Turkey's Foreign Minister Says Erdogan, Putin, And Assad Will Meet After January 2023

A meeting between the Turkish, Syrian, and Russian leaders has been scheduled, but not for January, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.  

Sputnik: Turkish Foreign Minister Says Erdogan, Putin, Assad to Meet After January 2023 

ISTANBUL (Sputnik) - A meeting between the Turkish, Syrian and Russian leaders has been scheduled, but not for January, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. 

On December 15, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had offered to Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a meeting between the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Syria, which will be preceded by a meeting of the heads of the intelligence services, defense and foreign ministries. 

On December 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the defense ministers of Russia, Syria and Turkey held trilateral talks in Moscow to discuss ways to resolve the Syrian crisis.  

Read more ....  

Update: Erdogan, Putin, Assad to meet after January 2023 (MEHR News Agency)  

WNU Editor: No official word yet from Moscow or Damascus.

The Defence Ministers Of Russia, Turkey And Syria Meet In Moscow

 

France 24: Russian, Syrian, Turkish defence ministers meet in Moscow for first talks since 2011 

The defence ministers of Russia, Turkey and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since a war broke out in Syria, the Russian defence ministry said.

It was also the first meeting between the defence ministers of Turkey and Syria since the start of the war in 2011.  Russia and Turkey are both involved in Syria, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime against its opponents, and Ankara backing rebels.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Turkish, Syrian, Russian defense chiefs hold surprise talks (AP)  

Update #2: Turkey, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold talks in Moscow (Al Jazeera)  

WNU Editor: This is laying the groundwork for the eventual meeting between Assad and Erdogan.

Turkey's Erdogan Wants A Summit With Assad And Putin. Will This Be The End Of The Syrian Civil War?

The two leaders have held frequent discussions over the years [File: Turkish presidential press/Handout via AFP] 

Al-Monitor: Turkey's Erdogan seeking a meeting with Assad and Putin 

In a reversal, Erdogan wants Russia to set-up a three-way meeting with Bashar Al-Assad, ten years after Ankara calling for his removal from power 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that his country was seeking three-way meetings between Ankara, Moscow and Damascus, a fresh addition to Turkey’s efforts to restore its ties with the Syrian government of Bashar Al-Assad, ten years after relations broke off between them. 

“We want to take a tripartite step as Syria-Turkey-Russia,” Erdogan told reporters during his return from Turkmenistan, adding that the three countries' defense and foreign ministers could come together first.  

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WNU Editor: Syrian President Assad said no to such a meeting two weeks ago .... Assad rejects Russia attempt to arrange meeting with Erdogan, sources say (Middle East Monitor). But Russia wants this meeting, and I would not be surprised if this meeting does take place. 

If this summit happens, it will be the beginning of the end for this long and horrible war. 

The US response to these possible talks has been a reinforcement of their military presence in north-eastern Syria. 

 Turkey's Erdogan Wants A Summit With Assad And Putin  

Turkey Seeks a Trilateral Mechanism With Russia, Syria -Erdogan -- Reuters 

Erdogan Seeks to Hold a Summit with Putin, Assad -- Asharq Al-Awsat  

Erdoğan's quest for trilateral Syria diplomacy -- Daily Sabah

Turkey's Air Strikes Against The Kurds In Syria Threaten U.S. Soldiers (Update)

 

FOX News: Pentagon issues warning after Turkish airstrikes threaten American troops in Syria 

Turkey blames Kurdish militia groups for deadly November bombing in Istanbul 

The Pentagon has urged Turkey to stand down on its plan to invade Syria as the operation could endanger U.S. troops in the country.  

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin offered his condolences to his counterpart Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar for the loss of life in the Istanbul bombing that occurred last month and prompted military action in Syria.  

But Austin stressed that the airstrikes – and the impending ground invasion of Syria – directly threatens the safety of U.S. personnel working in Syria.   

Read more .... 

