Syrian rebels shot down a government helicopter west of Aleppo in Syria's northwestern Idlib region, where violence and displacement has spiked in recent weeks, Turkish and Syrian state media reported on February 14.

Syrian helicopter downed by Turkey-backed rebels

Syrian and Turkish media reported that at least one airstrike was carried out by U.S. jets at Hasakah. A warplane flew over a village in northeast Syria on February 12.

US hits Syrian military bases in Hasakh

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly&nbsp;killed one civilian.

The incident serves to highlight the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">complex situation in Syria</a>, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes.

TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib</a>

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">contact with hostile forces</a>, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region.

Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of&nbsp;Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian. The incident serves to highlight the complex situation in Syria, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes. TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village. Also Read: Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in contact with hostile forces, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region. Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report

As the battle for Idlib rages on, the Syrian government continues to pummel the rebel-held province with airstrikes. However, the minors are caught in the crossfire which has nothing to do with the civil war. Watch report:

Fineprint: Syrian civil war enters crucial phase, Minors caught in crossfire

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures.

"The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Erdogan</a>&nbsp;stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara.&nbsp;Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed.

Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/erdogan-battles-on-multiple-fronts-in-risky-regional-power-bid-280217">Syrian army and Erdogan</a> has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria</a>

Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week.&nbsp;Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday.&nbsp;Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib.&nbsp;

"The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged.&nbsp;

Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible".

"Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria.

Turkish troops will continue to respond to Syrian regime attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday, as the two sides engage in deadly tit-for-tat skirmishes in northern Syria. Turkish officials said Monday that 101 Syrian regime soldiers had been "neutralised" following the killing of five Turks in Idlib - the last major rebel bastion in Syria. There was no independent confirmation of the figures. "The more they attack our soldiers, they will pay a very, very heavy price," Erdogan stated at a televised ceremony in Ankara. Russian-backed government forces launched an all-out assault on Idlib in December, retaking town after town. Hundreds of thousands have fled and hundreds of civilians have been killed. Turkey has backed some anti-regime groups in the eight-year conflict and set up military posts in Idlib under a 2018 deal with Russia. Turkish officials say three of these so-called observation posts have been encircled by the Syrian army and Erdogan has given Damascus until the end of the month to withdraw. Also Read: Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria Monday's exchange was the second such clash in a week. Erdogan said the Syrian regime had "got what it deserved" in Idlib but that it was "not enough", adding that he would reveal his next steps Wednesday. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged Russia and Iran - another Damascus ally - to stop President Bashar al-Assad's assault on Idlib. "The regime's guarantors, Russia and Iran, should halt the regime's aggression," Cavusoglu said, quoted by a private NTV broadcaster. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara seeking a solution to the clashes in Idlib, but no concrete agreement emerged. Cavusoglu said Erdogan would speak on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the meantime, US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for talks the next day. Jeffrey told reporters in Turkish after arriving that the US wanted to support its NATO ally Turkey "as much as possible". "Turkish soldiers face a threat in Idlib. This threat comes from Russia and the Assad government," he said. The Turkish military continued to send reinforcements to the border, Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported. A 50-vehicle convoy was sent from the southern province of Sanliurfa and was on its way west to Hatay province "to bolster military units on the Turkey-Syria border", the agency said Tuesday.

Retaliation against the Syrian regime promised by Erdogan

Steps to boost the political process in the war-torn country were discussed in a three-hour-long meeting that stressed the need to ensure peace in Idlib province. It was decided to resume talks in the coming weeks.

Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody.

Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month.

On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests.

If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more.

Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests.

At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar.

Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state.

The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott.

Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law.

Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe.

As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships.

As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority.

The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis.

Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country.

Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle.

The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.”

Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation.

Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia.

In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region.

With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid.

One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular.

"What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party.

Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya.

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month. On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests. If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more. Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests. At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar. Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state. The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott. Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law. Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe. As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships. As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority. The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis. Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country. Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle. The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.” Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation. Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia. In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region. With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid. One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular. "What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party. Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Erdogan battles on multiple fronts in risky regional power bid

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syria </a>has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Turkey</a>.

Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive</a>

At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent.&nbsp;

Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath.

Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Russia </a>and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest.

The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">United Nations </a>and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war.

But heightened bombardment has continued.&nbsp;

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey.

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey. Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Also read: Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent. Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by Russia and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory. Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest. The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border. The United Nations and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war. But heightened bombardment has continued.

Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault

The Syrian army took control of the strategic northwestern crossroads town of Saraqeb on Saturday in the latest gain of a weeks-long offensive against the country’s last major rebel bastion of Idlib.

