Reports claim&nbsp;Turkey may purchase Russian fighter jets if Erdogan's regime fails to procure US F-16 fighters.

Russia's TASS news agency quoting the head of Turkey’s defence industry Ismail Demir reported that "Turkey won’t be left without alternatives".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-in-talks-with-us-to-buy-f-16-fighter-jets-after-row-over-f-35-deal-421550">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Erdogan in talks with US to buy F-16 fighter jets after row over F-35 deal</a>

The news agency quoted Demir declaring that the "issue of Su-35 and Su-57 planes may surface again at any time" if the US F-16 deal does not go through.

The former Trump administration had denied F-35 fighter jets to the Erdogan regime in 2019 after Ankara purchased S-400 missile defence system from Russia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-to-buy-russian-s-400-missiles-416047">Watch:&nbsp;Turkey to buy Russian S-400 missiles</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-says-that-country-ready-to-hold-direct-talks-with-nato-420565/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Erdogan on Sunday had said the Biden administration may sell F-16 fighter jets instead of the F-35 fighter jets. News agency Reuters had said Turkey had reportedly requested for 40 F-16 fighter jets.

"We have said we'll take whatever step is needed to meet our country's defence needs," Erdogan had said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-expect-turkey-to-take-different-step-on-f-35-s-400-erdogan-to-biden-392228">Also Read |&nbsp;Don't expect Turkey to take different step on F-35 &amp; S-400: Erdogan to Biden</a>

Erdogan had declared he was interested in buying another batch of S-400 missiles from Russia even as the US jet deal had run into trouble earlier.&nbsp;

Erdogan however said&nbsp;that talks were underway with US officials over the F-16 deal including &nbsp;"modernisation of the F-16s" and "possession" of&nbsp;new additional F-16s.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-russian-s-400-air-defence-missile-system-why-is-us-not-happy-over-indias-s-400-procurement-419304">Also Read:&nbsp;Explained: Russian S-400 air defence missile system</a>

Turkey had sought compensation for being excluded in the US fighter jet deal and had asked the US government to pay $1.4 billion as it had paid the amount before it was removed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports claim Turkey may purchase Russian fighter jets if Erdogan's regime fails to procure US F-16 fighters. Russia's TASS news agency quoting the head of Turkey’s defence industry Ismail Demir reported that "Turkey won’t be left without alternatives".

Reports claim Turkey may purchase Russian fighter jets if Erdogan's regime fails to procure US F-16 fighters. Russia's TASS news agency quoting the head of Turkey’s defence industry Ismail Demir reported that "Turkey won’t be left without alternatives". Also Read: Erdogan in talks with US to buy F-16 fighter jets after row over F-35 deal The news agency quoted Demir declaring that the "issue of Su-35 and Su-57 planes may surface again at any time" if the US F-16 deal does not go through. The former Trump administration had denied F-35 fighter jets to the Erdogan regime in 2019 after Ankara purchased S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Watch: Turkey to buy Russian S-400 missiles President Erdogan on Sunday had said the Biden administration may sell F-16 fighter jets instead of the F-35 fighter jets. News agency Reuters had said Turkey had reportedly requested for 40 F-16 fighter jets. "We have said we'll take whatever step is needed to meet our country's defence needs," Erdogan had said on Sunday. Also Read | Don't expect Turkey to take different step on F-35 & S-400: Erdogan to Biden Erdogan had declared he was interested in buying another batch of S-400 missiles from Russia even as the US jet deal had run into trouble earlier. Erdogan however said that talks were underway with US officials over the F-16 deal including "modernisation of the F-16s" and "possession" of new additional F-16s. Also Read: Explained: Russian S-400 air defence missile system Turkey had sought compensation for being excluded in the US fighter jet deal and had asked the US government to pay $1.4 billion as it had paid the amount before it was removed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Turkey may buy Russian jets if US F-16 deal fails: Report

President Tayyip <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-says-us-offering-patriot-systems-if-s-400s-remain-unboxed-285504">Erdogan</a> speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday said that Turkey will respond "harshly" in Idlib if the truce is broken in northwest Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-migrants-crossing-in-aegean-sea-erdogan-to-turkey-coastguard-284932">Also Read:&nbsp;Stop migrants crossing in Aegean Sea: Erdogan to Turkey coastguard</a> 
 
"We will not just retaliate (against) even the smallest attack here (in Idlib), we will give a much harsher response," the Turkey president told lawmakers in Parliament, adding, "Turkish soldiers, the sons of this nation, are never in need of the cruel Assad's protection, so let that be known." 
 