Turkey's Air Strikes Against The Kurds In Syria Threaten U.S. Soldiers (Update) 

NATO ally Turkey is attacking a key US partner force in Syria, and it's upending joint operations against ISIS -- Insider  

Turkish strikes on US Kurd allies resonate in Ukraine war -- AP  

Turkey’s leveraging of Syria, Ukraine crises frustrates US, Europe -- Al-Monitor

 Pentagon warns Turkey against Syria ground invasion after strikes threaten US troops -- The Hill  

Turkey’s operation against Kurds in Syria risks reviving IS group -- France 24

Turkey Launches Air Raids Against Kurdish Bases In Syria And Iraq

 

CNN: Turkey launches deadly aerial campaign over Syria in response to Istanbul bombing

Eleven people have been killed in Syria, including one journalist, after Turkish warplanes carried out an “air operation” in the country and neighboring Iraq late Saturday, according to an official from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

There have not been any casualties reported from the Iraqi side. Turkey’s new cross-border offensive, dubbed “Operation Claw-Sword” by its defense ministry, targets the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), PYD People’s Defense Units (YPG), and Union of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK), reported state-run news agency Anadolu.  

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WNU Editor: The big worry is over concerns that Turkey will be launching a ground offensive into Syria and Iraq soon .... Erdoğan signals ground operation against terrorists in Syria, Iraq (Daily Sabah). More here .... As Turkey gears up for Syria, Iraq invasion, can the US stop them? - analysis (Jerusalem Post) 

Turkey Launches Air Raids Against Kurdish Bases In Syria And Iraq

Turkey confirms deadly airstrikes in Syria and Iraq targeting Kurdish groups -- The Guardian/AP 

Turkey's military operations in Iraq and Syria -- Reuters  

Turkey hits Kurdish militants with airstrikes days after Istanbul bombing -- FOX News  

Turkish strikes in Syria kill at least 31 people, according to NGO -- Euronews 

Erdogan threatens ground operation in Syria after deadly rocket strike -- France 24  

Turkish military operation 'not limited to air' – Erdogan -- RT

Turkish President Erdogan Has Ordered Turkey's Military To Prepare To Launch Operations On Its Southern Borders

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS  

Reuters: Erdogan Says Turkey to Launch Military Operations on Its Southern Borders 

ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday Ankara would soon launch new military operations along its southern borders to create 30-km deep safe zones to combat terrorist threats from these regions. 

"The main target of these operations will be areas which are centers of attacks to our country and safe zones," Erdogan said, without elaborating. 

Erdogan said the operations would be launched as soon as military, intelligence and security forces have completed their preparations.  

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WNU Editor: According to Russian news media the goal of this military operation will be to create a 30-km buffer zone .... Turkey plans to create 30-km deep security area near southern border - Erdogan (TASS). 

Turkish President Erdogan Has Ordered Turkey's Military To Prepare To Launch Operations On Its Southern Borders  

Turkey's Erdogan threatens new incursion into Syria -- ABC News/AP 

Erdogan Says Turkey to Launch Military Operations on its Southern Borders -- Asharq Al-Awsat  

Erdogan says Turkey to launch new military operation in N. Syria -- Xinhua

Has Turkey Broken Its Agreement With Russia On Syria?

South Front: Mysterious Weapon Knocked Out Syrian Army Battle Tank In Southern Idlib 

On February 12, a mysterious weapon knocked out a battle tank of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in the southern Idlib countryside. 

The battle tank blew up in the early morning hours after being hit with an unknown object. 

The battle tank was situated south of the government-held town of Ma`arat al-Nu`man, way behind the frontline. 

Opposition sources reported the incident, with some claiming that the battle tank was hit with an artillery round fired by Greater Idlib militants. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Information on how this tank was destroyed is sparse. But if this becomes a regular occurrence and with a suspected Turkey involvement, Russia and Syria will see this as an escalation by Turkey.

Turkey Threatens Retailiation If Idlib Ceasefire Is Broken

DHA Photo

Hurriyet Daily News: Turkey to retaliate heavily if cease-fire violated

Turkey will respond heavily if the cease-fire with Russia is violated in northwestern Syria’s Idlib, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on March 11.

