Source: Al Jazeera
Today five Turkish soldiers have been killed in an attack carried out by Syrian government forces in Syria’s northwest, according to the Turkish defence ministry.
“A further five troops were wounded in the assault on Monday in Idlib province, the last rebel-held stronghold in the war-torn country.” said on aljazeera.com.
A mentioned in the news “the regime’s intense artillery fire targeted our elements sent as reinforcement to the region with an aim to prevent clashes in Idlib, ensure our border security and stop migration and human tragedy” the ministry said.
Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Turkish soldiers were killed and injured by regime forces shelling Taftanaz airport, north of Saraqeb town.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Defence Minister Hulusi Akar immediately met for talks following the attack, Turkey’s NTV television reported.
“The assault came after a similar attack by the government forces last week killed eight Turkish military personnel, prompting another response by Turkey’s army. It also happened as a delegation from Russia was in Ankara since Saturday for talks on the Idlib in Idlib. Another round of talks is expected to be held on Monday. Ankara has sent major reinforcements to Idlib, as Ankara tries to stem rapid advances by Syrian government forces backed by Russia.” summarized by Al Jazeera.