Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate explained

Conflict:Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate
Partof:the Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war
Date:7 October 2017[1] – present
Place:Idlib Governorate, Aleppo Governorate, Latakia Governorate and Hama Governorate Syria
Result:Ongoing
  • Turkish Armed Forces establish 70-78 military bases and observation points as of October 2020.[2] [3]
Combatant1: Turkey
Syrian National Army
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Combatant2: Syrian Arab Republic
Combatant3: Al-Qaeda
Anti-ceasefire Hayat Tahrir al-Sham factions
Units1: Turkish Armed Forces
Units2:Unknown
Units3:
  • Kata'ib Khattab al-Shishani[6] (possibly Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad)[7]
Strength1: 20,000—30,000[8]
Casualties1: (54 soldiers, 2 civilian including baylun Airstrike contractors)[9] [10]
Unknown
Casualties2: 197+ killed by TAF[11]
Casualties3: 4 killed by TAF

The Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate (Turkish: İdlib Harekâtı), code-named Idlib De-escalation Control Force activities[12] (Turkish: İdlib Gerginliği Azaltma Kontrol Gücü faaliyetleri) by Turkey, is an operation by the Turkish Armed Forces which started in October 2017, following the earlier Operation Euphrates Shield. It is the third cross-border operation by the Turkish military, following Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Shah Euphrates.

Background

The operation was launched following the 2017 Astana agreement and subsequent Sochi agreement between Turkey, Russia and Iran. Among other things, the two agreements contained provisions for the Turkish Armed Forces to set up and maintain 12 observation posts within resistance-held territories in the Idlib Governorate.[13]

Timeline

2017

The Turkish Armed Forces set up their first observation outposts in Idlib in October 2017.[14] Following their deployment, there were reports of minor clashes with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants.[15]

2018

In February, the Turkish military observation outposts were expanded into northern and southeastern Idlib Governorate.[16] [17] On 6 February, a Turkish observation was attacked by rockets and mortars, killing a Turkish soldier and wounding five others.[18]

On 22 May, the Turkish army established its twelfth and last military observation post in Idlib province.[19]

Idlib demilitarization

See main article: Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019).

On 15 September 2018, the Turkish observation posts were made an official part of the 2018 Idlib demilitarization agreement.[20]

Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)

See main article: Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019). Following the start of the 2019 Northwestern Syria offensive, Turkish observation posts exchanged artillery fire with Syrian Army units multiple times.

In August 2019, the Turkish Armed Forces constructed an unofficial 13th observation post at Maar Hattat, 10 kilometers south of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.[21] [22] [23]

In late August 2019, the Turkish observation post at Morek was fully encircled by the Syrian Army after it captured a rebel pocket in the region.[24] The Turkish government announced that it would not move or dismantle the post.[25]

Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020)

See main article: Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020).

In late December 2019, the Turkish observation post near Sarman was encircled by the Syrian Army during the course of its Autumn offensive. Turkey has stated that it would not evacuate the post.[26]

2020

On 30 January 2020, following the Syrian Army's capture of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, the Turkish Army set up two more observation posts - just South and North of the town of Saraqib. It then established a third post to the east of the town on 1 February.[27] [28]

On 1 February 2020, the Syrian military encircled the Turkish observation post at Maar Hattat,[29] which was built following the Syrian Army's capture of Khan Shaykhun in the summer of 2019.[30]

On 3 February 2020, Syrian Army shelling killed seven Turkish soldiers and one civilian contractor. Seven soldiers were also wounded. The Turkish Army retaliated by targeting Syrian Army positions with artillery and howitzer fire, resulting in 13 dead.[31] [32] [33] [34]

On 5 February, the Syrian Army captured the village of Tell Touqan and thus encircled the Turkish observation post located there. It was not immediately made clear whether or not the post was placed under siege.[35]

On 6 February, the Turkish Armed Forces established a new outpost at Taftanaz Military Airbase.[36] It was reportedly targeted by the Syrian Air Force just hours after its establishment.[37] The Syrian Army completely encircled the town of Saraqib, which hosts four unofficial TAF military installations.[38]

On 7 February, the Turkish Armed Forces created a new military post east of Idlib City, just west of Saraqib.[39]

On 8 February, the Turkish Armed Forces established yet another military post, this time located in the Al-Mastumah area between Idlib City and Ariha.[40] A day after the Syrian Army began encircling the Turkish observation post at Al-Eiss,[41] it managed to capture both the town and its corresponding hill after the rebel forces that previously controlled it withdrew following a three-pronged envelopment by government forces.[42]

On 10 February, five or six Turkish soldiers were killed and another seven were wounded due to artillery fire from the Syrian Armed Forces.[43]

