The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

M4 crisis: Turkish helicopters evacuate their injured soldiers, amid ongoing meetings with rebels to diffuse tension and end protests on M4 road

SOHR sources say that helicopters belonging to Turkish army entered this evening Syrian territory, heading towards Turkish posts in southeast Idlib, to transport injured soldiers of Turkish troops following clashes with protesters.

Meanwhile Turkish-backed factions and HTS are holding meetings to diffuse tension and break up the sit-in on M4 international highway.

Syrian Observatory activists have documented the killing of two members of Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and the injury of three others, after Turkish drones targeted a car they were traveling in Al-Nayrab town in the eastern countryside of Idlib.

This attack follows an offensive by HTS on Turkish posts in Al-Nayrab area as a respond to the killing of four protestors, including HTS members, participating in Al-Karama sit-in held on the M4 highway after Turkish forces opened fire on area.

SOHR sources have reported that Turkish forces demolished most of the tents in the area where “Al-Karama sit-in” is held near Al-Nayrab town on the M4 highway, since these tents had been set up by protesters opposing the agreement between Turkey and Russia. SOHR activists have reported hearing explosions and heavy gunfire in the area.

These developments come in the wake of the escalating tension between Turkish forces on one hand and fighters of jihadi factions led by Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham.

SOHR sources confirmed that exchange of fire with heavy machineguns erupted between both sides, along with shells hitting Turkish posts nearby Al-Nayrab. Meanwhile, Turkish reconnaissance drones were monitored flying over the area.

On the other hand, the number of HTS fighters and the “Salvation Government” affiliates who have been killed by Turkish gunfire since early morning rose to four.

According to SOHR sources, Turkish forces opened fire on the area this dawn after being attacked by jihadi groups.