04 Mar 2020 | 08:20 AM UTC
Syria: Turkish soldier killed and nine wounded in Idlib March 3 /update 2
Turkish defense officials confirm one soldier was killed and nine others wounded during increased fighting in Idlib province on March 3; further escalation of fighting possible
Event
According to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, one Turkish solider has been killed and nine others wounded in attacks in Idlib province on Tuesday, March 3. Turkey has launched a series of retaliatory attacks on Syrian forces following an airstrike which killed 34 Turkish soldiers on Thursday, 27 February. Turkish officials announced three Syrian planes have been shot down since the airstrikes on Thursday.
An escalation in fighting between Turkish and Syrian forces in Idlib and the surrounding region is likely ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladmir Putin’s upcoming meeting in Moscow on Thursday, March 5.
Context
To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