On 14 February, the Turkish army set up a base at Deir Sunbul village.[44]

On 15 February, the Turkish army established two new military posts near Darat Izza.[45]

On 16 February, the Syrian Army shelled the Turkish military post at Shekh Aqil, reportedly injuring many Turkish soldiers.[46]

On 17 February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish military had established several more military posts, bringing the total number of official and unofficial Turkish military installations in Idlib up to 35.[47]

On 20 February, 2 Turkish soldiers died and 5 were reported wounded while they were assaulting, along with their proxies, the town of Al-Nayrab.[48]

On 26 February, 2 Turkish troops were killed and several others were reported wounded following a Syrian airstrike in Idlib province.[49] The Syrian Army captured Deir Sunbul,[50] besieging the nearby Turkish observation post stationed nearby in an area called Sheir Maghar.[51]

Operation Spring Shield

See main article: Operation Spring Shield. On 27 February, at least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed by Syrian or Russian airstrikes.[52] Rebel forces advanced on Saraqeb under the cover of Turkish missile fire, thus managing to recapture the town and lift the siege imposed on three of the four surrounding Turkish observation posts - to the north, west and south of the town. The eastern observation post remained surrounded by government forces.[53] [54]

On 28 February, one Turkish soldier died and six more were wounded in Syrian air and artillery strikes in Idlib.[55]

Between 28 February and 6 March at least 165 Syrian soldiers and militiamen loyal to them were killed by Turkish Armed Forces in retaliation to Balyun airstrikes that killed at least 34 Turkish soldiers.[56]

Ceasefire (March 2020–present)

On 18 March, Turkish troops entered the de-escalation zone to reopen the M4 highway previously blocked by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and jihadist factions.[57]

On April 26, Turkish forces killed 4 fighters of Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham in Idlib.[58]

On 5 May, Syrian forces destroyed a Turkish bulldozer with a missile in Al-Dweir checkpoint north of Saraqeb. A second bulldozer sent to retrieve the first was in turn destroyed by another missile, killing and wounding the drivers.[59]

On 27 May, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the death of a Turkish soldier by an explosion in the Aleppo-Latakia Highway in northwestern Idlib.[60] A convoy of Turkish military vehicles and opposition factions was targeted by a IED, Turkish helicopters evacuated the wounded to Al-Rayhaniyyah.[61]

On 9 September, the Turkish Armed forces said that Brigadier General Sezgin Erdoğan died while on duty on Idlib, Syria. According to Turkish officials, Sezgin Erdoğan died in a hospital after falling ill.[62]

On 19 October 2020, Turkey withdrew its military presence from its base at Morek, Hama Governorate.[63]

List of observation posts

The following is a non-exhaustive list of observation posts and other military installations of the Turkish Armed Forces in Idlib:[64] [65] [66] [67]

List of observation posts
LocationOrder of ConstructionDate of Construction
Salva village near Al-Dana113 October 2017
Samaan village near Darat Izza223 October 2017
Aquil Mountain near Darat Izza319 November 2017
Al-Eiss near Al-Hadher45 February 2018
Tell Touqan59 February 2018
Sarman615 February 2018
Anadan717 March 2018
Zaytuneh83 April 2018
Morek97 April 2018
Rashidin in Western Aleppo109 May 2018
Zawiyah (Sheir Maghar) in southern Idlib1114 May 2018
Ishtabrak in southwestern Idlib1216 May 2018
Maar Hattat1320 August 2019
Al-Tarnbah14February 2020
Al-Nayrab15February 2020
Al-Mughir16February 2020
Qminas17February 2020
Sarmin18February 2020
Taftanaz Military Airbase19February 2020
Maarat al-Naasan20February 2020
Maarrat Misrin21February 2020
Al-Jinah22February 2020
Kafr Karmin23February 2020
Al-Tawama24February 2020
Al-Fawj 11125February 2020
Camp al-Mastumah26February 2020
Termanin27February 2020
Atarib28February 2020
Darat Izza29February 2020
Al-Barqali30February 2020
Nahli31February 2020
Maataram32February 2020
Sangul33February 2020
Nabi Ayyub34February 2020
Zabour35February 2020
Battu362020
Battu (2)372020
Kafr Nouran382020
Al-Ibzmo392020
Ram Hamdan402020
Al-Jinah (2)412020
Batabu422020
Sindiran432020
Baddaran442020
Al-Ibzmu (2)452020
Ram Hamdan (2)462020
Al-Jinah (3)472020
Bainasarah482020
Sanshiran492020
Al-Ibzmu (3)502020
Ram Hamdan (3)512020
Al-Jinah (4)522020
Diranjeh532020
Bdirnoran542020
Al-Ibzmu (4)552020
Ram Hamdan (4)562020
Al-Jinah (5)572020
Battu (3)582020
Sanshiran (2)592020
al-Nabi al-Nabi Ayyub602020
Jericho612020
Jannat al-Qura622020
Bassamas632020
Tell al-Nabi Ayyub642020
al-Qiyasat652020
Bisnqul662020
Maarat Marian672020
Mantaf682020
Muhambal692020
Tal Arqam702020
Qafin712020

