Protests in Arihah Against Russian-Turkish Patrol

Turkey and Russia conducted two joint land patrols along the key M4 highway in Syria’s Idlib, in implementation of the Sochi agreement.

“Within the framework of Turkish-Russian agreement, the 10th Combined Land Patrol on M4 Highway in Idlib was conducted with the participation of land and air elements,” the Turkish Defense Ministry said.

The patrol started from Trumba, Saraqeb, and reached Arihah in the northwest of Syria. This is the third time since March 5 when Turkey and Russia sealed a deal to maintain a temporary ceasefire for all military actions in the Idlib.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported hearing an explosion in Arihah area, while the patrol was touring M4. SOHR activists have also monitored many people gathering in the area to oppose the Russian-Turkish agreement.

At the same time, the Turkish-Russian forces conducted a new joint patrol in Darbasiyah countryside as agreed between Ankara and Moscow in Sochi on 22 October. Eight vehicles participated from Sherik border crossing on Turkey border, touring several towns before returning to the crossing border accompanied by two Russian jets.

SOHR noted that the Russian soldiers banned media and activists from covering the return of Turkish vehicles.

Notably, regime forces advanced into Darbasiyah on Oct. 28 as part of its deployment at the Turkish border based on the agreement signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Russian-Turkish protocol in Sochi.

Moreover, the Turkish defense ministry announced on Tuesday that the Special Forces Command killed three members from the People’s Protection Units – the biggest component of SDF – as they attempted to sneak into Turkey’s Operation “Spring of Peace” zone.