Turkey shoots down two Syrian warplanes in Idlib; Syrian army initiates counter attacks

Ankara/Damascus: In the last 24 hours, Turkey shot down two Syrian fighter jets in its attack on the Syrian military as also destroyed the air defence system. Turkey claimed that the pilots of the fighter jets were killed in the attack. On the contrary, Syria declared that its soldiers were safe and would receive a similar response in reply. Meanwhile, the developments are said to have created a situation where a direct conflict may spark off between the Turkish and Syrian militaries.

A few hours ago, Turkish President Recep Erdogan had adopted a soft stand during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reportedly, the Turkish President appealed for Russia to stop the Syrian attacks and impose a ceasefire in Idlib. However, after the discussions, the Turkish government’s mouthpiece as also state-run news channels carried a report stating that President Erdogan had asked Russia to stay away when the Turkish military launches attacks over the Syrian army. At the same time, the Turkish army announced launching the military campaign – ‘Operation Spring Shield’ in Syria.

In the first 24 hours from the launch of the campaign, Turkey claimed it shot down 2 Syrian Sukhoi-24 fighter jets. The Turkish media have asserted the pilots of the aircraft were killed in the crash as well. Also, a video covering the incident was released. Nevertheless, the Syrian military affirmed that their pilots and co-pilots from both the fighter jets were safe. Apart from that, the Turkish army even declared the attacks had destroyed the air defence systems in the northern part of Syria.

A few hours ago, the Syrian military shot down a Turkish surveillance aircraft. At the same time, the Syrian military air raids in Idlib claimed the lives of 34 Turkish soldiers. Turkey thus announced that they had launched the attacks on the Syrian military to avenge the deaths of its soldiers. After the attacks, Syria announced the closure of the Syrian airspace over Idlib. Furthermore, the Syrian army forewarned that if any aircraft violated the Syrian airspace, it would be shot down no matter which country it belonged.

While Turkey targeted the Syrian military with airstrikes in Idlib, Turkish military vehicles and tanks entered the Syrian territory. The deployment is claimed to be the most significant military contingent Turkey has sent to Syria in the last few days. Considering the Turkish unit and the intensity of its airstrikes, the chances of a fierce conflict between Turkey and Syria has increased.

Turkey is opposed to Syria’s counter-terrorism campaign in Idlib. Russia has however supported the Syrian action in Idlib, stating that the Assad government had the authority to make the call for action. On the other hand, Turkey was firm on invading the Syrian military. As a result, it remains to be seen what stand Syria and Russia adopt over the Turkish action.

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