Many Kurds are marking the Persian New Year, with calls for resistance in Syria's Afrin region. Thousands have been driven from their homes by a Turkish offensive. And going back home is not on the horizon. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has more.

Turkey has established aid distribution centers in 29 locations in and around Afrin to help civilians caught in the conflict. Officials say the items include food and personal care products to help families for a month.

Earlier, the U.N. announced that approximately 100,000 civilians were trapped in rural areas of Afrin and were in need of humanitarian aid. Turkish forces took control of the city center on Sunday together with Syrian rebel fighters. They have been sweeping for mines and explosives believed to be left behind by YPG militants.

Meanwhile, Turkey faced strong criticism from Germany regarding the offensive in Afrin.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "And let me say in this context, that what is happening in Afrin, where thousands and thousands of civilians are persecuted, are dying or having to flee, is unacceptable no matter what security interests Turkey has. We also condemn this in the strongest terms."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey's military will begin operations in Manbij after Afrin is completed. On Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated Turkey and the U.S. had reached an understanding - not an agreement - regarding the stabilization of Manbij. The issue is sensitive as the U.S. has about 2,000 troops stationed there supporting the YPG against ISIL. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Istanbul.