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#REDIRECT [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)]] {{R from merge}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2019 Syrian-Turkish clashes
| partof = the [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April 2019–present)]] of the [[Syrian Civil War]]
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| date = 13 June 2019-Present
| place = [[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]] and [[Hama Governorate|Hama Governorates]], [[Syria]]
| status = The Syrian Army encircles the Turkish observation post at [[Murak, Syria|Murak]]<ref name="Highway_cutting">{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=138123|title=The regime forces advance north Khan Shaykhun and close Damascus – Aleppo International highway after violent clashes against the rebel factions and Jihadi groups|last=Desk|first=News|date=2019-08-19|website=SOHR|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-scores-new-gains-north-of-khan-sheikhoun/|title=Syrian Army scores new gains north of Khan Sheikhoun|last=Desk|first=News|date=2019-08-19|website=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref><ref name="under_siege">{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=333017|title=قوات النظام تتوغل بكامل أحياء خان شيخون وتطبق حصارها على ريف حماة الشمالي ونقطة المراقبة التركية في مدينة مورك شمال حماة|last=|first=|date=2019-08-21|website=SOHR|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-21}}</ref>
| combatant1 = {{flag|Syria}}<br>'''Supported by:'''<br>{{flag|Russia}}
| combatant2 = {{flag|Turkey}}<br>'''Supported by:'''<br>{{flagicon image|WataniaTahrirFlag.png}} [[National Front for Liberation]]
| commander1 =
| commander2 =
| units1 =
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Armed Forces]]
**{{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Syrian_Arab_Army.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Army]]
**{{flagicon image|Emblem_of_the_Syrian_Arab_Air_Force.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Air Force]]
| units2 =
*[[File:Seal_of_the_Turkish_Armed_Forces.png|16px]] [[Turkish Armed Forces]]
**{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sham Legion.svg}} [[Faylaq al-Sham]]
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| casualties1 = Unknown<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey/attacks-on-turkish-observation-post-in-syrias-idlib-kills-soldier-ministry-idUSKCN1TS32A Attacks on Turkish observation post in Syria's Idlib kill soldier: ministry]</ref>
| casualties2 = {{flagdeco|Turkey}} 1 TAF soldier killed, 3 injured
<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of the Sham Legion.svg}} 1 commander killed
| casualties3 =
| notes =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
}}
The '''2019 Syrian-Turkish clashes''' are an armed military confrontation between the [[Syrian armed forces]] and the [[Turkish army]] during an [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April 2019–present)|offensive]] launched by the Syrian government in April 2019.
== Background ==
{{Main|Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|Turkish occupation of northern Syria}}
Turkey is one of the major backers of the [[Syrian opposition]], providing political, materiel and armament support to various rebel groups during the [[Syrian Civil War]]. Furthermore, the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] and the [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army]] (TFSA) have [[Turkish occupation of northern Syria|occupied areas of northern Syria]]. Syria views this as a gross encroachment on it's [[National Sovereignty|national sovereignty]] and [[territorial integrity]]. Because of this, [[Syria–Turkey relations|relations between the two countries]] have been incredibly hostile and strained, sometimes boiling into armed confrontation. The two nations severed [[Diplomatic Relations|diplomatic relations]] at the start of the civil war.
Turkey has set up and maintained a network of observation posts within the rebel-held region of [[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]] since late 2017, which it has gradually expanded and increased in number.
The [[Syrian Government]] has preferred to work with groups vehemently opposed by Turkey, such as the [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] (SDF), in an attempt to limit Turkish influence in Syria. Pro-government forces fought on the side of the SDF during the [[Turkish military operation in Afrin]], while the Syrian Army fought alongside the SDF against Turkey and the TFSA during the [[2019 Tell Rifaat clashes]].
