Continued Turkish violations in Idlib despite truce

Mustafa Kamel

The crisis in the northeastern Syrian city of Idlib is taking a new turn, despite a recent meeting between delegates from Russia and Turkey in Ankara.

Turkish Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar, said his country would maintain its military operations in Idlib, in what amounts to Turkish intransigence.

The remarks of the Turkish defense minister came a short time after a ceasefire agreement was reached on the city. This shows that there can be no winner in the war over Idlib.

Meanwhile, there are fears in European capitals that continued military action in Idlib will exacerbate the refugee crisis.

Continued violations

Akar’s remarks throw light on the confusion permeating Turkey on Idlib. Soon after meeting the Russian delegation in Ankara, he said his country was close to reaching ceasefire with Russia.

Nevertheless, Turkey continues to send its military equipment to Idlib.

On March 5, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reached a de-escalation agreement in Idlib. The agreement stipulates a ceasefire that should have started on March 6 and the creation of a safe corridor in some parts of the city.

Idlib’s fate

A year and a half have passed since Turkey and Russia started negotiations over the creation of a demilitarized zone in Idlib. The zone should separate areas controlled by the Syrian army from others controlled by what is called the Syrian opposition.

Leading national security and foreign policy challenges expert, James Jay Carafano, said referred to the presence of multiple parties that are ready to fight for Idlib to the end.

He added that the United States is lucky enough not to be part of what he described as the “unending” war in Syria.

Carafano said, however, that Turkey is always in capable of solving the major problems it faces in Idlib alone.