turkey-4/ |via=National Archives |work=whitehouse.gov |date=24 January 2018}} Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag urged the United States to halt its support for Kurdish YPG fighters, saying: "Those who support the terrorist organization will become a target in this battle."[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/turkey-stop-ypg-support-face-confrontation-180125182540759.html Turkey to US: Stop YPG support or face 'confrontation'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213150333/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/turkey-stop-ypg-support-face-confrontation-180125182540759.html |date=13 February 2018 }}". Al Jazeera. 25 January 2018. After Turkey has urged the US to remove its troops from Manbij, saying that otherwise they might come under attack from Turkish troops; however, US General Votel confirmed an American commitment to keeping troops in Manbij.{{Cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/29/politics/general-votel-syria-manbij-commitment-intl/index.html |title=US general: US troops won't withdraw from Syrian city of Manbij |first=Euan |last=McKirdy |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201033527/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/29/politics/general-votel-syria-manbij-commitment-intl/index.html |archive-date=1 February 2018 |url-status=live}} In an interview Defense Secretary James Mattis stated that Turkey is the only NATO state which has an insurgency inside its borders, and has "legitimate security concerns". He also said that Turkey warned the US, before they launched the operation against the SDF.{{cite web |title=Turkey gave U.S. heads-up on Syria operation, has 'legitimate' security concerns: Jim Mattis |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/22/world/turkey-gave-u-s-heads-syria-operation-legitimate-security-concerns-jim-mattis/ |date=22 January 2018 |access-date=12 February 2018}} On 12 February, the United States Department of Defense released a budget blueprint for 2019 which with respect to the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (DFNS) included $300 million for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and $250 million for border security.{{Cite news |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/pentagon-budget-troop-levels-iraq-syria.html |title=Pentagon budget retains same troop levels in Iraq, Syria |publisher=Al-Monitor |date=12 February 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213231319/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/02/pentagon-budget-troop-levels-iraq-syria.html |archive-date=13 February 2018}}
• {{flag|Russia}} – On 26 October 2021, Elbrus Kutrashev, the Russian ambassador to Iraq said “there is a process of demographic change. It is done against [the] Kurdish presence there. This is what I call a disaster [against] the local population.”{{Cite web |title=Demographic change in Afrin a 'disaster': Russian diplomat |url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/03112021 |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=www.rudaw.net}}

• {{Flagicon|Arab League}} Arab League: On 19 February, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit appealed to Turkey for restraint in "intervening in an Arab country south of your borders."{{cite news |title=War of words heats up between Turkish FM and Arab League chief |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2018/02/19/War-of-words-heats-up-between-Turkish-FM-and-Arab-League-chief.html |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=19 February 2018}} On 15 April, the Arab League passed a resolution calling on Turkish forces to withdraw from Afrin.{{cite news |title=Turkey slams Arab League resolution on Afrin operation |url=https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-slams-arab-league-resolution-on-afrin-operation-3329296 |publisher=Yeni Safak |date=18 April 2018}}
• {{Flagicon|European Union}} European Union: The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said she was "extremely worried" and would seek talks with Turkish officials. She expressed her concerns for two reasons: "One side is the humanitarian one – we need to make sure that humanitarian access is guaranteed and that civilian population and people are not suffering from military activities on the ground." The second issue was the offensive "can undermine seriously the resumption of talks in Geneva, which is what we believe could really bring sustainable peace and security for Syria".{{Cite news |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/165804-180122-eu-s-mogherini-extremely-worried-by-ongoing-turkish-offensive-in-syria |title=EU's Mogherini 'extremely worried' by ongoing Turkish offensive in Syria |last=i24NEWS |work=i24NEWS |access-date=22 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072454/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/165804-180122-eu-s-mogherini-extremely-worried-by-ongoing-turkish-offensive-in-syria |archive-date=23 January 2018 |url-status=live}} On 8 February, the European Parliament condemned the mass arrest of critics in Turkey of the Afrin operation, and criticized the military intervention as raising serious humanitarian concerns. "[MEPs] are seriously concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the Turkish assault and warn against continuing with these disproportionate actions," the parliament's statement said.{{cite news |title=European Parliament condemns Turkey's crackdown on Afrin critics |url=http://www.dw.com/en/european-parliament-condemns-turkeys-crackdown-on-afrin-critics/a-42511796 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=8 February 2018}} On 19 March, Federica Mogherini criticized Turkey, saying that international efforts in Syria are supposed to be "aiming at de-escalating the military activities and not escalating them."{{cite news |title=EU criticizes Turkey's offensive in Syrian town of Afrin |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-turkey-syria-afrin-20180319-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=19 March 2018}}
• {{Flagicon|NATO}} NATO: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a press conference in Madrid that Turkey is "the NATO Ally which has suffered most from terrorist attacks over many years and Turkey, as all of the countries, have the right to self defence, but it is important that this is done in a proportionate and measured way."{{cite web |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/ic/natohq/opinions_151089.htm?selectedLocale=en |title=Joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Minister of Defence of Spain, María Dolores de Cospedal García |publisher=NATO.int |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=11 March 2018}}
• {{flagicon image|OSCE logo.svg}} Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: OSCE has criticized the Turkish government over the detention of social media users for criticizing the operation.{{cite web |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/osce-blasts-turkeys-legal-moves-against-criticism-of-afrin-op-126997 |title=OSCE blasts Turkey's legal moves against criticism of Afrin op |website=Hürriyet Daily News |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=9 February 2018}}
• {{Flagicon|UN}} The United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Michelle Bachelet demanded an independent investigation on the reports of human rights violations occurring in Afrin.{{Cite web|date=18 September 2020|title=UN rights chief calls for Turkey to probe violations in northern Syria|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1072752|access-date=4 July 2021|website=UN News|language=en}}

