APD | Turkish defense ministry vows to respond to attack posts in Syria

By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

Turkey’s Defense Ministry on Friday vowed to respond to any attack against Turkish observation posts in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region in what they said the most intense way as possible, local media reported.

The statement came amid heightened tensions between Ankara and Damascus.

The ministry said, “Our priority is to halt the attacks and ensure the cease-fire. Our troops are taking necessary precautions to cease the clashes in the region and to provide cease-fire.”

“Our troops are ready to respond to any attack within the context of self-defense. Every observation post of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) has the ability and capacity to protect itself,” said the ministry, adding that three Turkish observation posts are currently in territories controlled by the Syrian regime.

Turkey had set up 12 military observation posts around the region, set up under a 2017 agreement with Russia and Iran.

Local reports quoting official sources added that Turkish soldiers are in contact with their Russian counterparts to improve coordination and there is no problem.

Currently, the sources said joint patrols by Turkish and Russian forces have a pause due to harsh weather conditions.

Earlier on Monday, Turkish and Syrian troops exchanged fire in northwest Syria resultantly losing seven soldiers on each side.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)