Latest Military Situation in Idlib (Map Update)

Idlib province has always been of interest to Ankara in recent years due to its strategic location and the presence of Ankara-backed militants. The Turkish military currently has four observation posts and more than 50 military points in western Aleppo and the Idlib region, and continues to strengthen and increase the number of these military posts.

In recent weeks, especially after Putin and Erdogan met and discussed about the situation of Idlib, the Turkish military has sent dozens of military convoys carrying logistics, armored vehicles, troops and construction materials to the province.

In its latest move, Turkish Army have set up a new military point near the Benin village on Jabal al-Zawiyah in the southern countryside of Idlib province. The positions of the Turkish military and Ankara-backed militants in the contact lines have also been strengthened, and Turkey has sent about 5,000 troops to Idlib province in the past three days.

As the Turkish army moves and builds military posts and strengthens its positions in Idlib province, the activity of Syrian Army artillery and Russian warplanes has also increased. In recent months, militant positions in Sheikh Bahr, al-Bara, Safuhan, al-Ankawi, Kansafra, Bayluon, al-Ruwaiha, al-Fatira, Benin, Fulaifil and Majdaliyah have been repeatedly targeted by Syrian Army artillery or Russian warplanes.

In the latest Syrian army attacks on militant positions, Syrian Army artillery units stationed east of Saraqeb targeted militant positions in the town of Sarmin. The militants based in Idlib also targeted the Syrian army positions in Ma’ra al-Nu’man, Kafr Nubl, Saraqeb, Hazarin, Dadikh, Basaqala, Dar al-Kabira and Ma’saran with artillery and rocket attacks.

However, the contact lines in Idlib have not changed much, and there is a daily exchange of fire between the Syrian army and the militants. The southern regions of Idlib are witnessing more clashes than other regions. Syrian army forces stationed on the eastern fronts of Idlib are also occasionally targeted by snipers or guided missiles.

So far, Ankara does not seem to intend to give up its support for the militants in Idlib, and the Syrian government and its allies are strongly opposed to Turkey’s decision.

This is one of the main points of contention between Putin and Erdogan. Although Russia seeks to maintain economic, military and political relations with Turkey, it disagrees on the issue of Idlib with Turkey, and the Idlib case was discussed at the last meeting between the two sides in Sochi. The Russian side told Turkey that it was not satisfied with the situation in Idlib.

Turkey’s actions in Idlib province, which run counter to the Moscow agreement, could be a good excuse for Russia to give the green light to the Syrian government and launch a comprehensive military option to clear Idlib.