Last week, Erdogan had met Russian President Putin as the two sides decided on a ceasefire in Idlib amid the growing refugee crisis. A Russian delegation is due to arrive in Ankara to thrash out a deal to establish a security corridor in Idlib.

Watch Video:

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Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that minor violations had taken place although he added that both sides were working on making the temporary ceasefire last. 
 
In a televised address, Erdogan said Turkey would keep its borders open for refugees. 
 
"Until all Turkey's expectations, including free movement, ... updating of the customs union and financial assistance are tangibly met, we will continue the practice on our borders," he said, while adding, "there is no difference between what the Nazis did and those images from the Greek border." 
 
The Turkey president warned that the influx of migrants to Europe "will not be limited to Greece but spread all over the Mediterranean."

President Tayyip Erdogan speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday said that Turkey will respond "harshly" in Idlib if the truce is broken in northwest Syria. Also Read: Stop migrants crossing in Aegean Sea: Erdogan to Turkey coastguard "We will not just retaliate (against) even the smallest attack here (in Idlib), we will give a much harsher response," the Turkey president told lawmakers in Parliament, adding, "Turkish soldiers, the sons of this nation, are never in need of the cruel Assad's protection, so let that be known.

President Tayyip Erdogan speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday said that Turkey will respond "harshly" in Idlib if the truce is broken in northwest Syria. Also Read: Stop migrants crossing in Aegean Sea: Erdogan to Turkey coastguard "We will not just retaliate (against) even the smallest attack here (in Idlib), we will give a much harsher response," the Turkey president told lawmakers in Parliament, adding, "Turkish soldiers, the sons of this nation, are never in need of the cruel Assad's protection, so let that be known." Last week, Erdogan had met Russian President Putin as the two sides decided on a ceasefire in Idlib amid the growing refugee crisis. A Russian delegation is due to arrive in Ankara to thrash out a deal to establish a security corridor in Idlib. Watch Video: Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that minor violations had taken place although he added that both sides were working on making the temporary ceasefire last. In a televised address, Erdogan said Turkey would keep its borders open for refugees. "Until all Turkey's expectations, including free movement, ... updating of the customs union and financial assistance are tangibly met, we will continue the practice on our borders," he said, while adding, "there is no difference between what the Nazis did and those images from the Greek border." The Turkey president warned that the influx of migrants to Europe "will not be limited to Greece but spread all over the Mediterranean."

'No difference between what the Nazis did': Turkey President Erdogan hits out at Greece

Turkey said Sunday it was continuing a military operation against the Russian-backed Syrian regime in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/33-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-airstrike-by-syrian-regime-forces-in-idlib-283217">Syria's northwestern Idlib region</a> but insisted it did not wish to clash with Moscow.

Though Turkey has reported striking targets in Syria since dozens of its troops were killed there Thursday, it was the first confirmation of a full and continuing operation.

"Following the heinous attack on February 27 in Idlib, operation 'Spring Shield' successfully continues," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a televised speech.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-asks-russias-putin-to-step-aside-in-syria-283496"> Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria</a>

"We don't have the desire or intention to clash with Russia," the minister added. Thirty-four Turkish troops have been killed in Syria since Thursday.

"Our intention is to stop the regime's massacres, and prevent... migration," he said.

"We expect Russia to stop the regime's attacks and to use their influence to ensure the regime withdraws to the borders of the Sochi agreement."

Turkey has 12 observation posts established in rebel-held Idlib following a 2018 deal between Ankara and Moscow signed in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laughing-syrian-girl-from-viral-video-begins-new-life-in-turkey-283378">Laughing Syrian girl from viral video begins new life in Turkey</a>

But the regime recently has pressed ahead with an assault, killing hundreds of civilians and forcing nearly a million to flee from their homes in the region.

Rebel-supporter Turkey and Damascus ally Russia previously worked closely to prevent a regime offensive in Idlib despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year war.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month warned Damascus to get behind the agreed borders otherwise Ankara would use military force to push the regime back.

Akar said Turkish forces had destroyed dozens of tanks, helicopters and howitzers, adding 2,212 regime troops had been "neutralised".

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, 26 Syrian soldiers were killed in Turkish drone strikes on Saturday.

Erdogan on Saturday called on Russia to "get out of our way" in Idlib and leave Turkey "face to face with the regime" in Idlib.

The latest developments has strained relations between Ankara and Moscow but Erdogan will likely meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on Thursday or Friday, according to the Kremlin.

Turkey said Sunday it was continuing a military operation against the Russian-backed Syrian regime in Syria's northwestern Idlib region but insisted it did not wish to clash with Moscow.