If the relevant parties of the Moscow deal violate the deal, Turkey will “never avoid going over them heavier than before,” Erdoğan said at the parliamentary group meeting.

“Turkey will do more than mere retaliation if its observation posts in Idlib are targeted,” he emphasized.

“We are closely monitoring the deployment of the Assad regime and allied militants near the cease-fire lines,” he said, stressing that Turkey will abide by the cease-fire deal so long as the Assad regime and its allies do the same.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The ceasefire will eventually be broken.

More News On Turkey Threatening Retaliation If Idlib Ceasefire Is Broken

Erdogan threatens action to enforce cease-fire -- UPI
Turkey threatens 'heavy' retaliation if Idlib ceasefire is broken -- Al Jazeera
‘We will give a much harsher response’, Erdogan warns Damascus over Idlib -- RT

Growing Opposition In Turkey To President Erdogan's Decision To Intervene In The Syrian War

Al Jazeera: Brawl in Turkey's parliament after MP criticises Erdogan

Dozens of parliamentarians joined the fistfight, some climbing over desks to throw punches.

A fistfight erupted in the Turkish parliament on Wednesday during a speech by an opposition legislator who earlier accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of disrespecting Turkish soldiers who died in Syria.

Dozens of parliamentarians joined the brawl, some climbing on top of desks to throw punches, while others tried to stop the fighting, according to video footage of the brouhaha.

Some legislators fell to the ground during the fray, Turkey's Haberturk television reported.

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Update #1: Lawmakers brawl in Turkey's parliament over military involvement in northern Syria -- NBC/AP
Update #2: Watch: Massive Brawl Erupts In Turkish Parliament After Erdogan Blamed For Troop Deaths -- Zero Hedge

WNU Editor: The Syrian war is a meat grinder. Turkish President Erdogan's decision to directly intervene into the Syrian conflict has not only prolong the conflict and escalated the refugee crisis, but it is also now producing body-bags with dead Turkish soldiers. To say that the Turkish President now finds himself way over his head is an understatement. This has also galvanized the opposition against him.

Turkey Escalates Military Operations Against Syrian Military Forces

BBC: Syria war: Turkish drone strikes 'kill 19 Syrian soldiers'

Nineteen Syrian soldiers have been killed in Turkish drone strikes on Idlib, a UK-based monitor has said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the attacks targeted a military convoy and an army base amid increasing violence.

Turkey also shot down two Syrian fighter jets on Sunday.

Russia, a key backer of the Syrian government, has warned it cannot guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace.

Tensions in Idlib escalated sharply last week when at least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an air strike.

The incident sparked fears of a major escalation involving Turkey and Syria's main military ally, Russia.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Turkish air force is devastating Syrian forces on the ground and in the air. Not surprising .... Russia is warning Turkey .... Russia says no longer guarantees safety of Turkish aircraft in Syria (Daily Sabbah).

More News On Turkey's Military Operations In Syria

Turkey targets Syrian planes, airports in escalating Idlib fight -- France 24
Turkey downs two Syrian fighter jets as it intensifies Idlib attacks -- The Guardian
Turkey downs Syrian planes in Idlib as refugees flood Turkey's European borders -- ABC News Online
Syria war: Turkish drone strikes 'kill 19 Syrian soldiers' -- BBC
Turkey is crushing Syria's army after wiping out its heavy armor with superior tech -- Task & Purpose
Turkey’s Killer Drone Swarm Poses Syria Air Challenge to Putin -- Bloomberg
Several Syrian soldiers killed in Turkish drone strikes, war monitor says -- France 24
Turkey launches attack on Syrian forces in Idlib -- UPI
Soldier & equipment losses for Syrian Army are just the beginning – Erdogan -- RT
Russian military police deployed to strategic Idlib town of Saraqeb – Defense Ministry -- RT
Erdogan says he hopes for Idlib ceasefire deal in Putin talks -- Al Jazeera
Ceasefire in Idlib will hopefully be achieved after talks with Putin – Erdogan ahead of upcoming meeting in Moscow -- RT

33 Turkish Troops Killed In Syrian Airstrike (Update)

RFI: 33 Turkish troops killed in Syrian airstrike, NATO to hold emergency talks

Turkey has raised the death toll from a Syrian government airstrike on its forces in northwestern Syria the previous night to 33 Turkish troops, the highest number of Turkish soldiers killed in a single day since Ankara first intervened in the Syrian conflict in 2016.

