Politics
20:56, 09-Oct-2017
Turkish army launches reconnaissance mission in Syria's Idlib
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Turkish military began reconnaissance activities in Syria's Idlib Province on Sunday, the military confirmed on Monday.
"The Turkish armed forces began reconnaissance activities on October 8 (Sunday) to establish surveillance posts as part of the operation to be carried out in Idlib Province," the military said in a statement.
Earlier on Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the new military operation inside Syria by pro-Ankara Syrian rebels backed by the Turkish army.
Monday's statement was the first confirmation by the Turkish army of involvement inside Syria in the latest operation.
The operation came as Turkey along with Russia and Iran prepare to set up a "de-escalation" zone in Idlib Province, in line with deals in talks in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana.
They agreed on four such ceasefire zones in Syria as a prelude to negotiations.
Three zones – eastern Ghouta near Damascus, central Homs, and parts of southern Syria, are already in place.
6775km
Source(s): AFP
,Reuters