Syria, Turkey’s new garrison on the M4: it is the fifth
Ankara deploys TAF near Muhanbal to seal the highway and allow joint patrols with Russia in Idlib. HTS hostile militias, however, are growing and Moscow is increasingly nervous.
Syria, discontent grows among Turkey’s allied militias
Ankara increasingly in difficulty: from Idlib to Tal Abyad, nervousness increases in the FSA, afraid of being crushed by HTS. The M4 is still blocked and the war on the Kurds is not bearing fruit.
Syria, HTS grows in Idlib and returns to threaten Damascus
The group, after declaring war on rivals of Faylaq al-Sham, announces an imminent offensive against the SAA. Meanwhile, Turkey is unable to unlock joint patrols with Russia on the M4.
Syria, Idlib militias try to put the M4 “in the dark”
A group, probably linked to HTS, is removing the telephone and electrical pylons on the highway. Objective: to hinder Turkey-Russia joint patrols and the SAA offensive.
Syria, new problems for Turkey: war between militias in Idlib
HTS arrests Faylaq Al-Sham leader (who does the same) and increases blocks on M4. Ankara risks losing control of the area of influence, especially if the Wahhabis win the Muslim Brotherhood.
Syria, the third Russia-Turkey joint patrol on the M4 has failed
The convoy, escorted by drones, enters Idlib and arrives in Naryab. But then is forced to go back. Moscow, exhausted patience with Ankara, supports the Damascus maxi operation in the province.
Syria, UN to Turkey: Stop using water as a weapon against the Kurds
The constant interruptions from Alouk station boost the risks related to the coronavirus, especially in Hasaka. Meanwhile, Russia is increasingly nervous with Ankara on Idlib.
Syria: after water, Turkey uses again Isis as a weapon in the east
The TAF, blocked in Idlib, are still bombing the border of the buffer zone in Tal Abyad and Ain Issa. Ankara also releases a Daesh Emir. Objective: to increase the pressure on the SDF.
Syria, nervousness on Idlib truce grows. Turkey sends more reinforcements
Ankara deployed over 2,100 vehicles and 10,000 TAF soldiers to the province, in case of Spring Shield reactivating against Damascus. Erdogan, however, also continues to negotiate with Russia.
Syria, the Turkey-Damascus truce in Idlib begins to wobble
TAF and SAA exchange artillery shots between Saraqeb and inside of the province. Nervousness about coronavirus and situation on M4 is growing. Meanwhile, Russia is moving alone in the east.