Turkish army has been carrying out a cross-border military operation against the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) since Jan. 20.

“Our only targets are the terror organizations that have been torturing you,” the sheet read.

“Valuable brothers and sisters from Afrin, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the YPG and the Islamic State (IS) have caused material and mental damage to both you and us for years. They have removed you from your homes. It is time to say ‘stop’ to these terrorists,” the leaflet said.

“Stay away from the terrorists and the terror compounds,” the army warned the locals, also asking them to not allow to be used as “human shields.”

According to Hurriyet daily the sheet added those who want to leave Afrin will be under the Turkish Armed Forces’ protection.

The military also asked for locals to tune in to the state-run Turkish Radio and Television channel (TRT).

Reporter’s code: 50101