Syrian army advances into Idlib, set to retake rebel bastion

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday. The Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.

Russia: Syria almost hit passenger plane, carrying 172 passengers

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russian</a>-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Syrian </a>air defences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia</a>'s defence ministry said on Friday.

The&nbsp;Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles&nbsp;which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria</a>

It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-army-enters-rebel-held-northwestern-saraqeb-town-in-latest-advance-report-279203">Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance</a>

It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues.&nbsp;Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight&nbsp;Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria.

The incident took place a month after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Boeing 737-800</a> operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Ukraine International Airlines</a> crashed shortly after take-off from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Tehran</a>, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran</a>

The&nbsp;Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Syria</a>.&nbsp;Israel has declined to comment.

The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday. The Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying. Also read: Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Also read: Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues. Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria. The incident took place a month after a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error. Also see: In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran The Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria. Israel has declined to comment. The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

Passenger plane makes emergency landing after coming under fire in Syria

Russian-led&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces on Thursday entered&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;town&nbsp;in&nbsp;northwestern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Idlib</a> province in the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;push to capture the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;stronghold, state media said.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Bashar al-Assad</a>'s swift military&nbsp;advance&nbsp;through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a>, whose leader has threatened to drive back the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;forces.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting</a>

Turkish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said on Thursday that Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Russia </a>to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back.

"We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a> says has displaced nearly 1 million people.

Syrian&nbsp;forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered&nbsp;Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses.

Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria?

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The&nbsp;town&nbsp;lies at the junction of two main roads that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Assad </a>seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war.

Rebel&nbsp;fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;in an attack from the northern part of the&nbsp;town&nbsp;that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said.

Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area.

Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan

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The fighting, taking place despite a January&nbsp;12 ceasefire deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia</a>, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces and Russian military infrastructure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Tayyip Erdogan</a> to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia </a>also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting.

The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Middle East</a> since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011.

Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to&nbsp;rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war.

Early on Thursday,&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;defence ministry said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said. President Bashar al-Assad's swift military advance through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with Turkey, whose leader has threatened to drive back the Syrian forces. Also read: Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday that Ankara expected Russia to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back. "We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which Turkey says has displaced nearly 1 million people. Syrian forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses. Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria? The town lies at the junction of two main roads that Assad seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last rebel bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war. Rebel fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of Saraqeb in an attack from the northern part of the town that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said. Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area. Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan The fighting, taking place despite a January 12 ceasefire deal between Turkey and Russia, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict. The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack Syrian government forces and Russian military infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed. Russia also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting. The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider Middle East since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war. Early on Thursday, Syrian air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the Syrian defence ministry said.

Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance: Report

The United Nation's&nbsp;Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It&nbsp;comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syrian army advanced</a> into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib province</a>.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads&nbsp;which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">backed by Russia</a> continue to advance despite Turkey's warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Turkey has chosen</a> to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on&nbsp;the Turkish border.

Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are backed by Russia continue to advance despite Turkey's warning. Turkey has chosen to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Also Read: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on the Turkish border. Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an emergency session on Syria, as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces are escalating. In this segment, know what can be a possible outcome of UN emergency meet on Syria.

What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meet on Syria?

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an emergency session on Syria, as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces are escalating.

UNSC calls emergency session on Syria

The deadly new coronavirus has spreads to 28 countries. Iran has evacuated 56 of its citizens. 59 Iraqis and 24 Syrians have been evacuated from Wuhan. While Uzbekistan has also evacuated 84 people.

Coronavirus spreads to across 28 countries

Tensions continue to escalate in the last rebel-held region of Idlib in Syria. The Syrian government and its closed ally Russia has intensified its assault in the last few months to regain power from the rebel fores. Now we have a new ground player that is Turkey. Watch report:

80 Syrian troops killed by Turkey in Turkey-Syria crossfire

Turkey said on Monday its military hit dozens of Syrian government targets after eight Turkish military personnel were killed by shelling in Idlib in northwest Syria

Turkey kills nearly 80 Syrian troops

Four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-turkish-soldier-killed-during-syria-operation-defence-ministry-255146">Turkish soldiers</a> were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said.

Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets".

The ministry said the soldiers came under attack despite previous coordination on where they would be in the region.

It added Turkey was following the latest developments closely and that the necessary measures would be taken.

Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region as part of a Turkey-Russia deal to prevent a regime offensive.

The deaths come after local media reported Sunday that Turkey's military sent reinforcements to the region to bolster the forces stationed at the posts.

The Syrian regime, supported by Russian airstrikes, has intensified its assault in recent weeks against Idlib, the last major opposition bastion.

