Türkiye Replaces Forces in Idlib’s De-escalation Zone

Turkish military convoy heading to Idlib (Anadolu Agency)
Turkish military convoy heading to Idlib (Anadolu Agency)
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Türkiye Replaces Forces in Idlib’s De-escalation Zone

Turkish military convoy heading to Idlib (Anadolu Agency)
Turkish military convoy heading to Idlib (Anadolu Agency)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Turkish forces have replaced a large number of their troops stationed in the de-escalation zone in Idlib.

Meanwhile, the regime forces continue to escalate measures on the Jabal Al-Zawiya area in the southern part of Idlib province.

According to SOHR sources, seven convoys of the Turkish army left Syria, and other seven convoys entered Syrian territory to replace them, via the crossings of Kherbet Al-Jouz in western Idlib and Bab Al-Hawa in the northern countryside.

The arriving convoys comprised tanks, personnel carriers, and armored vehicles, the Observatory reported.

Under the de-escalation agreement signed in Astana in 2017, the Turkish military has 74 posts in the north, west, and east of Idlib and 22 posts in the south of Jabal Al-Zawiya.

In November, the Turkish military established a new military point in Serjilla's vicinity in Jabal Al-Zawiya near the lines of contact with the Syrian armed forces.

On Oct. 9, Turkish forces established a military checkpoint in the de-escalation zone in the Jabal al-Akrad area in the northern countryside of Latakia, overlooking the Aleppo-Latakia International Road (M4).

The military point also provides surveillance points to Jericho, the al-Ghab Plain, and the western slope of Jabal al-Zawiya. It is the third Turkish point to be set up in the Latakia countryside, in northwestern Syria, after al-Zaytouna in Jabal al-Turkman and al-Hadada in Jabal al-Akrad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Kabanah Hills had previously witnessed many attempted advances by the regime and its loyalists, with Russian air cover. All the advances failed due to geographic difficulties and the factions protecting it.

The Turkish forces set up two military observation points to boost their control over the border between Idlib and the areas covered in the Operation Olive Branch to contain the movement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters.

SOHR sources reported renewed bombardment on regions in Al-Ruwayha, Bayanin, Al-Fterah, and Fulayfel in Jabal Al-Zawiya in the southern countryside of Idlib.

The regime’s bombardment coincided with flights by Russian reconnaissance drones over Jabal Al-Zawiya.

On the other hand, opposition factions shelled regime positions on the Al-Atareb frontline in the western countryside of Aleppo.



Sudanese Army Recaptures Positions from RSF in El Fasher

Thick smoke rises over El Fasher following clashes between army forces and the RSF (DPA)
Thick smoke rises over El Fasher following clashes between army forces and the RSF (DPA)
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Sudanese Army Recaptures Positions from RSF in El Fasher

Thick smoke rises over El Fasher following clashes between army forces and the RSF (DPA)
Thick smoke rises over El Fasher following clashes between army forces and the RSF (DPA)

The Sudanese army carried out a surprise military operation in the early hours of Saturday in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, regaining several positions in the city’s far southwest that it had previously abandoned to advancing Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Military sources reported that calm returned to El Fasher after intense clashes on Friday between the army and RSF fighters, who attempted a major offensive to deepen their hold inside the city. In a statement, the army said its Sixth Infantry Division successfully repelled a fresh RSF attack, inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment, and restored control over all frontline areas.

RSF militants had infiltrated southern neighborhoods, seizing the Central Security Reserve headquarters and the Shalla prison. According to army sources, these forces were pushed back through ground combat supported by extensive drone strikes, forcing them to retreat to their original positions. The sources confirmed there were no significant breakthroughs or territorial gains by the RSF following the operation.

In a statement on Saturday, Prime Minister Kamel Idris expressed “deep anger, pain, and responsibility” over the worsening humanitarian disaster in El Fasher. He condemned the “suffocating and inhumane siege imposed by the RSF militia,” describing it as “one of the most brutal cases of collective extortion and systematic starvation in recent history.”

Idris vowed that the government would not stand idly by in the face of this “atrocious” crime and pledged to use all political, diplomatic, and humanitarian means to break the siege and ensure urgent aid reaches civilians trapped in El Fasher amid widespread starvation and international silence.

He called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with international and humanitarian organizations, to act immediately to pressure the militia to open humanitarian corridors and end the use of starvation as a weapon against civilians.

The prime minister highlighted the RSF’s refusal to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which demands lifting the siege on El Fasher, and their rejection of UN calls for a humanitarian ceasefire. He held the militia responsible for obstructing aid and accountable for the ongoing starvation and terror inflicted on civilians.

Idris warned against silence over these crimes, including the killing of civilians fleeing the siege and bombardments. He also cited the systematic destruction of hospitals by RSF suicide drone and strategic attacks, threatening the lives of millions of innocent civilians.

“What is happening in El Fasher is a major crime committed in full view and hearing of the world,” he said, urging the international community to move beyond lukewarm statements to real action and pressure on those besieging, starving, and attacking civilians.

The RSF continues to attempt to seize the city and its army base, the last stronghold of government forces across all Darfur states. Military sources said defenders repelled the assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.

The RSF has maintained a tight siege on El Fasher since May 2024, blocking all roads and supply routes and preventing humanitarian aid from entering, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths from starvation and medical shortages.