Turkey said Sunday it was continuing a military operation against the Russian-backed Syrian regime in Syria's northwestern Idlib region but insisted it did not wish to clash with Moscow. Though Turkey has reported striking targets in Syria since dozens of its troops were killed there Thursday, it was the first confirmation of a full and continuing operation. "Following the heinous attack on February 27 in Idlib, operation 'Spring Shield' successfully continues," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a televised speech. Also read: Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria "We don't have the desire or intention to clash with Russia," the minister added. Thirty-four Turkish troops have been killed in Syria since Thursday. "Our intention is to stop the regime's massacres, and prevent... migration," he said. "We expect Russia to stop the regime's attacks and to use their influence to ensure the regime withdraws to the borders of the Sochi agreement." Turkey has 12 observation posts established in rebel-held Idlib following a 2018 deal between Ankara and Moscow signed in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Also read: Laughing Syrian girl from viral video begins new life in Turkey But the regime recently has pressed ahead with an assault, killing hundreds of civilians and forcing nearly a million to flee from their homes in the region. Rebel-supporter Turkey and Damascus ally Russia previously worked closely to prevent a regime offensive in Idlib despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year war. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month warned Damascus to get behind the agreed borders otherwise Ankara would use military force to push the regime back. Akar said Turkish forces had destroyed dozens of tanks, helicopters and howitzers, adding 2,212 regime troops had been "neutralised". According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, 26 Syrian soldiers were killed in Turkish drone strikes on Saturday. Erdogan on Saturday called on Russia to "get out of our way" in Idlib and leave Turkey "face to face with the regime" in Idlib. The latest developments has strained relations between Ankara and Moscow but Erdogan will likely meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on Thursday or Friday, according to the Kremlin.

Turkey says pursuing military operation against Syrian regime

The two warring sides in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-may-face-financial-crisis-due-to-oil-blockade-by-rival-general-khalifa-haftar-280974">Libya</a> suspended their participation in the UN-sponsored peace talks hoping to end the months-long crisis.

While the rival Libyan politicians had met on Wednesday for the first round of the UN-sponsored political talks in Geneva aimed at ending the latest round of fighting over the country’s capital Tripoli, just hours later, the Western-backed Tripoli government sent a letter to the UN demanding that talks be suspended until “concrete progress is made” in ongoing military negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-libya-arms-embargo-has-become-a-joke-un-281003">Also Read: Libya arms embargo has become a joke: UN</a>

The spokesperson for the rival Tobruk-based government under Khalifa Haftar also requested a postponement.

The move came despite assurances from the UN that negotiations would still go ahead.

The eastern side or the Tobruk based government that rivals the internationally recognised administration of Tripoli also said that it could not promise to lift an oil blockade as that was against the wishes of the local tribesmen.

Power in Libya is divided between two rival governments, in the east and west of the country but in the wake of intensified international efforts, the UN has launched three parallel tracks of negotiations to push a ceasefire and resolve the crisis in Libya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-erdogan-says-russia-managing-libya-war-at-highest-level-280933">Also Read: Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level'&nbsp;</a>

The declared ceasefire deal, now under review by Libya’s competing leaders addresses a few things including the return of thousands of displaced civilians to Tripoli but it makes no mention of key points of contention, such as the withdrawal of eastern-based forces or the demobilization of militias allied with the UN-supported Tripoli government.

Meanwhile, Russia on Wednesday accused Turkey of helping foreign fighters cross into Libya.

Since April, the western-backed Tripoli government has been clashing with forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, who is aligned with a rival administration based in the country's east and backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Russia, making it a protracted war.

The two warring sides in Libya suspended their participation in the UN-sponsored peace talks hoping to end the months-long crisis. While the rival Libyan politicians had met on Wednesday for the first round of the UN-sponsored political talks in Geneva aimed at ending the latest round of fighting over the country’s capital Tripoli, just hours later, the Western-backed Tripoli government sent a letter to the UN demanding that talks be suspended until “concrete progress is made” in ongoing military negotiations.

