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21:38 GMT
ANKARA, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bakr Bouzdag said on Monday that "Operation Olive Branch" primary objective is to eliminate all "terrorist" groups in the area.
The Deputy Prime Minister made his remarks in a press conference following a cabinet meeting, stating that the operation, conducted in Afrin, northwest of Syria, is considered a success, and will continue in the future as planned; pointing out that it is not targeted toward the Kurds.
He also pointed out that the operation is "not an option" to Turkey, but a must.
Moreover, the Turkish military said that one of the soldiers was killed during hostilities in Afrin.
The operation, which has entered its third day, moved to the city of Kilisa and Gulbaba village confronting Kurdish separatists and so-called Islamic State (IS) fighters. (end)
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