Reactions

Within Syria

International reactions

The head of the Russian delegation for the Astana talks, Alexander Lavrentyev, said that Russia was ready to act as a mediator between the Syrian government and Turkey regarding the situation in Idlib.[71]

Supranational reactions

The UN's special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said the creation of a fourth de-escalation zone is a positive development.[72]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: First Turkish military convoy enters Syria's Idlib. 7 October 2017. Reuters.
  2. News: في إطار سعيها لرصد منطقة معرة النعمان جنوبي إدلب.. القوات التركية تنشئ نقطة عسكرية جديدة في جبل الزاوية . 10 November 2020 . 9 November 2020.
  3. News: سحب نقاط المراقبة التركية المحاصرة شمالي سوريا .. السياق والأهداف والسيناريوهات المتوقعة . 22 October 2020.
  4. Web site: Turkey's Military Buildup in Syria's Idlib Province. Institute for the Study of War. Blane Wallace. 31 March 2020.
  5. Web site: Turkish Drones and Artillery Are Devastating Assad's Forces In Idlib Province-Here's Why. Forbes. Sebastien Roblin. 2 March 2020.
  6. Web site: Who benefits from attacks on Turkish forces in Idlib?. Al-Monitor. Khaled al-Khateb. 10 February 2021.
  7. Web site: Kata'ib Khattab al-Shishani: Fact or fiction?. Middle East Institute. Neil Hauer. 16 September 2020.
  8. Web site: James Jeffrey: The Russians realize that they are sinking into the "Syrian quagmire" and we will keep the pressure on them . fresh-syria.net/ . Al-Asharq Al-Awsat . 29 December 2020.
  9. 1 killed (6 Feb. 2018),http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkish-soldier-killed-syrias-idlib-509393796 1 killed (6 April 2019),https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-soldier-killed-in-northern-latakia-after-unknown-group-opens-fire-near-border-crossing/ 1 killed (28 June 2019),https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/06/turkish-soldier-dies-attack-military-post-syria-idlib-190628055001892.html 58 killed (3 Feb.-5 March 2020; per Turkish President),https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/erdogan-idlibde-59-sehit-verdik-5667724/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-to-keep-military-observation-posts-in-idlib-syria/1724137 72 killed (3 Feb.-5 March 2020; per SOHR),http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156424http://www.syriahr.com/?p=367235http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154347 3 killed (18-19 March 2020),https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey/turkish-soldier-killed-in-syrias-idlib-governors-office-idUSKBN2162K3 1 killed (27 May 2020),https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkey-soldier-killed-explosion-syrias-idlib-70906718 1 killed (5 June 2020),https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey/turkish-soldier-killed-two-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-defence-ministry-says-idUSKBN23C2ZY 1 killed (12 June 2020),https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-soldier-succumbs-to-injuries/1875121# 1 killed (6 Sep. 2020),https://www.syriahr.com/en/182969/ 1 killed (9 Sep. 2020),https://www.duvarenglish.com/domestic/2020/09/09/turkish-general-dies-while-on-duty-in-syrias-idlib/ 10 killed (2021),https://www.syriahr.com/en/226941/https://www.syriahr.com/en/230657/ total of 79–93 reported killed
  10. Presented Turkish losses during the operation in Idlib Governorate do not include initial claims of 50–100 dead in the February 2020 Balyun airstrikes.https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/idlib-tuerkische-soldaten-sterben-durch-luftangriffe-in-syrien-a-f42bf8b4-e061-4a7c-a697-7fc97fe37c3ahttps://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-deciphering-attack-on-turkish-troops.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20200229213920/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kzhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad? Instead, they include 34 soldiers killed in the airstrike confirmed by Turkey.https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/1-year-ago-assad-attack-killed-34-turkish-troops-in-syrias-idlib/news
  11. News: Military escalation in "De-escalation zone" 51 days on: 1,200,000 people displaced…2,640 killed…276 areas fall to regime forces. March 5, 2020. March 13, 2021. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  12. Web site: İdlib'ten acı haber. odatv.com.