The two warring sides in Libya suspended their participation in the UN-sponsored peace talks hoping to end the months-long crisis. While the rival Libyan politicians had met on Wednesday for the first round of the UN-sponsored political talks in Geneva aimed at ending the latest round of fighting over the country’s capital Tripoli, just hours later, the Western-backed Tripoli government sent a letter to the UN demanding that talks be suspended until “concrete progress is made” in ongoing military negotiations. Also Read: Libya arms embargo has become a joke: UN The spokesperson for the rival Tobruk-based government under Khalifa Haftar also requested a postponement. The move came despite assurances from the UN that negotiations would still go ahead. The eastern side or the Tobruk based government that rivals the internationally recognised administration of Tripoli also said that it could not promise to lift an oil blockade as that was against the wishes of the local tribesmen. Power in Libya is divided between two rival governments, in the east and west of the country but in the wake of intensified international efforts, the UN has launched three parallel tracks of negotiations to push a ceasefire and resolve the crisis in Libya. Also Read: Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level' The declared ceasefire deal, now under review by Libya’s competing leaders addresses a few things including the return of thousands of displaced civilians to Tripoli but it makes no mention of key points of contention, such as the withdrawal of eastern-based forces or the demobilization of militias allied with the UN-supported Tripoli government. Meanwhile, Russia on Wednesday accused Turkey of helping foreign fighters cross into Libya. Since April, the western-backed Tripoli government has been clashing with forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, who is aligned with a rival administration based in the country's east and backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Russia, making it a protracted war.

Libya talks in stalemate as Russia accuses Turkey of infiltrating foreign fighters

The fighting in northwestern Syria has escalated with&nbsp;Turkey-backed rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad's Syrian government troops backed by Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-discuss-joint-patrols-option-in-syrias-idlib-official-281805">Also Read:&nbsp;Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib</a>

The Turkish defence ministry has said that two of its soldiers were killed in the offensive with more than 50 Syrian soldiers killed in retaliation.

The attack comes a day after Turkish President Erdogan warned of Turkish military offensive in Idlib.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-turkeys-role-in-the-syrian-civil-war-281781">Explained: Turkey's role in the Syrian civil war</a>

Syrian forces, backed by Russia airpower mounted an offensive to capture the region. Tensions have mounted in the last three months with hostilities between Russia-backed forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey-backed militias pressing for a state-controlled zone.

Syria's Idlib region, near the border with Turkey, is the last rebel-held area in the war-ravaged country amid the escalating tensions, Turkey's defence minister has now said that Turkey is not seeking face-off with Russia over Syria

The defence minister added that Turkey will activate the S-400 missiles that it got from Russia.

Erdogan and Putin had closely worked on the S-400 air-defense deal and energy deals which is now being overshadowed by the Idlib fighting.

Turkey said that it may receive receive US missiles over the constant threat in Syria.

The patriot system is often looked at as an equivalent to the S-400, any delivery of the patriot system would be difficult for Ankara especially after their purchase of the S-400s.

As the fighting continues over a half-million people have been uprooted from their homes in Idlib since the start of Syria's civil war in 2011, the country has never seen so many people displaced in such a short time.

Thousands of people, mostly women and children, are on the move, fleeing towards the Turkish border.

Three million people are now trapped in the Turkish camps along the border with Idlib. The United Nations has urged Turkey to admit the displaced people.

The fighting in northwestern Syria has escalated with Turkey-backed rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad's Syrian government troops backed by Russia. Also Read: Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib The Turkish defence ministry has said that two of its soldiers were killed in the offensive with more than 50 Syrian soldiers killed in retaliation.

The fighting in northwestern Syria has escalated with Turkey-backed rebels fighting Bashar al-Assad's Syrian government troops backed by Russia. Also Read: Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib The Turkish defence ministry has said that two of its soldiers were killed in the offensive with more than 50 Syrian soldiers killed in retaliation. The attack comes a day after Turkish President Erdogan warned of Turkish military offensive in Idlib. Explained: Turkey's role in the Syrian civil war Syrian forces, backed by Russia airpower mounted an offensive to capture the region. Tensions have mounted in the last three months with hostilities between Russia-backed forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey-backed militias pressing for a state-controlled zone. Syria's Idlib region, near the border with Turkey, is the last rebel-held area in the war-ravaged country amid the escalating tensions, Turkey's defence minister has now said that Turkey is not seeking face-off with Russia over Syria The defence minister added that Turkey will activate the S-400 missiles that it got from Russia. Erdogan and Putin had closely worked on the S-400 air-defense deal and energy deals which is now being overshadowed by the Idlib fighting. Turkey said that it may receive receive US missiles over the constant threat in Syria. The patriot system is often looked at as an equivalent to the S-400, any delivery of the patriot system would be difficult for Ankara especially after their purchase of the S-400s. As the fighting continues over a half-million people have been uprooted from their homes in Idlib since the start of Syria's civil war in 2011, the country has never seen so many people displaced in such a short time. Thousands of people, mostly women and children, are on the move, fleeing towards the Turkish border. Three million people are now trapped in the Turkish camps along the border with Idlib. The United Nations has urged Turkey to admit the displaced people.

Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey's </a>vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib.