The deaths, which came in an attack late Thursday, mark a serious escalation in the direct conflict between Turkish and Russia-backed Syrian forces that has been waged since early February. The earlier reported death toll was 29 troops.

Ambassadors from NATO countries are holding emergency talks this Friday at the request of Turkey, who is a member of the alliance.

Turkey is a main backer of the Syrian opposition while Russia has been giving military support to the Syrian government offensive in Idlib that has displaced about 950,000 people and left hundreds of civilians dead.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Russia is saying that these Turkish soldiers were mixing with militants .... Turkish troops shelled by Syrian forces were among militants — Russian top brass (TASS).

Update: I give this a 50-50 possibility .... Russia's Putin, Turkey's Erdogan could meet next week: RIA cites Kremlin (Reuters).

Update #2: This is not going to be effective .... Turkey blocks social media access for 16 hours after Syria airstrike (Euronews).

More News On 33 Turkish Troops Killed In A Syrian Airstrike (Update)

Syrian airstrikes kill dozens of Turkish troops in Idlib — live updates -- DW
Turkey-Syria tensions escalate after troops killed: Live updates -- Al Jazeera
Syria war: Alarm after 33 Turkish soldiers killed in attack in Idlib -- BBC
Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in air strike in Syria's Idlib -- DW
Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria -- The Guardian
33 Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib -- Al Jazeera
Turkey hits 'all known' Syrian govt positions after soldiers killed in Idlib -- France 24
Turkish aircraft, artillery hit over 200 Syrian army targets in Idlib -- TASS
Turkish reprisals kill over 30 Syria troops: monitor -- AFP
Turkey says it demanded immediate ceasefire in Syria's Idlib from Russia -- Reuters
Russia and Turkey's next moves will define the Syrian war's end -- The Guardian
Options narrowing for Erdogan after Idlib strikes -- AFP
Turkey-Russia tensions soar after deadly Syria strike -- AFP
Could Russia go to war with Turkey in Syria? -- AFP

President Erdogan Warns That A Turkish Military Offensive On Syria's Idlib Is 'Only A Matter Of Time'

VOA/RFE: Erdogan: Talks With Russia Unsatisfactory, Turkish Offensive in Syria 'Matter Of Time'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that a military operation in the northwestern Syrian region of Idlib was a "matter of time" if President Bashar al-Assad's forces fail to withdraw behind Turkish military positions — prompting criticism from Moscow.

The Syrian Army's offensive, backed by Russian air support, has triggered the biggest wave of refugees in the nine-year conflict.

Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling AK Party on February 19 that talks with Russia, which has been the main backer of the Assad regime, were far from meeting Ankara's demands.

He said Turkey, which supports rebels who want to remove Assad from power, was determined to make Idlib a secure zone "no matter the cost," even as it continues its dialogue with Russia.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Russia is issuing its own warning .... Russia warns Turkey, blocks UN bid to end Syria bloodshed (AFP).

More News On President Erdogan Warning That A Turkish Military Offensive On Syria's Idlib Is 'Only A Matter Of Time'

Syria war: Turkish operation in Idlib ‘only a matter of time’ -- BBC
Turkish offensive on Syria’s Idlib ‘only a matter of time’, warns Erdogan -- France 24
Turkey threatens 'imminent' attack on Syria's Idlib after Russia talks -- DW
Erdogan threatens 'imminent' Turkish operation in Syria -- Al Jazeera
Russia and Turkey failed to reach agreement at Syria talks: Lavrov -- Reuters
Syria war: Why does the battle for Idlib matter? -- BBC

Turkey Supplying Syrian Rebels With Anti-Aircraft Missiles?

