The Syrian army, supported by Russia and Iran, has regained control of Saraqeb in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib. Four days ago, the strategically important town had been occupied by the Turkish army and allied jihadists. Fighting continues to take place in the west of the town.

Drones and fighter jets shot down

After dozens of soldiers of the Turkish army had been killed in Idlib last week, Russia issued a partial permit for Turkish reconnaissance flights over Idlib.

On Sunday, three combat drones of the Turkish army were shot down by the Syrian military. Another Turkish armed drone was brought down in the "friendly fire" of the Turkish-backed jihadists. The Turkish army shot down two Su-24 fighter jets of the Syrian air force.

Airspace over Idlib closed

Syria then closed the airspace over Idlib and the entire northwest of the country and announced that enemy aircraft would be shot down if the airspace was violated.

After this development, Head of Russian Coordination Center in Syria which is affiliated to the Russian Defense Ministry, Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev said in a statement to journalists “In these conditions, the Russian military leadership can not guarantee the safety of Turkish planes flying in Syria.”

Akar: Turkey does not want war with Russia

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Sunday that Turkey’s operation in Idlib has been given the name "Spring Shield" and that Turkey has no intention of fighting against Russia. He repeated this announcement today.

Putin-Erdoğan meeting

Putin and Erdoğan want to negotiate about Idlib in Moscow on 5 or 6 March. The Russian media speak of a "difficult meeting".

US officials to visit Ankara today

Meanwhile, US special envoy to Syria, James Jeffrey, and the US ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, will travel to Ankara today. No official statement on the visit has been made yet, but it is said to be about Idlib and Erdoğan’s Moscow trip.