• {{flagicon image|Flag of Iraq Turkmen Front.svg}} Iraqi Turkmen Front: Aydin Maruf, lawmaker of ITF said: "We are well aware that this operation targets terrorist organizations in Afrin and not local residents or our Kurdish brothers. The armed groups currently based there, in Afrin, pose a serious threat to Turkey and the wider region. Iraq's Turkmen, as always, stand with the Turkish Republic. We believe this operation will serve to restore peace, prosperity and brotherhood to the area. The PYD/PKK terrorist group's presence in the Iraqi district of Sinjar disturbs all of the region's ethnic groups. We believe therefore that it is important to launch another such operation in Sinjar."{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iraqs-turkmen-back-turkish-military-operation-in-syria/1040043 |title=Iraq's Turkmen back Turkish military operation in Syria |publisher=Anadolu Agency}}
• {{Flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan.svg}} Kurdistan Regional Government: Kurdish Parliament condemned the Turkish military operation in Afrin, calling on the United Nations and the international community to stop the attacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/5c369c30-ec5d-4b86-b612-6758daad6d20 |title=Kurdistan Parliament highlights Afrin resistance, calls Turkey to end military operation |last=Kurdistan24 |access-date=4 February 2018}}
• {{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} Kurdistan Workers' Party: PKK's women wing YJA member Ulkem Guneş, who uses Ciwal Simal as her nom de guerre, said: "Afrin resistance will open the northern revolution of Kurdistan and Turkey." She also called for uprising inside Turkey. Her speech ended with "Long Live Afrin Resistance" and "Leader Apo" slogans.{{Cite web|url=https://anfkurdi.com/kurdistan/komalen-ciwan-u-komalen-jinen-ciwan-ji-bo-efrine-bang-kirin-91788|title=Komalên Ciwan û Komalên Jinên Ciwan ji bo 'Efrînê' bang kirin|website=ANF News|access-date=14 September 2019}}
• {{flagu|Kosovo}}: Kosovan Police prohibited a pro-Kurdish "Freedom to Kurdistan" event from taking place. Official reasons by the police given were there was the organizers lacked permits and that "unnamed individuals might try to cause an incident during the event that could result in consequences". Turkish media praised that ban, claiming that the event would spread pro-terrorist propaganda. Minister of Public Administration Mahir Yağcılar condemned the planned event, calling it a "provocation" and urged people to avoid activities that would damage Kosovo's image and the country's relations with Turkey.{{Cite news |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/turkish-media-condemns-the-kurdish-music-night-in-kosovo-02-12-2018 |title=Turkish Media Praise Kosovo For Banning Kurdish Event |access-date=12 February 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/kosovo-halts-ypg-pkk-terror-group-propaganda/1059980 |title=Kosovo halts YPG/PKK terror group propaganda |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=12 February 2018}}
