Russia, Turkey agree to create buffer zone in Syria's Idlib

The leaders of Turkey and Russia say they have agreed to create a demilitarized buffer zone to separate Syrian government troops from Takfiri terrorist groups in the Northwestern Province of Idlib, as Ankara seeks to prevent a full-scale operation by the Damascus government against thousands of terrorists in the militant-held region.

According to Press TV, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Monday "We have decided to create a demilitarized zone some 15 to 20 kilometers deep along the line of contact between the terrorist groups and government troops by October 15 of this year."

Putin made the announcement after lengthy talks with Erdogan in the Russian city of Sochi.

Putin said the agreement was that all heavy weapons be withdrawn from the zone and that armed terrorist groups, including the al-Qaeda linked Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, would have to pull out of the zone.

The demilitarized zone will enter into force by October 15, he added.

Erdogan also said at the joint news briefing that the two nations would carry out coordinated military patrols on the borders of the demilitarized zone.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said there will be no new military operation against Idlib by Syrian government forces and their allies. Shoigu was speaking after the Russian and Turkish presidents agreed on the creation of the zone in the troubled Syrian region.

The development came as Syrian army troops were preparing to launch a full-scale military operation against different factions of terrorists that have practically held hostage the inhabitants of Idlib for a long time.

Turkey tries to maintain a foothold in Idlib, which is home to an estimated three million Syrian people, in an alleged attempt to play a role in shaping Syria’s post-war politics and rebuilding its shattered economy.

ME