  13. News: Erdogan Says Turkey May Launch Syria Offensive if Idlib Attacks Continue. Reuters. 2020-02-01. The New York Times. 2020-02-01. en-US. 0362-4331.
  14. Web site: İdlib'de ilk gözlem noktası oluşturuldu. www.trthaber.com. 20 October 2017 .
  15. Web site: 08 Oct 2017 09:24 GMT . Turkey forces clash with Tahrir al-Sham in Syria | Syria News . Al Jazeera . 2020-05-24 . 2020-05-28.
  16. Web site: Turkish observation posts in Syria's Idlib. 22 October 2018. TRT.
  17. News: Turkish military says sets up sixth observation post in Syria's Idlib. 15 February 2018. 17 February 2018. Reuters.
  18. Web site: Turkish soldier killed in attack in Syria's Idlib province. Middle East Eye.
  19. Web site: Turkish army's Idlib action 'riskiest cross-border operation' to date. Semih. Idiz. May 22, 2018. Al-Monitor.
  20. Web site: Full text of Turkey-Russia memorandum on Idlib revealed. The National. 19 September 2018 . en. 2019-08-24.
  21. Web site: Tensions soar as Syrian government strikes Turkish military convoy in Idlib. Middle East Eye. en. 2020-01-10.
  22. Web site: Ergin. Sedat. 26 December 2019. Idlib dominated the agenda again. 2020-01-10. Hürriyet Daily News. en.
  23. Web site: Syria regime forces surround Turkish army post in Idlib . 22 October 2020. The Arab Weekly. en.
  24. Web site: Syrian Regime Forces Surround Turkish Army Post. Asharq AL-awsat. en. 2019-08-24.
  25. Web site: Syrian regime shouldn't play with fire: FM Çavuşoğlu - Turkey News. Hürriyet Daily News. 20 August 2019 . en. 2020-01-10.
  26. News: Turkey Says It Won't Evacuate NW Syria Observation Posts. Associated Press. 2019-12-29. The New York Times. 2020-01-10. en-US. 0362-4331.
  27. Web site: Turkey-Russia growing tension: Turkish forces install new military post in Kafr Amim encircling Saraqeb from three sides. 1 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  28. Web site: Turkish military sets 3rd observation point near Syria's Saraqib. DailySabah. February 2020. 2020-02-01.
  29. SYRIAN ARMY BESIEGES THIRD TURKISH OBSERVATION POST IN SOUTHERN GREATER IDLIB, South Front, February 1, 2020
  30. Web site:
    1. Syria: fresh photo shows #TSK evacuated the Obs. Post in Maar Hatat before arrival of pro-Assad forces. Position was built after capture of #KhanSheikhoun last Summer. Pic via @SchoenbornTrent. http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=35.570703&lon=36.654296&z=15&m … https://twitter.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1221853590345732096 …pic.twitter.com/z7FctERR7I
    . Qalaat Al. Mudiq. February 1, 2020.
  31. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51371462 Syria war: Turkey will not let Syrian army advance in Idlib, says Erdogan
  32. Web site: 8 Turkish personnel, 13 Syrian troops killed in north Syria. February 3, 2020. AP NEWS.
  33. Web site: Frazer. Suzan. 2020-02-03. 6 Turkish troops, 13 Syrian soldiers killed in north Syria. 2020-10-22. NBC Montana.
  34. Web site: McKernan. Bethan. February 3, 2020. Turkish soldiers killed as battle for control of Idlib escalates. The Guardian.
  35. Web site: Regime forces enter the administrative border of southern rural Aleppo, and capture a village hosting Turkish military post east of Saraqeb . . 5 February 2020.
  36. Web site: Turkish forces install new military post in Taftanaz military airbase . . 6 February 2020.
  37. Web site: بعد ساعات من تثبيت القوات التركية نقطة بداخله.. طائرات النظام الحربية تستهدف مطار تفتناز العسكري . . 6 February 2020.
  38. Web site: Regime forces encircle Saraqeb completely, and dozens of opposition fighters are still inside . . 6 February 2020.
  39. Web site: Turkish forces install new military post east of Idlib city. 7 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  40. Web site: Turkish forces set up new military post in "Tala'ea Al-Baath" Camp in Al-Mastumah. 8 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  41. Web site: Syrian Army attempting to encircle Turkish military post at strategic hilltop in Aleppo. News Desk. 2020-02-07. AMN - Al-Masdar News المصدر نيوز. en-US. 2020-02-08.
  42. Web site: بعد انسحاب المقاتلين منها.. قوات النظام تسيطر على بلدة العيس الاستراتيجية جنوب حلب في إطار عملية استكمال السيطرة على اتستراد دمشق – حلب الدولي. 8 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. ar.
