Assad

Turkish, Russian delegations discuss Idlib, Syria

Turkish hosted a Russian delegation in the capital Ankara on Feb. 8 to discuss the escalating situation in Idlib, northwestern Syria.

According to diplomatic sources, the Turkish and Russia delegations held a three-hour meeting which stressed the need to ensure peace on the ground and discussed steps to boost political process.

Turkey vows to retaliate in strongest manner if attacked in Syria

Turkey will use its right of self-defense in the strongest manner if Turkey faces a new attack in Syria, the Defense Ministry said on Feb. 8.

"In the event of a new attack, the proper response will be given in the strongest manner based on the right of self-defense," the ministry said in a statement.

Turkey rules out changing Idlib de-escalation zone boundaries

Turkey's presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın has said that changing borders of the Idlib de-escalation zone in northwestern Syria, as determined by Astana and Sochi agreements, is out of the question.

Speaking at a news conference on Feb. 6, Ibrahim Kalın said it is not possible for Turkey to accept any proposal of change regarding the de-escalation zone.       

Assad must leave Turkey's Idlib posts alone: Erdoğan

The Assad regime must fall back from Turkey's observation posts in northwestern Syria this month or Turkey will force the issue, said the Turkish president on Feb. 5.

"If the Syrian regime will not retreat from Turkish observation posts in Idlib in February, Turkey will be obliged to do so itself," Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told his party's lawmakers in parliament.

Europe to face new refugee exodus if Turkey ignored: AKP

Europe may face a massive refugee exodus if it ignores warnings by Ankara, Turkey's ruling party spokesman said on Feb. 4.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara, Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesperson Ömer Çelik warned of an impending humanitarian disaster in Syria's Idlib province.

Over 31,000 civilians flee Syria's Idlib over last two days

Around 31,600 more civilians have fled their homes in Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria over the last two days due to attacks by the regime and its allies.

According to Syria's Response Coordination Group, the displaced civilians headed to areas near the Turkish border due to the attacks that violate a cease-fire agreement between Turkey and Russia.

New Idlib cease-fire set to take effect

A new cease-fire in an area of northwestern Syria rocked by violence is set to start just after midnight on Jan. 12, Turkey announced.

Turkey had pushed hard for the cease-fire, coming after Idlib, Syria endured months of battering by the Assad regime and its allies, sending about a million war-weary civilian refugees flocking to the Turkish border.

Pages