Idlib | Turkish forces send new logistics reinforcement to the de-escalation zone

Idlib province: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights activists have reported the arrival of new logistics reinforcement of the Turkish forces,  including 20 trucks loaded with cement blocks, in the “de-escalation zone”. The trucks were later headed to the Turkish military points in Idlib province.

 

The “de-escalation zone”, also known as the “Putin-Erdogan” area, between the north-eastern Mountains of Latakia and the north-western suburbs of Aleppo city running through the countryside of Hama and Idlib, has witnessed continuous and intensified moves of the Turkish forces at Aleppo-Latakia highway (M4). SOHR sources have also documented the deployment of prefabricated outposts by the Turkish forces in several locations at the M4 international highway especially near al-Kafeer in the south of Jisr al-Shughur and the surrounding area of Dama al-Zo’iniyah western Jisr al-Shughur and near “Ain al-Hur”, the furthest point of the joint patrols at the administrative border with Latakia province, for securing the road instead of combing it frequently in search for mines planted by individuals opposing the Turkish-Russian agreement. Turkey has promised the Russian side to reopen that road a long time ago.

 

It is worth noting that the Turkish-Russian joint patrols on M4 international highway have been suspended since late August 2020. The two sides had deployed more than 26 patrols along that road from March to August, but they were repeatedly targeted by Jihadist groups that rejected the Turkish-Russian agreement.

 

As Turkey keeps sending more military reinforcement to NW Syria, the number of Turkish military units which have entered the “de-escalation zone” since the new ceasefire came into effect has risen to 8,535, in addition to the entry of nearly 10,000 Turkish soldiers.

 

From February 2, 2020, to date, SOHR activists have monitored the entry of more than 12,035 trucks and military vehicles to the “de-escalation zone”, including tanks, personnel carriers, armoured vehicles, mobile bullet proof guard booths and military radars.

 

The Syrian Observatory points out that the number of vehicles and soldiers may vary marginally, as many vehicles, loaded with soldiers and military and logistical equipment, enter and exit individually.