"Observation posts were set up and the regime had to stay outside of this area. Russia and Iran were to ensure the regime stayed outside, Turkey had responsibilities too, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>fulfilled these," Vice-President Fuat Oktay told NTV broadcaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>has 12 observation posts in the northwestern province of Idlib after the 2018 agreement between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>in Sochi to prevent a Damascus-led offensive.

Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Up to four of Turkey's posts are in Syrian regime-controlled territory, Turkish officials say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Russia </a>have been embroiled in a war of words over Idlib as the Syrian regime backed by Moscow has intensified an assault, killing hundreds of civilians.

The Russian defence ministry said earlier this week Turkey did not separate "fighters from the moderate opposition from terrorists."

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar then said on Thursday force would be used against anyone who did not adhere to the ceasefire, including "radicals".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey-Russia begin joint patrolling across Northern Syria</a>

Idlib is held by an array of rebels dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, which is led by members of the country's former Al-Qaeda franchise.

The tensions began after 14 Turks were killed this month by regime shelling in Idlib.

Despite being on opposing sides, rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Moscow </a>ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Russia </a>have worked closely on Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Turkey </a>says it wants to stop the Damascus regime's "aggression" in a bid to stop the deaths of civilians and to prevent a wave of refugees fleeing to Turkey.

Turkey is already home to more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees. "Turkey cannot withstand another migration wave," Oktay said.

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrolling-across-northern-syria-259302#patrolling-a-small-strip-259287">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> warned the regime to withdraw from Turkish-manned posts by the end of February, otherwise Ankara will "take matters into its own hands."

In recent days, Turkey has sent multiple military reinforcements to Idlib, and Hurriyet daily on Saturday reported that a 60-vehicle convoy carrying commandoes and armoured carriers was sent to beef up the Turkish posts.

Turkey's vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib.

Turkey's vice-president on Saturday hit back at Russian accusations of failing to honour a 2018 deal by insisting it carried out its responsibilities in Syria's Idlib. "Observation posts were set up and the regime had to stay outside of this area. Russia and Iran were to ensure the regime stayed outside, Turkey had responsibilities too, Turkey fulfilled these," Vice-President Fuat Oktay told NTV broadcaster. Turkey has 12 observation posts in the northwestern province of Idlib after the 2018 agreement between Russia and Turkey in Sochi to prevent a Damascus-led offensive. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive Up to four of Turkey's posts are in Syrian regime-controlled territory, Turkish officials say. Turkey and Russia have been embroiled in a war of words over Idlib as the Syrian regime backed by Moscow has intensified an assault, killing hundreds of civilians. The Russian defence ministry said earlier this week Turkey did not separate "fighters from the moderate opposition from terrorists." Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar then said on Thursday force would be used against anyone who did not adhere to the ceasefire, including "radicals". Also read: Turkey-Russia begin joint patrolling across Northern Syria Idlib is held by an array of rebels dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, which is led by members of the country's former Al-Qaeda franchise. The tensions began after 14 Turks were killed this month by regime shelling in Idlib. Despite being on opposing sides, rebel supporter Turkey and Moscow ally Russia have worked closely on Syria. Turkey says it wants to stop the Damascus regime's "aggression" in a bid to stop the deaths of civilians and to prevent a wave of refugees fleeing to Turkey. Turkey is already home to more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees. "Turkey cannot withstand another migration wave," Oktay said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the regime to withdraw from Turkish-manned posts by the end of February, otherwise Ankara will "take matters into its own hands." In recent days, Turkey has sent multiple military reinforcements to Idlib, and Hurriyet daily on Saturday reported that a 60-vehicle convoy carrying commandoes and armoured carriers was sent to beef up the Turkish posts.

Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia&#39;s Vladimir Putin spoke on the telephone today and both expressed a determination to revive mutual relations and fight against terrorism, Erdogan&#39;s office said in a statement. 
 
The call was arranged after Erdogan expressed regret in a letter to Putin on Monday over Turkey&#39;s downing of a Russian warplane last year. 
 
The two also agreed during their call to meet in person, Erdogan&#39;s office said, adding that &quot;necessary steps&quot; should be taken to revive relations. 
 
(Reuters)

A phone call was arranged after Erdogan expressed regret in a letter to Putin over downing a Russian warplane last year

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia's Vladimir Putin spoke on the telephone today and both expressed a determination to revive mutual relations and fight against terrorism, Erdogan's office said in a statement. The call was arranged after Erdogan expressed regret in a letter to Putin on Monday over Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane last year. The two also agreed during their call to meet in person, Erdogan's office said, adding that "necessary steps" should be taken to revive relations. (Reuters)

Turkey and Russia agree to revive mutual relations

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