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Syrian regime and Iran-backed militants continue to train YPG/PKK and various far-left terror groups in northwestern Syria, according to local sources.
A rural area in northern Latakia, a northwestern Syria province across Turkey’s southern border province Hatay, is a post for five terrorist training camps, said the sources on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
A group of nearly 200 terrorists joined the camps from Afrin, Manbij, Tal Abyad and Raqqa, it added.
The terrorists use a fire brigade building and military positions as camp areas in Gabara town.
Backed by Assad regime forces, YPG/PKK, far-left DHKP-C and United Freedom Forces (UFF) terror groups plot terror attacks against Turkmens and Turkey, sources said.
Muhammad Yavuz, a military spokesman to Free Syrian Army-affiliated group said the terrorist PKK and numerous revolutionary groups cooperate against Turkey.
The YPG is a Syrian branch of the PKK - recognized as a terrorist group by the US, EU, and Turkey.
In Turkey, the PKK has claimed some 40,000 lives, including many women and children in its more than 30-year terror campaign.
At least three PKK terrorists were “neutralized” during an air operation in northern Iraq on Thursday, according to the Turkish military.Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.The terrorists, who were in preparation of an attack on Turkey's bases, were “neutralized” by airstrikes carried out in Hakurk region, Turkish General Staff said on Twitter.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.Turkey neutralizes PKK terrorist on most wanted listOver 8,000 PKK terrorists to join Idlib offensive: FSA commanderTurkey neutralizes 4 PKK terroristsPKK terrorist arrested in Bulgaria
Turkish forces 'neutralize' three PKK terrorists in N. Iraq
Millions of residents in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, the final stronghold of Syrian oppositions, are concerned about Bashar al-Assad's possible attack on the city.The expected ground attack is feared to trigger a mass exodus of refugees fleeing towards the Turkish border and European countries.The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the ongoing calamity in Idlib:Erdoğan says Idlib assault would be ‘a grave massacre’Where is Idlib?Located near the Turkish border city of Hatay, Syria's northwestern Idlib province is home to more than 3 million Syrians, many of whom fled from other cities following attacks by regime forces.Idlib shares 130 kilometers (82 miles) borderline with Turkey and is bordered by Syrian province of Aleppo to the east; Aleppo's Afrin district to the northeast; Hama province to the south and Lattakia province to the northwest.The rebel-controlled town has been under heavy air bombardment since October 2015 when Russia began to actively take part in the civil war.How many civilians are living in Idlib?Idlib has been hosting the highest number of refugees, roughly 1.3 million, as it is a city bordering Turkey and is relatively safe since the beginning of the war. Along with 2.4 million permanent residents, administrative records show that Idlib currently houses nearly 4 million civilians within its borders.After attacks by the Assad regime and the forced migration, the population in the city has increased to nearly 4 million, including 2.4 million residents.Could a large migration wave occur?It is feared that a possible military campaign towards Idlib might trigger a wave of migration containing hundreds of thousands of people. Turkey, the EU and United Nations have announced in statements that a possible operation on Idlib might give birth to a fresh rush of migration.In addition, Stephane Dujarric, the UN Secretary-General's spokesman, Wednesday said: "All parties are responsible for the protection of the civilians, under the international laws. I hope everything will be done to prevent a greater humanitarian plight."4- Where does the Assad regime prepare?With the aim of seizing the Idlib region, the regime has been sending military equipment to the frontlines near rural Latakia and northern Hama for more than two months. The Assad regime maintains the preparations, which has paced up recently, in Abu al-Duhur Airport, Skayiybiye of northern Hama, Silimfe regions in Latakia and line extending to Idlib.5- What does Idlib mean for Syria?Idlib, addressed as the "deadlock" of the civil war that has been ongoing for more than seven years, has importance in various aspects as a result of its location.The M5 highway, which goes through the city, connects Turkey, Syria and Jordan. As for the Syria perspective, Idlib is like a door that opens to Mediterranean whilst neighboring Latakia, Hama and Aleppo. Given that it is right next to Latakia, where Russia's Khmeimim Air Base is located and which is regarded as the "fortress" of Assad regime, contributes to Idlib's strategic value.Roughly 1,500 trucks carrying humanitarian aid per month crosses Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing in Idlib, making the city a key factor for war-weary civilians desperate for help. Besides, some 4,500 commercial trucks pass by the border crossing.6- Why is Idlib important for Turkey's border security?Idlib shares a borderline of some 130 kilometers with Turkey. Turkey is most worried that a conflict leads to a new wave of migration. Turkey currently hosts more than 3.5 million Syrians and works for a cease-fire maintenance in Idlib.On the other hand, the Turkish Armed Forces have established 12 observation points within Idlib's de-escalation zones boundary, adding to the cities' significance. The fact