Turkish army sets up second monitoring post in Idlib

ANKARA

The Turkish army has set up its second observation post inside Idlib province of Syria as part of efforts to establish de-escalation zones in the war-torn country following a three-way deal between Turkey, Russia and Iran in the Kazakh capital Astana last month.

In a written statement on Oct. 27, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said the second post was established on Oct. 23, 10 days after the first observation spot. It also informed that works to establish other monitoring spots have been continuing.

Although not officially confirmed, the Turkish army is expected to set up 14 posts in total in Idlib in order to monitor the ceasefire between the Syrian regime and opposition groups. Turkey’s Idlib operation had begun on Oct. 8.

The Astana Process brought about the establishment of four different de-escalation zones in Syria in order to cement the truce between fighting groups. The operation in Idlib is actively observing the participation of Turkey and Russia with the former being in the province and the latter in outer Idlib.

Idlib has become the focal point in the ongoing civil war in Syria after armed jihadist groups loyal to al-Nusra took control over the city.