#Syria #Idlib
3rd footage showing the #SyAF helicopter shot down over Western #Aleppo. pic.twitter.com/efnccwJON7

— MrRevinsky (@Kyruer) February 14, 2020

Zero Hedge: A 2nd Syrian Helicopter Brought Down By MANPAD In Only A Few Days

Another Syrian military helicopter has been shot down by the jihadist insurgents now threatening western Aleppo amid fierce fighting in both Idlib and Aleppo provinces.

A surface-to-air missile, likely a MANPAD, was fired on the chopper by Turkish-backed militants in the countryside of the major northern Syrian city, in the second such rare helicopter downing in only a few days.

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WNU Editor: This changes the battle for the last rebel stronghold in Syria completely.

Growing Crisis In Northwest Syria As Turkish And Syrian Forces Now Face Each Other

CNN: For the first time in 9 years, two nation states are going toe-to-toe in Syria

Syria's curse, as its conflict rumbles slowly towards its first decade, has always been how new forces enter the war just when it seems that exhaustion might slow everyone down.

But over the past week, a starker evolution has occurred, one that's been lost amid fatigue around the seemingly endless violence. Two of the most influential actors there -- Turkey and the Syrian regime -- have stopped fighting purely through proxies, and instead taken to directly attacking each other.

It is a seismic development: Turkish troops being repeatedly killed by Syrian forces, and then Ankara exacting a revenge toll on Bashar al-Assad's men. The expectation has always been that Moscow -- the forceful, long-term backer of Assad but also the fair-weather and awkward new friend of NATO member Turkey -- would step in and negotiate a pause. But they haven't yet, despite repeated phone calls between Ankara and Moscow. And they might not.

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WNU Editor: The Syrian army backed by Russia is not going to stop .... Syria's army pushes into Idlib province (Al Jazeera). Bottom line. Turkey has few options .... Turkey's options dry up in Syria as Russia backs Assad push (DW).

More News On Turkey's Predicament In Syria

Erdogan vies for leverage in Syria's Idlib as Turkish troops reinforce positions -- Al-Monitor
Syrian Attacks Draw Turkey Deeper Into Syrian War -- The New York Times
Erdogan: Turkey will hit Syrian government forces 'anywhere' -- Al Jazeera
Buoyed by U.S., Erdogan Vows to Expel Syrian Army From Idlib - Bloomberg
Syria war: Government will pay 'heavy price' for attacking Turkish troops -- BBC
Crisis Grows in Northwest Syria As Thousands Flee Toward Turkish Border -- Foreign Policy

Turkey Says That Syrian Government Shelling Has Killed Five Turkish Soldiers Is Syria's Idlib Province

Middle East Eye: Syrian government shelling kills five Turkish soldiers as Idlib clashes intensify

Pro-Assad assault on opposition-held province has displaced nearly 700,000 people, UN says

Five Turkish soldiers were killed by Syrian government shelling on a military post in Idlib province's Taftanaz on Monday, as a planned counteroffensive by Turkey-backed rebels appeared to stall.

Another five soldiers were wounded, Turkey's defence ministry said in a statement.

The ministry described the attack as an "intense assault that targeted our elements sent as reinforcements to the region with an aim to prevent clashes in Idlib, ensure our border security and stop migration and human tragedy," adding that it had retaliated.

In recent weeks, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have made significant advances in Idlib, the last rebel-held province in Syria’s northwest, displacing nearly 700,000 people.

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WNU Editor: Turkey is claiming that they have struck back .... Turkey Strikes Scores of Pro-Assad Targets After Troops Killed (Bloomberg). More here .... Turkey says it has retaliated after deadly Syrian shelling (AP), and here .... Turkish forces strike back after five soldiers killed in Syria (Reuters).

