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Turkish Soldiers Killed in Syria as Tensions with Damascus Escalate

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Turkish and Syrian forces engaged in a deadly clash Monday
   in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. The latest escalation in
   fighting comes as Ankara continues to reinforce its troops in Idlib,
   while Russian-Turkish diplomatic efforts to end the violence remain
   deadlocked.

   "As a result of the intense artillery shooting by the [Syrian] regime
   on Feb. 10, 2020, five of our heroes were martyred and five others were
   wounded," read a Turkish Defense Ministry statement. "The necessary
   response was given, the targets were destroyed," the statement
   continued.

   Turkish soldiers will "crush anyone who dares to target our flag," said
   Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay.

   The soldiers killed were reportedly part of a reconnaissance force
   based at a disused airport near the strategically key town of Saraqeb,
   which was taken by Syrian forces last week.

   Turkey has deployed 12 military observation posts across Idlib, the
   last rebel stronghold in Syria. The posts are part of the 2018
   agreement with Moscow to create a de-escalation zone aimed at ending
   fighting between rebel forces and Syria.

   The killing one week ago of eight Turkish soldiers in Idlib by Syrian
   government forces saw Ankara ramp up its military presence. More than
   250 military vehicles have entered the province in the last few days.

   Local media reports Monday said Turkish armed forces backed a rebel
   assault to recapture recently lost territory. Ankara has not confirmed
   the reports.

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