28 Feb 2020 | 12:50 AM UTC
Syria: Turkish soldiers targeted by airstrike in Idlib province February 27 /update 1
Turkey blames Syrian regime allied forces for conducting an airstrike in Idlib province that left at least 29 Turkish soldiers dead on February 27; escalation in fighting possible
Event
A building reportedly being used by Turkish forces as a command headquarters in Idlib province was targeted in an airstrike on the night (local time) of Thursday, February 27. According to Turkish officials, at least 29 soldiers were killed and the death toll may rise over the coming hours as more information is released. Following the strike, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an emergency security meeting. Turkey has blamed the Syrian regime for conducting the airstrike and launched retaliatory attacks against regime positions in Idlib and Aleppo province on Thursday night.
An escalation in fighting between Turkish and Syrian forces in Idlib and the surrounding region is likely over the coming hours and days.
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.