More News On Turkey Saying That Syrian Government Shelling Has Killed Five Turkish Soldiers Is Syria's Idlib Province

Syria war: Government shellfire kills Turkish soldiers in Idlib -- BBC
Turkish soldiers killed in attack in northwest Syria -- Hurriyet Daily News
Syria: Five Turkish soldiers killed by Assad forces in deadly escalation of hostilities -- The Independent
5 Turkish troops killed in 'intense' Syrian army attack in Idlib -- Al Jazeera
Turkey tells Russia attacks on Turkish posts in Syria must stop immediately -- Reuters

Turkey Reinforces Positions In Syria As Syrian Military Continues Its Offensive To Seize The Rebel Stronghold Of Idlib Province

Reuters: Turkey ready to act after reinforcing Syria's Idlib: official

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has sent major reinforcements to Syria’s northwestern Idlib region and “all options are on the table”, a senior official said on Sunday, as Ankara tries to stem rapid advances by Syrian government forces.

The government offensive in Idlib, the last major enclave of opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, has driven more than half a million people from their homes toward the closed Turkish border, threatening a new humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Turkey, which already hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees, says it cannot absorb any more and has demanded Damascus pull back in Idlib by the end of the month or face Turkish action.

Large convoys of military vehicles carrying tanks, armored personnel carriers and other equipment have crossed into Syria to reinforce a dozen Turkish military positions, several of which are now surrounded by advancing Syrian troops.

Read more ....

More News On Turkey Reinforcing Its Positions In Syria

Turkey reinforces troops in Syria’s Idlib, talks with Russia -- Middle East Monitor
Turkey Strengthens Syria Outposts as Russia Talks Continue -- Bloomberg
Turkey has alternative plans for Idlib if warnings ignored -- Daily Sabah
Turkey showed it has Plan B in Syria: Minister -- Hurriyet Daily News
'We have Plan B': Turkey warning over violation of Idlib deal -- Al Jazeera
Turkey threatens to hit back as Assad advances in northern Syria -- The Guardian
Syrian army takes Idlib crossroads town despite Turkish warnings -- Al Jazeera
Syrian army vows to keep up campaign against last rebel area -- AP

Turkey, Syria Trade Deadly Strikes. 8 Turkish And 13 Syrian Soldiers Killed

The Guardian: Turkish soldiers killed as battle for control of Idlib escalates

Clash in Syrian province is rare direct confrontation against Assad troops and allied militias

Eight Turkish military personnel and at least 13 Syrian government troops have been killed as the two sides traded fire in Syria’s Idlib province, in a significant escalation in the battle to control the country’s last opposition stronghold.

Turkey sent a large military convoy across its southern border into Idlib overnight in an effort to secure its border and stem the bloodshed caused by a ferocious regime assault on the area carried out with the help of Russian airpower.

Approximately 390,000 people, 80% of whom are women and children, have fled their homes since 1 December, the UN says, and another 400,000 have been driven to the Turkish border since April.

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WNU Editor: Russia is blaming the Turks for not notifying anyone of this deployment .... Turkey failed to notify of convoy movements in Syria’s Idlib before getting shelled by Damascus troops – Russian military (RT).

More News On Turkey And Syria Trading Deadly Strikes

Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian army shelling in Idlib -- BBC
Turkey and Syrian regime in deadly flare-up -- AFP
Turkey hits back after Syrian shells kill Turkish troops -- Reuters
Syrian government shelling kills Turkish troops in Idlib, Ankara says, prompting retaliatory strike -- France 24
Turkey hits back at Syrian government targets after shelling by regime forces kills five Turkish troops in Idlib -- Daily Mail
Turkey hits back after soldiers killed in Syrian gov't shelling -- Al Jazeera
Turkey targets Syria troops in deadly counterattack -- DW
Turkey hits 40 targets in Syria after its military shelled in Idlib -- TASS
Russian Defense Ministry denies reports of Turkish air strikes on Syrian troops -- TASS
Erdogan urges Russia to 'assume its obligations' in Syria's Idlib -- AFP
Turkey, Syria Trade Deadly Strikes As Russia Watches Uneasily -- NPR

Syrian And Turkish Armies Clash Near The Border

Reuters: Syrian army, Turkish forces clash near border: state media

ANKARA/AMMAN (Reuters) - Syrian army troops clashed with Turkish forces near the border town of Ras al Ain on Wednesday, Syrian state media reported, as Ankara said it reserved the right to launch another cross-border offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia.