that there are various armed groups in Idlib and they might try to infiltrate into Turkey in case of an operation should be kept in mind.7- What does Turkey do in Idlib?Following a consensus reached within the frame of the Astana Agreement, Turkey, in October 2017, entered Idlib to establish the cease-fire observation points within the boundary of the de-escalation zone areas.As part of the deal, Turkish troops have presence only in the observation points of Idlib.8- What is the Turkish impact on the solution?As the civil war has been continuing for more than seven years, Turkey has been one of the most important peace actors. Sharing more than 900 kilometers of borders, Turkish influence on the region increases. Turkey still defends that the issue should be tackled through negotiation, as it said the same before the public demands were repressed violently by the Assad regime.It has been stated that a solution excluding Turkey, which protects the life and property safety of the civilians and support the legitimate opposition both on field and diplomacy, will lead to a regional disaster.With its stance on the solution, Turkey plays an effective role in eradicating the terror groups in Syria and represents the democratic and safety rights of the millions of Syrians, who are anticipated to continue living in Syria.Turkey supports that the opposition and regime find a common political point.9- Which groups are dominant in Idlib?Idlib is currently divided between the opposition and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an armed anti-regime group. In May, 14 opposition groups fighting against the Assad regime united under the banner of "National Liberation Front". Faylaq al-Sham, Nasr Army, Free Idlib Army, 1st Beach Division, 2nd Beach Division, 1st Firqah, Distinguished Army, Shuda al-Islam Dareyya, Al-Hurriyah Brigade, 23rd Firqah, Syrian Liberation Front, Jaish al-Ahrar and Shukuru Sham have formed the largest military establishment against the regime, containing more than 70 thousand fighters.Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is the other dominant force in Idlib.After the Nusra Front, which was on the UN terrorism list, dissolved in early 2017, some 25,000 fighters formed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Despite that many of its components left the group, it still controls Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing.A couple of other Nusra Front members formed another group called Hurra Seddin. According to Russians, terror groups are dominant in the region, however, the field reports tell the opposite.Idlib is of huge importance as it is the only city under opposition control in Syria. As for the strategic window, it neighbors Turkey in northwest and is next to Aleppo in south, Aleppo's Afrin district in northeast, Hama in south and Latakia in northwest.For the Syrian opposition, it is like a "last castle". Also, the biggest armed groups fighting against the Assad regime are located in Idlib.10- What is the international actors' position on Idlib?Some western countries, headed by the U.S., France and the U.K for the past weeks, exchanged words with Russia on the Idlib issue.These three countries, in a joint statement on Aug. 21, said that they were "gravely concerned over reports of a military offensive by the Syrian regime against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Idlib." All of them reiterated condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.John Bolton, Assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump for National Security Affairs, also warned that they would "strongly" respond if the regime used chemical or biological weapons in Idlib.On top of that, Russian media claimed the military opposition and White Helmet (Civil Defense) would collaborate with Western countries to perform a chemical attack.The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the U.S. planned for a provocation in Idlib to "protect the Nusra Front and assure the permanency of the turbulent situation in the region."The Russian administration, making consecutive statements regarding Idlib, increased its military presence in the Mediterranean. Having sent warships to Latakia and Tartus, Russia will launch a drill in the Mediterranean expected to be the biggest of the modern history, which is viewed as an intimidation to the U.S. block.As the crisis escalates, concerns rise on the safety of the civilians in the region.The Syrian regime has recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive to the area, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.On Tuesday, the UN’s humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned such an offensive would lead to the "worst humanitarian catastrophe in the 21st century".Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are scheduled to meet in Tehran on Friday for a trilateral summit on Syria.Iran speaker hopes agreement on Idlib will be clinched at Tehran summitOver 8,000 PKK terrorists to join Idlib offensive: FSA commanderTurkey condemned Russia's Idlib attack: FMIdlib offensive could trigger new wave of migration to Europe, Turkey US takes advantage of Idlib crisis to increase support for PKK/YPG in SyriaAssad regime shells Syria's Idlib
Syria's Idlib residents concerned about new attacks
