26 Oct 2020 | 11:46 AM UTC
Syria: Airstrike targeting Turkish-backed rebels in Idlib province kills dozens October 26
Suspected Russian airstrike kills dozens of Turkish-backed fighters in Jabal Duwayli area of Idlib on October 26; retaliatory attacks and further airstrikes likely in medium term
Event
At least 78 Turkish-backed rebel fighters were killed on the morning of Monday, October 26, in an alleged Russian airstrike on their training camp in the Jabal Duwayli area of Idlib province, close to the border with Turkey. Around 100 other fighters are believed to have been wounded in the strikes which hit the National Liberation Front (NLF) -affiliated Failaq al-Sham militia camp near Kafr Takharim.
Further airstrikes and retaliatory attacks are likely in NLF-controlled areas of Idlib province in the medium term.
Context
Clashes between Turkish-backed rebel groups and Syrian government forces, supported by Russian air power, have declined since a ceasefire was agreed in the region in March. The fragile truce followed a major government offensive which pushed the rebel fighters back to a small area of contested territory along the border with Turkey, but has been enforced by joint Russian and Turkish military patrols within the Idlib de-escalation zone.
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.
