New Turkish military point established in Latakia countryside, Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A Syrian military expert said that a new military point was established in Latakia after Russia called on Turkey to secure both Russian and Syrian troops due to violations by opposition groups that reject the ceasefire.
Turkey established another military point at Tel Raqem, in the northern countryside of Latakia, near a Russian-held area on August 9.
Ali Meqsoud, a retired Syrian military officer and expert, told North Press that the Turkish advance in northeast Latakia came after ”Russian leadership contacted Turks.”
Meqsoud, who resides in Damascus, said that Russian leadership told Turkey that terrorist groups crossed a red line and violated the ceasefire agreement.
He further added, “Turkish leadership expressed its readiness to interfere and use force against those groups who commit violations and reject the ceasefire and Astana process.”
A VBIED targeted a Russian-Turkish joint patrol in July south Idlib, wounding three Russian soldiers.
Turkish military points in northwestern Syria have reached 67, while Turkey is still sending reinforcements to Syria through Kafr Lossin crossing in north Idlib.
A Russian-Turkish agreement that was issued in September 2018, and an additional protocol issued in March, state that military operations between the Russian-backed Syrian government and Turkish-backed opposition groups should cease.
Meqsoud added, “Russian and Turkish troops are going to supervise the re-opening of the M4 Highway,” while Turkey will be responsible for combating terror groups “if they attack Russian troops or the government points.”
He pointed out that some groups such as Guardians of Religion have always rebelled against the Turkish decision, “but the truth is that Turkey supports those opposition groups” as they serve the country’s interests.