The Syrian regime and Russia on Friday shelled parts of the Idlib region in northwest Syria, the country's last major opposition stronghold.According to preliminary reports, two Assad regime warplanes and three Russian jets conducted airstrikes in Idlib’s Kafr, Zeyte, Hobait and Abdin regions.At least 10 civilians were killed and 20 wounded in the west and south-west of Idlib during the last three days by Russian warplanes. Russian, Turkish and Iranian leaders met on Friday in Iran’s Tehran and to discuss the situation in northwestern Syria.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for a joint stance over Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, and said that he believes the results of trilateral summit in Tehran will contribute to peace in Syria.Erdoğan says Idlib assault would be ‘a grave massacre’Turkey’s Erdoğan arrives in Tehran for trilateral summit‘Assad tries to sabotage Tehran summit with help of US’
Assad regime, Russia shell Syria’s Idlib
Yasser Farhan, a member of the political committee of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces who was also present at the Astana talks, told Yeni Şafak daily in an exclusive interview that the Assad regime was trying to sabotage the Tehran summit with the help of the United States.“Secret meetings between the U.S. and the Assad regime can be summarized as negotiations to guarantee the PKK’s pirate structure. The regime wants to sabotage the Idlib process with the help of the U.S. The attacks that started before the Sept. 7 summit were a clear provocation. Assad’s aim is to forge the new constitution without including the opposition in the process. This is why he is trying to end our presence on the field. Our requests have been clear since the first Astana talks. These are: de-escalation zones, stability, the release of captives, a new constitution and a free election,” Farhan said.The Syrian regime has recently announced plans to launch a major military offensive in Idlib, which is controlled by various armed opposition groups.The leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran are due to meet on Friday in Iran and are expected to discuss the situation in northwestern Syria. Turkey, which backs the opposition against Assad, has said an offensive on Idlib would be disastrous. Ankara is sheltering 3.5 million Syrian refugees.Turkish president heads to Iran for trilateral summitAssad constantly violates international laws“We presented a list of 65,000 arrested people to the regime. A decision was reached to release these people in stages, however, one year later, not one captive was freed. We also know that in the span of the seven-year war, 450,000 people were unofficially arrested and a great number of them were killed by torture. An international committee was formed and decisions were made. However, Assad continues to disregard all international laws,” he added.U.S. and allies only offer conditional protectionWhile the United States and its allies have warned of a bloodbath in Idlib, they have made clear they would only intervene should they deem that chemical weapons have been used.“The U.S. and its allies have stated that they will strike Syria if the regime uses chemical weapons in Syria. So will these massacres be legitimate if chemical weapons aren’t used?” Farhan said.Children of Idlib roam streets with makeshift gas maskIn preparation for a chemical attack, the children of Idlib have started to make improvised gas masks. They poked holes in the bottom of paper cups stuck to the bottom of plastic bags. Some of the children also help their fathers during practice drills. They spend their time in makeshift shelters in underground caves in order to protect themselves from air raids by Russia and the Syrian regime.U.S. prioritizes the PKK and Israel“The U.S.’s unofficial priorities is for the PKK to gain legitimacy in Syria, the reduction of Iranian presence in Syria to protect Israel, and the weakening of the regime’s air and land forces. Idlib is just an excuse. The regime and U.S. officials held two meetings in Damascus and Aleppo. The main item on the agenda of these meetings was to provide the PKK constitutional protection. MP and Intelligence Chief Ali Memlük met with a U.S. delegation in Damascus on behalf of Assad. Regime undersecretaries met with the Americans in Aleppo,” Farhan said.U.S. delivered Golan Heights to IsraelThe U.S. ambassador to Israel said in remarks published on Thursday that he expected Israel to keep the Golan Heights in perpetuity, in an apparent nod towards its claim of sovereignty over the strategic plateau captured from Syria in a 1967 war.Foreign governments, including the United States, do not recognize Israel's claim and President Donald Trump's national security adviser has said Washington's policy is unchanged.However, U.S. Ambassador David Friedman suggested that Israel was there to stay and said it was possible the United States would consider recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in the future.US envoy sees Israel keeping Golan Heights forever"I personally cannot imagine a situation in which the Golan Heights will be returned to Syria. I frankly cannot imagine a situation in which the Golan Heights is not part of Israel forever," he told the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper.Friedman said there was "no one more undeserving of this prize" - control of the Golan Heights - than Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.The Golan Heights form a buffer between Israel and Syria of about 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles). Israel captured most of it from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, a move not recognized internationally.Top Turkish, Iranian diplomats meet in TehranWhite Helmets: Syria's savior angelsSyria's Idlib residents concerned about new attacksChemical weapons 'being prepared' in Syria: US envoy
‘Assad tries to sabotage Tehran summit with help of US’