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-says-trump-can-waive-sanctions-on-turkey-report-236013">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> last week warned Ankara could use "military force" against Syria as he hit out against the "cruelty" of the Damascus regime.

Turkey, which is home to over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, fears another influx from renewed violence in Idlib.

Hundreds of thousands of people have already been displaced in the region, while many of them have fled towards the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-success-on-turkey-syria-border-safe-zone-created-trump-257746">Turkey-Syria border</a>.

Erdogan previously said Turkey was building homes on the Syrian side of the border to shelter those fleeing.

Four Turkish soldiers were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said. Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets".

Four Turkish soldiers were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said. Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets". The ministry said the soldiers came under attack despite previous coordination on where they would be in the region. It added Turkey was following the latest developments closely and that the necessary measures would be taken. Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region as part of a Turkey-Russia deal to prevent a regime offensive. The deaths come after local media reported Sunday that Turkey's military sent reinforcements to the region to bolster the forces stationed at the posts. The Syrian regime, supported by Russian airstrikes, has intensified its assault in recent weeks against Idlib, the last major opposition bastion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week warned Ankara could use "military force" against Syria as he hit out against the "cruelty" of the Damascus regime. Turkey, which is home to over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, fears another influx from renewed violence in Idlib. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been displaced in the region, while many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border. Erdogan previously said Turkey was building homes on the Syrian side of the border to shelter those fleeing.

Four Turkish soldiers killed by Syria regime shelling in Idlib

A report has been claimed that 9 civilians have been killed after an airstrike in Idlib that is in North-Western Syria.

Report: 9 civilians killed after airstrike hits Syria's Idlib

Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Syria</a>'s northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and&nbsp;regime&nbsp;backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave.

An airstrike also killed at least nine civilians in the same area, where the latest government offensive has caused one of the nine-year-old&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;conflict's worst waves of displacement.

The tit-for-tat shelling between Damascus and Ankara was the deadliest since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Turkey&nbsp;</a>deployed troops in Syria in 2016 and escalated tensions between the conflict's two top foreign brokers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Airstrikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive</a>

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Recep Tayyip Erdogan </a>offered rare criticism of Russia last week, accusing it of "not honouring" agreements to prevent a&nbsp;regime&nbsp;offensive on the northwestern region of Idlib.

The overnight exchange began with&nbsp;regime&nbsp;shelling on Turkish positions in Idlib, according to the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.

The attack killed four Turkish soldiers and wounded nine others despite previous coordination on where Ankara's forces would be in the region,&nbsp;Turkey's defence ministry said.

Watch:&nbsp;Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers

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The Russian defence ministry said Ankara had failed to give prior warning of its troop movements at the time of the incident.

Retaliatory rocket attacks by Ankara on&nbsp;regime&nbsp;positions later killed at least 13&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government troops and wounded 20 others in Idlib and the neighbouring provinces of Hama and Latakia, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;army had not suffered any casualties.

Ongoing operation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Erdogan </a>called it an "ongoing operation," and said that 30 to 35&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;forces were "neutralised" in the counterattack that targeted 40 locations.

He said it was not possible for&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;to "remain silent" when its forces were being killed, warning Russia not to stand in the way of its response.

The violence in Idlib has displaced more than 388,000 people since December, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations</a>, forcing many of them towards&nbsp;Turkey's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">UN </a>Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for an end to the fighting but airstrikes, many of them carried out by Russian aircraft, have continued.

On Monday, at least nine civilians were killed in an airstrike on northwest Syria where similar raids a day earlier had killed 14 civilians, according to the Observatory..

The&nbsp;regime&nbsp;now controls more than two-thirds of Syria, up from a barely a fifth before Russia's military might came to the rescue in 2015.

Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and regime backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave.

Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and regime backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave. An airstrike also killed at least nine civilians in the same area, where the latest government offensive has caused one of the nine-year-old Syrian conflict's worst waves of displacement. The tit-for-tat shelling between Damascus and Ankara was the deadliest since Turkey deployed troops in Syria in 2016 and escalated tensions between the conflict's two top foreign brokers. Also read: Airstrikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia last week, accusing it of "not honouring" agreements to prevent a regime offensive on the northwestern region of Idlib. The overnight exchange began with regime shelling on Turkish positions in Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. The attack killed four Turkish soldiers and wounded nine others despite previous coordination on where Ankara's forces would be in the region, Turkey's defence ministry said. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The Russian defence ministry said Ankara had failed to give prior warning of its troop movements at the time of the incident. Retaliatory rocket attacks by Ankara on regime positions later killed at least 13 Syrian government troops and wounded 20 others in Idlib and the neighbouring provinces of Hama and Latakia, the Observatory said. The Syrian army had not suffered any casualties. Ongoing operation Erdogan called it an "ongoing operation," and said that 30 to 35 Syrian forces were "neutralised" in the counterattack that targeted 40 locations. He said it was not possible for Turkey to "remain silent" when its forces were being killed, warning Russia not to stand in the way of its response. The violence in Idlib has displaced more than 388,000 people since December, according to the United Nations, forcing many of them towards Turkey's border. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for an end to the fighting but airstrikes, many of them carried out by Russian aircraft, have continued. On Monday, at least nine civilians were killed in an airstrike on northwest Syria where similar raids a day earlier had killed 14 civilians, according to the Observatory.. The regime now controls more than two-thirds of Syria, up from a barely a fifth before Russia's military might came to the rescue in 2015.

Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up

In the last three days, Northern Syria has seen more than 200 airstrikes on rebel-held territories. Most of the air raids have been carried out by Russian forces. Syria says it is wiping out the rebels - but it is happening at the cost of innocent lives.

Gravitas: Airstrikes in Syria kills civilians

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria</a>.

"We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria </a>was also "continuously threatening our country with migration," he said during a speech in Ankara.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya</a>

"Turkey with complete sincerity wants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria</a>'s stability and security, and to this end, we will not shy away from doing whatever is necessary including using military force."

He also said Turkey "could not stand by as mere spectators as new threats come towards our borders".

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been displaced in Idlib since December after months of bombardment in the last rebel-held region in Syria's northwest.

Many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border, where Erdogan has said Ankara is building homes in a bid to prevent further migration.

Turkey already shelters more than 3.5 million Syrians.

Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

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State news agency Anadolu reported Wednesday that the Turkish army sent reinforcements to Reyhanli, a Turkish border town near Idlib.

Erdogan said the only solution for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria </a>was a political process involving all citizens.

He hit out at unnamed countries who "give courage to the regime" in a bid to ensure the crisis continues.

Earlier this week, Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia, accusing Moscow of "not honouring" agreements made with Ankara to prevent a regime offensive on Idlib.

Despite Russia assisting Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">Bashar al-Assad </a>and Turkey supporting opposition fighters, Ankara and Moscow have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year war.

Ten civilians were reportedly killed Thursday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russian airstrikes </a>despite a ceasefire announcement, though Moscow denied it.

Turkey has previously launched three military operations against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and a Syrian Kurdish militia in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. "We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. "We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said. Syria was also "continuously threatening our country with migration," he said during a speech in Ankara. Also read: Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya "Turkey with complete sincerity wants Syria's stability and security, and to this end, we will not shy away from doing whatever is necessary including using military force." He also said Turkey "could not stand by as mere spectators as new threats come towards our borders". Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been displaced in Idlib since December after months of bombardment in the last rebel-held region in Syria's northwest. Many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border, where Erdogan has said Ankara is building homes in a bid to prevent further migration. Turkey already shelters more than 3.5 million Syrians. Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan State news agency Anadolu reported Wednesday that the Turkish army sent reinforcements to Reyhanli, a Turkish border town near Idlib. Erdogan said the only solution for Syria was a political process involving all citizens. He hit out at unnamed countries who "give courage to the regime" in a bid to ensure the crisis continues. Earlier this week, Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia, accusing Moscow of "not honouring" agreements made with Ankara to prevent a regime offensive on Idlib. Despite Russia assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey supporting opposition fighters, Ankara and Moscow have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year war. Ten civilians were reportedly killed Thursday by Russian airstrikes despite a ceasefire announcement, though Moscow denied it. Turkey has previously launched three military operations against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and a Syrian Kurdish militia in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria

Airstrikes&nbsp;killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>'s rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian </a>defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>."

The government and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian</a> allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz</a>

Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains.

Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said.

The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions.

Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks.&nbsp;

Ground offensive 

The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said.

Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/baby-born-as-earthquake-rocks-turkey-276939">Turkey</a> went into effect on January 12.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-pulled-from-rubble-as-turkey-quake-toll-hits-35-276666">Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35</a>

But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance.&nbsp;

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan </a>accused Moscow&nbsp;on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area.

It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> since a 2016 rapprochement.

Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">President Bashar al-Assad</a> in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians</a>

Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment.

The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to&nbsp;second city Aleppo.

The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the Russian defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of Syria." The government and its Russian allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south. Also read: Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains. Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said. The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions. Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks. Ground offensive The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said. Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter Turkey went into effect on January 12. Also read: Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35 But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Moscow on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area. It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin since a 2016 rapprochement. Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground. Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep President Bashar al-Assad in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war. Also read: Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment. The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said. Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to second city Aleppo. The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Air strikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive

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