  43. https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/five-turkish-troops-killed-in-clashes-with-syrian-army-1.618195 Five Turkish troops killed in clashes with Syrian army
  44. Web site: Turkish forces set up new military post in 111th regiment, west of Aleppo. 15 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  45. Web site: Turkish military establishes new posts in west Aleppo to stop Syrian Army advance. News Desk. 2020-02-15. AMN - Al-Masdar News المصدر نيوز. en-US. 2020-02-15.
  46. Web site: Regime forces shell Turkish military post leaving many soldiers injured. 16 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  47. Web site: القوات التركية تتمركز في مواقع جديدة بمحافظة إدلب رافعة تعداد نقاطها ضمن منطقة "بوتين – أردوغان" إلى 35. 17 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. ar.
  48. Web site: Nearly 45 regime and Turkish soldiers and rebels killed in shelling and violent battles on Al-Nayrab frontline, east of Idlib. 21 February 2020. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
  49. Web site: Two Turkish troops killed as state media intensifies attack on Russia. Ahval News. 27 February 2020. 27 February 2020.
  50. Web site: The army liberates 15 villages from terrorism in idleb southern countryside . . 26 February 2020 . 28 February 2020.
  51. News: Activists say Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters retook key Idlib town. 2020-02-28. The Japan Times Online. 2020-02-28. en-US. 0447-5763.
  52. News: Airstrike Hits Turkish Forces in Syria, Raising Fears of Escalation . Gall . Carlotta . 27 Feb 2020. The New York Times. 27 Feb 2020.
  53. Web site: Turkish artillery paves the way for the factions to advance further into areas surrounding Saraqeb . Syrian Observatory for Human Rights . 28 February 2020.
  54. Web site: Turkish forces break siege imposed on military posts in Saraqeb, while regime forces advance further into Sahl Al-Ghab . SOHR . 28 February 2020.
  55. Web site: 45 regime forces killed by bombing drones and war planes and Turkish artillery shelling ... and surface-to-surface missiles targeting the countryside of Aleppo.
  56. Web site: Military escalation in "De-escalation zone" 51 days on: 1,200,000 people displaced…2,640 killed…276 areas fall to regime forces • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200623233047/https://www.syriahr.com/en/156424/. 2020-06-23.
  57. News: Under HTS's supervision, Turkish forces set up guard posts and conduct patrol on their own. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 19 March 2020. 2 April 2020.
  58. Web site: Five HTS fighters killed or wounded in attacks by Turkish drones in eastern Idlib • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200814023206/https://www.syriahr.com/en/161766/. 2020-08-14.
  59. Web site: Hostilities Regime forces attack Turkish bulldozer in rural Idlib, leaving casualties . Syrian Observatory for Human Rights . 5 May 2020.
  60. Web site: Turkey announces death of soldier after attack in western Idlib. 27 May 2020.
  61. Web site: IED attack Explosions hit Turkish military convoy on M4, leaving many injured.
  62. Web site: Turkish general dies while on duty in Syria's Idlib. 10 September 2020.
  63. Web site: Turkey withdraws from base in northwest Syria, sources say. Reuters. 19 October 2020.
  64. News: في إطار سعيها لرصد منطقة معرة النعمان جنوبي إدلب.. القوات التركية تنشئ نقطة عسكرية جديدة في جبل الزاوية . 10 November 2020 . 9 November 2020.
  65. Web site: Turkish Army Established its 12th Observation Post in İdlib. 2018-05-16. Suriye Gündemi. en-GB. 2020-01-10.
  66. Web site: Turkish observation posts in Syria's Idlib. 6 February 2018. TRT World.
  67. News: Turkey 'reinforces posts in Syria's Idlib'. 2018-09-13. 2020-01-10. en-GB.
  68. Web site: Syria demands Turkey immediately withdraw troops – News – DW – 14.10.2017. DW.COM.
  69. Web site: Syria demands 'immediate' withdrawal of Turkish troops. Hürriyet Daily News. 15 October 2017 .
  70. Web site: أبو عراج: تركيا باعت إدلب أيضاً للنظام السوري وداعميه - ANHA. www.hawarnews.com. 2017-11-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123132729/http://hawarnews.com/أبو-عراج-تركيا-باعت-إدلب-أيضاً-للنظام-ا/. 2018-01-23. dead.
  71. Web site: Russia ready to mediate talks between Damascus, Ankara on Idlib. 30 October 2017.
  72. Web site: Final de-escalation zones agreed on in Astana. Al Jazeera. 15 September 2017.