NW Syria returns to normal after Turkish operation

By Omer Koparan and Selen Temizer

AZAZ, Syria

The secured area in northwestern Syria, which was liberated from terrorist organizations by Turkish forces, finds life returning to normal two years after the start of Turkey’s Operation Euphrates Shield.

Turkish Armed Forces liberated a 2,055-square kilometer (nearly 800 square miles) area as part of Operation Euphrates Shield.

Turkey made important investments in local infrastructure in the area, especially in education and the public health sector.

Operation Euphrates Shield, which began on Aug. 24, 2016 and ended in March 2017, was aimed at eliminating the terrorist threat along the Turkish border in the northern Syrian regions of Jarabulus, Al-Rai, Al-Bab, and Azaz with the use of the Free Syrian Army, backed by Turkish artillery and air cover.

At least 1.5 million civilians are already living in these regions, while people who escaped from the attacks and repression continue to return to their home.

The population has increased five-fold from January 2018.

At least 5,000 police officers were trained by Turkey to keep the area secure.

Also, at least 6,000 teachers in 500 schools that have been repaired give lessons to 200,000 students.

New hospitals are also being built. Turkey first built one that can treat about 400 patients daily in the Jarabulus district.

Moreover, more than 100 mosques were repaired, and 500 religious officials returned to their jobs.