• {{flagu|Northern Cyprus}}: Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün said his greatest wish is the successful outcome of the Afrin operation.{{cite web |url=http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/northern-cyprus-supports-turkeys-afrin-operation/1037264 |title=Northern Cyprus supports Turkey's Afrin operation |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=21 January 2018}} Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay said: "We fully stand by and are a supporter of Turkey in its fight against terrorism and in its steps that have been taken to ensure its territorial integrity."[http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/trnc-backs-turkeys-ongoing-afrin-operation/1071707] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223133725/http://aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/trnc-backs-turkeys-ongoing-afrin-operation/1071707|date=23 February 2018}} TRNC backs Turkey's ongoing Afrin operation
• The office of the Turkish Cypriot newspaper, Afrika, was attacked after Erdoğan pointed out in a public speech that the newspaper wrote an article entitled "Yet Another Invasion by Turkey", referring to what they perceived to be the operation's similarities with the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Erdoğan called it a "dirty headline" and suggested that "his compatriots in Northern Cyprus" should "give the necessary response to this", which provoked a crowd of 500 protesters to surround the newspaper's offices and hurl eggs, stones, and water bottles while some carrying flags of Erdoğan. The attacks damaged furniture, windows, and equipment.{{cite web |url=https://odatv.com/erdoganin-cevap-verilsin-dedigi-gazeteyi-bu-hale-getirdiler-2201181200.html |title=Erdoğan'ın "cevap verilsin" dediği gazeteyi bu hale getirdiler |date=22 January 2018 |access-date=25 January 2018}} The police, who were at the scene, watched the incident and did not intervene. Mustafa Akıncı, President of Northern Cyprus, condemned the attack and went to the site during the rally to request extra security for the newspaper, only to be attacked by the crowd himself. A March for Peace and Democracy was organised by civil society in response to the attack.{{cite web |title="Barış ve Demokrasi Yürüyüşü" yarın 17.00!de Dereboyu'ndan başlayacak |url=http://www.brtk.net/baris-ve-demokrasi-yuruyusu-yarin-17-00de-dereboyundan-baslayacak/ |publisher=BRT |access-date=26 January 2018}}{{cite web |title=Cumhurbaşkanı Akıncı: Afrika Gazetesinin Hedef Gösterilmesini Tasvip Edemem |url=https://bianet.org/bianet/insan-haklari/193571-cumhurbaskani-akinci-afrika-gazetesinin-hedef-gosterilmesini-tasvip-edemem |publisher=Bianet |access-date=26 January 2018}}{{cite web |title=Akıncı: "Afrika gazetesinin haberini benimsemedim ama provokasyona kesinlikle kalkışılmamalıdır" |url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/c35-KIBRIS_HABERLERI/n240669-akinci-afrika-gazetesinin-haberini-benimsemedim-ama-provokas |publisher=Kıbrıs Postası |access-date=26 January 2018}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category-inline|Operation Olive Branch}}

• [http://www.dw.com/en/sohr-turkey-supports-anything-that-harms-the-kurds/a-42334921 SOHR: 'Turkey supports anything that harms the Kurds'] Interview with Rami Al Rahman
• [https://www.csis.org/analysis/understanding-turkeys-afrin-operation Understanding Turkey's Afrin Operation] Center for Strategic and International Studies

{{Syrian Civil War}}

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Category:Kurdish–Turkish conflict (2015–present)

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2018

Category:January 2018 in Syria

Category:February 2018 in Syria

Category:March 2018 in Syria

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Category:Drone warfare

Category:Cross-border operations of Turkey into Syria

Category:Ethnic cleansing in Asia

Category:Violations of medical neutrality during the Syrian civil war