Ankara, March 09 (QNA) - Turkish armed forces have taken control of a strategic dam in Syria's northwestern Afrin that provides water to the region as part of Operation Olive Branch, Anadolu Agency reported.

Militants, however, are still in control of the western part of the April 17 Dam, which is the only source that provides clean water and electricity to Afrin.

Since the beginning of the operation, the Turkish military and the Free Syrian Army have liberated 161 locations, including five town centers, 124 villages and 31 strategic areas.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to free Afrin from militant groups. The Turkish military added that only terror targets are being destroyed with "utmost care" being taken to avoid harming civilians. (QNA)