The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

SOHR: Türkiye Replaces Forces in Idlib’s De-escalation Zone

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Turkish forces have replaced a large number of their troops stationed in the de-escalation zone in Idlib.

 

Meanwhile, the regime forces continue to escalate measures on the Jabal Al-Zawiya area in the southern part of Idlib province.

 

According to SOHR sources, seven convoys of the Turkish army left Syria, and other seven convoys entered Syrian territory to replace them, via the crossings of Kherbet Al-Jouz in western Idlib and Bab Al-Hawa in the northern countryside.

 

The arriving convoys comprised tanks, personnel carriers, and armored vehicles, the Observatory reported.

 

Under the de-escalation agreement signed in Astana in 2017, the Turkish military has 74 posts in the north, west, and east of Idlib and 22 posts in the south of Jabal Al-Zawiya.

 

In November, the Turkish military established a new military point in Serjilla’s vicinity in Jabal Al-Zawiya near the lines of contact with the Syrian armed forces.

 

On Oct. 9, Turkish forces established a military checkpoint in the de-escalation zone in the Jabal al-Akrad area in the northern countryside of Latakia, overlooking the Aleppo-Latakia International Road (M4).

 

The military point also provides surveillance points to Jericho, the al-Ghab Plain, and the western slope of Jabal al-Zawiya. It is the third Turkish point to be set up in the Latakia countryside, in northwestern Syria, after al-Zaytouna in Jabal al-Turkman and al-Hadada in Jabal al-Akrad.

 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Kabanah Hills had previously witnessed many attempted advances by the regime and its loyalists, with Russian air cover. All the advances failed due to geographic difficulties and the factions protecting it.

 

The Turkish forces set up two military observation points to boost their control over the border between Idlib and the areas covered in the Operation Olive Branch to contain the movement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters.

 

SOHR sources reported renewed bombardment on regions in Al-Ruwayha, Bayanin, Al-Fterah, and Fulayfel in Jabal Al-Zawiya in the southern countryside of Idlib.

 

The regime’s bombardment coincided with flights by Russian reconnaissance drones over Jabal Al-Zawiya.

 

On the other hand, opposition factions shelled regime positions on the Al-Atareb frontline in the western countryside of Aleppo.

 

 

 

Source:  Asharq Al-Awsat