Russian forces establish new military post in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday, Russian forces established a new military post in the government-held city of Saraqib, east of Idlib, northwestern Syria, within the de-escalation zone.
The area is witnessing almost daily clashes and mutual bombardment between the Syrian government forces and the Turkish-backed armed opposition groups, amid residents’ fear of a new military operation in the area.
Military sources told North Press that the Russian forces established a monitoring post north of Saraqib, near the northern bridge, on Tuesday.
The sources added that the new Russian post is located opposite the Turkish post in the village of Afes, east of Idlib governorate, which was established last Sunday near the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway.
The sources indicated that the newly established Russian post is only 3 km away from the opposition-controlled areas in Afes, and it was established near the positions of the Syrian government forces and their affiliated groups.
Last Monday, Turkish forces established their first military post in the town of Qastoun in Ghab Plain, west of Hama Governorate, after withdrawing from all of its besieged posts in the northern countryside of Idlib.
The agreement signed between Moscow and Ankara in 2017 and its additional protocol in March 2020 provide for the cessation of military operations in the de-escalation zone.