The state media gave no details but Turkish-backed rebels said similar, intermittent clashes had occurred in recent days with Syrian troops south of the town, which Turkey seized from Syrian Kurdish-led forces earlier this month.

The report underscores the risk that violence in northeast Syria could rekindle after Ankara and Moscow struck a deal a week ago in which Russia agreed to shift the YPG at least 30 km (18.64 miles) south of the border by late on Tuesday.

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Update #1: Syrian and Turkish armies in deadly border clash (France 24).
Update #2: Death Toll Mounts As Syrian Army & Turkey Engage In Heavy Clashes On Border (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: Russia is quickly sending in its forces to separate these Turkish/Syrian forces .... Joint Turkish-Russian patrols set for Syria as Kurdish fighters withdraw (France 24).

Turkey And Syria Hold Covert Contacts To Avoid Conflict

Turkish army vehicles are moving on a road near the Turkish border town of Ceylanpinar, Sanliurfa province, Turkey, October 18. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov

Reuters: Wary foes Turkey and Syria hold covert contacts to avoid conflict

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is holding covert contacts with Syria’s government to avert direct conflict in northeast Syria where both sides have deployed their armies, Turkish officials say, despite Ankara’s long-standing hostility to President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan backs rebels who fought to topple Assad during Syria’s eight-year civil war. He described Assad as a terrorist and called for him to be driven from power, something which earlier in the war appeared possible.

But Assad’s allies Russia and Iran helped turn the conflict round and with U.S. forces now withdrawing from northeast Syria, Assad’s Russian-backed troops are sweeping back into the region just as Turkish troops move in from the north.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: We will know more on what will happen in Syria after tomorrow's Putin-Erdogan meeting .... Turkey to take necessary steps in Syria after meeting with Putin: Erdoğan (Hurriyet Daily News).

Turkey's Military Operation In Northern Syria -- News Updates October 18, 2019

Reuters: Trump says 'pause' in fighting in northeast Syria is back on

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that a five-day ceasefire along the Syrian-Turkish border had resumed, despite shelling and machine-gun fire earlier on Friday.

“There was some sniper fire this morning. There was mortar fire this morning. That was eliminated quickly. And they’re back to the full pause,” Trump told reporters.

The United States and Turkey announced on Thursday they had agreed to the pause in Turkey’s incursion into northern Syria to let the Kurdish-led SDF militia, forces long allied with Washington, withdraw from an area controlled by Turkish forces.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Too early to say where this ceasefire/pause will go. I expect we will no more in the coming days. Especially after this meeting .... Erdogan says he will discuss Syria 'safe zone' moves with Putin next week (Reuters).

Turkey's Military Operation In Northern Syria -- News Updates October 18, 2019

Turkey's military operation in Syria: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Fighting continues on Syria-Turkey border amid war crimes allegations -- The Guardian
Turkey accused of defying Syrian border ceasefire -- DW
Syria cease-fire in question after fighting, shelling reported -- FOX News
Fighting continues in Syrian town despite cease-fire deal -- The Hill
Turkey denies reports of attacks in Syria after cease-fire deal -- UPI
Erdogan threatens to restart Syria offensive if Kurds fail to withdraw -- France 24
Turkey plans presence across northeast Syria, Erdogan says -- Reuters
Trump says Erdogan told him he wants ceasefire to work -- AFP
. Trump insists Turkish leader wants cease-fire -- The Hill
U.S. ground troops will not enforce Syria safe zone: defense secretary -- Reuters
What is the 'safe zone' Turkey wants in Syria? -- AFP