During Fall of 2018, [[2018 Idlib demilitarization|a demilitarization deal]] was struck between Turkey and the various rebel groups on one hand, and Russia, Iran and Syria on the other. The deal set out high goals, that included the full withdrawal of groups deemed 'radical' from the demilitarized zone, a withdrawal of rebel heavy weapons, reopening of Syrian highways and other clauses. The demilitarization deal was badly implemented,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=111933|title=Syrian Civil War: What next for Syria’s last major rebel bastion?|last=|first=|date=|website=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> with Syria and Russia accusing Turkey and the rebel groups of not going trough with their end of the bargain.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-northwest-idUSKCN1SA0EG|title=Damascus presses Idlib attack, artillery hits Turkish position|date=2019-05-05|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-08-24|language=en}}</ref> In late April 2019, the Syrian Army launched [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April 2019–present)|a full-scale offensive]] against various rebel groups, after deeming them to be in violation of the demilitarization agreement. Turkey adamently opposed the offensive, but it took place regardless.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-asks-russia-to-halt-airstrikes-in-syria-s-idlib/1474794|title=Turkey asks Russia to halt airstrikes in Syria’s Idlib|website=www.aa.com.tr|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=342b5180-c6c2-11e9-8dc7-9bbd168288f1&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAxOS0wNi0wMi90dXJrZXktcHJlc3Nlcy1ydXNzaWEtdG8tcmVzdHJhaW4tYXNzYWQtcy1hdHRhY2tzLW9uLWlkbGli|title=Turkey Presses Russia to Restrain Assad’s Attacks on Idlib|last=|first=|date=|website=Bloomberg|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref> Turkey had hoped that it's observation posts would deter government forces from attacking, but the [[Syrian Army]] advanced, often striking and later capturing territories in very close proximity to Turkish observation posts.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Özkizilcik|first=Ömer|date=2019-08-15|title=What Will Happen to Turkish Observation Posts in Idlib?|url=https://thenewturkey.org/what-will-happen-to-turkish-observation-posts-in-idlib|journal=The New Turkey|language=en}}</ref> This situation created the neccesary prerequisites for a confrontation between the Turkish and Syrian armed forces.
==Timeline==
=== Initial shelling incidents ===
On 13 June 2019, during an ongoing [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April 2019–present)|offensive]] by the Syrian government against rebels in [[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]] and [[Hama Governorate|Hama]], the Turkish military reported that its [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|observation]] forces stationed in the area as part of [[Idlib demilitarization (2018–present)|demilitarization]] agreement between [[Russia]], [[Turkey]] and [[Iran]] came under fire from pro-government forces.
The Turkish minister of defense stated that in the attack, the Syrian military fired 35 mortar shells and that 3 Turkish soldiers were injured as a result. Afterwards the Russian government claimed that a cease-fire had been established between Turkey, Russia, the rebels and the Syrian government, however the rebels and Turkish government denied a cease-fire had been implemented.<ref>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/06/turkey-syrian-forces-hit-observation-tower-syria-idlib-190613075813748.html
</ref>
Following the incidents Turkey's foreign minister [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]] stated the attacks were intentional, the Turkish government also stated the Turkish military would retaliate to any attacks on their positions in Syria.<ref>http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-says-syrian-government-forces-attacked-its-observation-point-144148</ref>
After the response from the Turkish government and the confrontation with the Syrian military, the [[Russia]] denied the Syrian government was involved in the attacks, blaming the Syrian rebels instead calling them "terrorists", and accused the rebels of attacking Turkish positions, the Russian government also claimed that the Turkish government had asked the Russian military for help in protecting Turkish forces in Idlib and that the Turkish government had given the coordinates of rebel positions to the Russian military, which was denied by Turkey.<ref>https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-northwest-russia-idUKKCN1TE1QG</ref><ref>https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-asks-russia-for-help-after-its-troops-come-under-heavy-fire-in-idlib/</ref>
On 14 June, following continued standoffs between Turkey and Syria, the Turkish military deployed reinforcements to its positions in Idlib.<ref>https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-retaliates-against-regime-attack-in-syrias-idlib/1505501#</ref>
