Turkish forces advance on Afrin

The Turkish army says it has "neutralised" almost 3347 so called terrorists since the start of its Afrin offensive in northwestern Syria.

Turkey's General Staff made the announcement via the Anadolu news agency on Monday.

After weeks of fighting, Turkish forces, allied with the Free Syrian Army, are said to be on the outskirts of the city of Afrin.

Despite the speed of their advance, Syrian political analyst Mazen Bilal said: "These are all rush tactics, and it is about politics rather than security. Although pro-Syrian government forces are unable to resist the advancing Turkish army, it does not necessarily mean the Afrin operation will be easy, because there will be huge humanitarian and political consequences."

Ankara launched Operation Olive Branch in late January with the aim of eliminating Kurdish YPG militia, which it describes as a "terrorist" group.

The Turkish military advance comes amid reports that some people in Afrin are preparing to act as human shields to protect the city.