Turkish military steps up vigilance amid Syrian opposition mobilization: Sources
In this picture taken from the northern Syrian village of Ariha, smoke billows from the site of clashes and mutual shelling between Syrian opposition factions and regime forces on the front lines on the outskirts of the city of Saraqib in Syria's Aleppo province on November 28, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Sources at Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense addressed journalists’ questions following a press briefing held at the Ministry.
When asked about the mobilization of opposition groups in northern Syria, the sources stated: “We are closely monitoring the mobilization of certain local groups in the region and the related developments. We have already taken, and will continue to take, all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our troops.”
Clashes in Syria as rebels reportedly advance toward Aleppo
Syrian rebels launched a surprise attack on the Syrian army in the northern province of Aleppo on Wednesday, triggering intense clashes.
The assault was reportedly led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group controlling parts of northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The attack has led to significant rebel advances, with fighting reported in several areas. Clashes are ongoing, and new reports continue to emerge.
Operation seeks to restore boundaries of de-escalation zone
Turkish security sources, speaking to the Middle East Eye have confirmed that Syrian rebel groups launched a “limited operation” near Aleppo, primarily aimed at countering Syrian government airstrikes targeting civilians in Idlib. The operation also seeks to restore the boundaries of a de-escalation zone agreed upon by Türkiye, Russia, and Iran in 2019.
Despite initial attempts to avoid escalating tensions in the region, Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to halt Syrian and Russian airstrikes in Idlib have been unsuccessful, leading to the launch of the offensive according to the MEE’s report.
The operation’s main goal is reportedly to restore the Idlib de-escalation zone as outlined in the 2019 agreement between Türkiye, Russia, and Iran.
Syrian rebel groups make significant advances
Since Wednesday, social media footage has shown Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group and allied groups making significant progress, capturing large swathes of territory and advancing toward the outskirts of Aleppo.
A senior Turkish security source stated to the MEE that Ankara had tried to block the offensive to prevent further regional tensions, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. However, with diplomatic channels failing, opposition groups proceeded with the operation to target areas from which airstrikes had been launched.
What was initially planned as a limited operation expanded as regime forces began fleeing their positions
Turkish security source
2020 Idlib offensive and Turkish response
In 2020, Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, launched an offensive in Idlib that resulted in the deaths of 36 Turkish soldiers stationed in northern Syria. This attack prompted a strong Turkish military response, including drone strikes that destroyed significant Syrian military hardware, such as tanks and armored vehicles.