On 16 June, the Turkish government claimed that the Syrian military had continued to attack Turkish positions, with Turkey retaliating by firing artillery at Syrian government forces.<ref>https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-retaliates-against-regime-attack-in-syrias-idlib/1505501</ref><ref>https://in.reuters.com/article/syria-security-turkey-idINKCN1TH05N</ref>
=== Syrian jets strike Turkish convoy ===
On 19 August, a 28-vehicle Turkish military convoy headed towards [[Khan Shaykhun]] through the M5 highway was targeted by Syrian warplanes multiple times. The airstrikes resulted in casualties among the rebel forces that were accompanying the convoy, reportedly killing a [[Faylaq al-Sham]] commander.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Step_Agency/status/1163347182034010112|title=الطيران الحربي يستهدف السيارات المرافقة للرتل التركي بالرشاشات في معرة النعمان على الطريق الدولي بريف #إدلب مما أدى لمقتل عنصر من قوات المعارضة.|last=Agency|first=Step News|date=2019-08-19|website=@Step_Agency|language=ar|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/air-strike-hit-near-turkish-military-convoy-idlib|title=Syrian government air strikes intercept Turkish military convoy in Idlib|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref> The convoy was halted as a result of the airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/world/article234138267.html|title=Airstrikes halt Turkish convoy on road in Syria|last=|first=|date=19 August 2019|website=The Herald|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=138108|title=Warplanes of the Russian “guarantor” and regime’s warplanes bomb the vicinity of the Turkish column and prevent it from passing through to Hama’s north|website=www.syriahr.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-21}}</ref> The Turkish Defence ministry condemned the airstrike, stating that they viewed it as a violation of [[Idlib demilitarization (2018–present)|Russian-Turkish memorandum]] and that the convoy had only been transporting supplies to the [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|Turkish observation posts in Idlib]]. Syria rejected the Turkish statement, claiming that the convoy had been carrying weapons and ammunition bound for various rebel groups engaged in battle with the government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rt.com/news/466813-syria-airstrike-turkish-convoy/|title=Turkey fuming after Syrian airstrike on convoy in Islamist-held Idlib province|website=RT International|language=en|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49394759|title='Three killed' in Syrian strike on Turkish convoy|date=2019-08-19|access-date=2019-08-19|language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Syrian army surrounds Turkish observation post ===
On 23 August, following the capture of a rebel pocket in the region, the [[Syrian Army]] fully [[Encirclement|encircled]] the Turkish observation post at [[Murak, Syria|Murak]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1869021/syrian-regime-forces-surround-turkish-army-post|title=Syrian Regime Forces Surround Turkish Army Post|website=Asharq AL-awsat|language=en|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref> Turkish Foreign Minister [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]] denied that the observation post had been placed in a state of [[siege]] and insisted that the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] would not withdraw from it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ZeinakhodrAljaz/status/1164856665591689223|title=#Turkey FM: we don't have troops under siege ... there was fighting close to our position ... our soldiers are not besieged ... #Morek #Idlib - we will not leave our observation post|last=Khodr|first=Zeina|date=2019-08-23|website=@ZeinakhodrAljaz|language=en|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkey-not-withdrawing-from-observation-post-despite-encirclement/|title=Turkey not withdrawing from observation post despite encirclement|last=Desk|first=News|date=2019-08-22|website=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref>
=== Airstrike on observation post ===
On 28 August, warplanes fired at the Turkish observation post at Shir Magar, just south of the rebel-held town of [[Shahranaz]]. It was not made clear wether the warplanes that conducted the airstrike belonged to the [[Syrian Air Force|Syrian]] or [[Russian Air Force|Russian Air Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/syria-air-raids-hit-near-turkish-military-post-war-monitor-says-1.903644|title=Syria air raids hit near Turkish military post, war monitor says|website=The National|language=en|access-date=2019-08-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/leventkemaI/status/1166624704125427712|title=İdlibteki 10 nolu TSK gözlem noktasına saldırı yapıldı.pic.twitter.com/T9moE8fUAL|last=Kemal|first=Levent|date=2019-08-28|website=@leventkemaI|language=tr|access-date=2019-08-28}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[2019 Tell Rifaat clashes]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
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