Turkish President Erdogan to meet Putin in Russia as situation in Syria escalates

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his Russian counterpart Vlimir Putin on March 5 amid escalating tensions over Syrian conflict. Turkish presidency, in a statement, confirmed that Erdogan will pay a one-day visit to Russia on Thursday after killing 19 Syrian soldiers in a drone strike.

Last week, Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike launched by Syrian regime forces and Ankara retaliated by “neutralising” 309 Syrian troops, said Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on February 28. former chief of Turkish General Staff claimed that Turkey destroyed five Syrian military helicopter, 23 tanks, 23 howitzers, and two air defence systems.

Akar said that attack on Turkish forces was launched despite fact that Ankara h shared coordinates of its troops with Kremlin. Defence Minister alleged that Syria continued strikes against Turkish forces and targeted ambulances even after warnings. Akar dismissed claims of presence of Syrian militants saying y didn’t have any or armed groups in premises.

Re: Erdogan Says Western Border Will Remain Open As Greece Battles Refugee Influx

Russian Defence Ministry contricted with claims me by Turkey saying Turkish troops were t supposed to be in area as per coordinates shared with Russia’s Reconciliation Center in Syria. Ministry, in counterclaim, said that Turkish troops came under fire because y were deployed among “terrorist battle formations”.

Russia and Turkey have been accusing each or of ceasefire violations and offensive in Idlib province. But situation in rthwestern Syria escalated following direct conflict between Turkish forces and Syrian troops backed by Russia. 

Re: Erdogan Threatens To Launch ‘imminent’ Operation In Syria’s Idlib Province

'Historic lesson'

On March 1, Erdogan said that Turkey will never back down on its “rightful fight” and will t forget any “treason”. Taking to Twitter, Turkish President said that y will overcome every hardship and teach a “historic lesson” to those who think y can corner Turkey.

“We act with awareness that we will have to pay a much heavier price if we shy away from fight and don’t defend our unity and solidarity in this region, which h endured invasions and oppression throughout history,” tweeted Erdogan.

Re: Turkey Anunces Military Operation “Spring Shield” Against Syrian Regime

Re: A 22-year-old From War-torn Syria Finds New Goal In Khelo India

(With ncy inputs)