One day after the Turkish Defense Ministry reported that their military had killed 101 Syrian soldiers, they have now reported a counterattack by Turkish-backed rebels, saying they’d killed an additional 51 troops.
This fighting was reported across the frontier of Idlib Province, adjacent to Aleppo Province. The Syrian military has been pushing against Islamist rebels in that area, and finally gained control over the vital Damascus to Aleppo highway.
Turkey is very interested in keeping Syria from restabilizing the region, and subsequently are charging their rebels with continuing to contest control over towns near the highway, just to ensure Syria cannot hold them.
This is almost certain to lead to more direct confrontations between Syria and Turkey, as Turkey will not accept Syrian control of northern Syria, and Assad is unlikely to let Turkey dictate terms in the country either.
There were no 101 Syrians killed in Idlib yesterday. This is the third time Ditz is parroting Turkish nonsensical propaganda for domestic consumption without a shred of evidence. What’s the point? Turkey are supporting and flying the flag of their Uighur and Uzbek terrorists (HTS) in Idlib. But without air support they’re extremely vulnerable to the Russian and Syrian air force’s, which 25 KIA Turkish soldiers and their supply to their jihadist proxies, some 15 tanks, clearly shows. For the first time since 2012 the important M5 highway between Damascus and latakia and its surroundings is open and SAA continues to pound Turkish “observation post” (command posts). Turkey has no way out of this one but to negotiate with Russia and stick to its part of the Astana agreement.
How many Syrian troops were actually killed? Seems Syria is not strong enough to force them back beyond their borders…
These are only maneuvers. Only one clash occurred during repositioning of forces when Turkey failed to communicate movement of one unit and Syria assumed these were Al-Qaeda militants in the move. Now, with Syria securing highway, and Turkish forces on the other side — militants used by Al-Qaeda are no longer controlling the region next to Syrian forces. Militants that came to Idlib from various locations will be given option to serve under Turkey. Iver 3,000 have been shipped to Libya.
This is a game. Leading up to end-game. For those that are quick to assume Turkish motives — think Kurds. Think how elegantly Turkey managed to fool both US and Kurds that its forces are coming in — to takeover from Kurds the border and cities, Kobane, Manbij, Raqqa. What happened?
After clearing the border at Ras Al Ayn, Turkey and Russia struck the deal and Syrian forces took control over the entire region, including all towns, as Kurds sought Syrian protection. If they knew that Turkey never intended to go in — they would have never turned over their capital,
Think now Idlib. There are two kinds of Idlib militants. One, groups that wanted to accept Turkey’s offer to work under Turkey command. Second group — former Nusra, Al-Qaeda, White Helmets. Under any name they are funded by US and UK. And they are the key to breaking down Idlib.
For as long as they are safe and ensconced inside Idlib, constitutional meetings are hampered.
So, what will it take to get US/UK outfit to be dislodged? What took to dislodge YPG Kurds and Americans? Turkey’s declaration of coming in.
This is the same strategy, different actors. By coming in in force, militants that wanted to cross over to Turkey can now do that. Al-Qaeda/White Helmets, always placed the disposable militants to defend from Syrian forces.
Turkey has now sealed any escape for Al-Qaeda to the North and West, and now — after Syria took the highway and hundreds of villages, Turkey is positioning forces now to remove militants from the contact with Syrian forces. This will now be a strong buffer. Inside — Turkish fiery propaganda about fighting Syria, holding them back from overrunning Idlib — is meant for two audiences, militants and their families fearing Syrian Army. And to Al-Qaeda, to let them be known that Turkey is their last chance to cut a deal, find the way to leave, and let Turkey administer the region. Unlike all previous attempts to give them exit via checkpoints, Al-Qaeda being well funded via White Helmets funds, did not want to leave.
But now, they know that Turkey can easily open up the buffer, and Syrian Army can pour in. Because now, non-Al-Qaeda militants are removed from front line and under Turkish command.
The stories of Turkey fighting Syrian forces are sowing panic in Idlib, and Al-Qaeda is loosing soldiers to Turkey. They may have to fold eventually. Some deal may be cut to get key US/UK assets out of there.
As for real conflict. Russian Ministry if Defense has reported only one clash, a d it occurred when Turkey was moving forces, some of the moves not communicated to Syrian side, which assumed Al-Qaeda militants were in the move. That was the only conflict with casualties on both sides.
Keep in mind that Syrian and Turkish chiefs of intelligence met openly in Moscow prior to this move. Also, Turkey is shipping out militants that served linger period under Turkish control to Libya. They are paid reportedly $2,000 a month, and will get Turkish citizenship. These kinds of news are great incentives for militants that remained loyal to Al-Qaeda because of regular paycheck. They will start leaving towards Turkish controlled zine in Turkish border. Once Al-Qaeda/Helmets become isolated, and now they have no longer access to Syrian forces to orchestrate attack.
If UK still believes it can keep their contingent in — better watch out. Turkey, Syria and Russia have declared Al-Qaeda terrorists organization. Once various militants abandon them — Al-Qaeda can be attacked. I sm assuming they will be let go out as it happened after the fall of Aleppo.
Another Turkish propaganda, yesterday they killed 101 Syrians, now 51 Syrians.
Reality……… Turkish backed terrorists are getting a beating.
Of course this is not real. But it serves a purpose inside panic stricken Idlib.
What Turkey wants is to have all militants abandon Al-Qaeda and not be their stooges to fight Syrian army.
Looks like soon Al-Qaeda and their helmets are facing abandonment. The stories of fighting and supposed Turkey’s victory is doing nothing to calm militants nerves. Being in fight ling enough they know bragging when they hear one. Which makes them think that Syrian Army may break in. Just like Kurds turning themselves over to Syrian forces out of fear, this is the same, with different actors. Hopefully militants will change uniform, abandon Al-Qaeda/Helmets. When that happens, the US/UK outfit will close the shop.