Turkey deploys large reinforcements amid stalled rapprochement process

Local activists in Idlib reported that Turkey brought in a military convoy consisting of 20 vehicles carrying military equipment, logistics, medical supplies, and soldiers who had undergone training in Turkey, before being deployed to Idlib. The convoy entered through the Ain al-Bayda crossing, heading toward what are called Turkish observation points along the M4 highway in western Idlib countryside and the al-Ghab plain.

Additionally, Turkey sent new military reinforcements to its positions in eastern Idlib countryside, arriving from the Bab al-Hawa border crossing between Syria and Turkey. This included over 75 military vehicles, such as troop carriers, armored vehicles carrying soldiers, and trucks loaded with logistical and military supplies, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The report noted that this was the second batch of reinforcements for the occupying forces in less than 24 hours, as Turkish forces had earlier brought in a convoy of 15 vehicles loaded with weapons and soldiers, including closed trucks, accompanied by vehicles belonging to Turkish intelligence. This convoy crossed through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, heading towards Turkish positions in and around the city of al-Atarib in western Aleppo countryside, aiming to bolster them.

These reinforcements come as the Syrian government forces continue attacks within the so-called "de-escalation zone" in Idlib. This coincides with ongoing negotiations aimed at advancing the Syrian-Turkish rapprochement process.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated a few days ago that Russia, Turkey, Damascus, and Iran are scheduled to hold another meeting in the near future to discuss the rapprochement between Ankara and Damascus.

He claimed that the talks were productive, although they did not result in an agreement on how to move forward. According to Lavrov, Damascus believes that continuing the "normalization" process requires setting specific measures for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria. Meanwhile, Turkey, according to Lavrov, is willing to do so, but no specific criteria have been agreed upon yet.

Developments indicate that Turkey seeks to convince Russia, Iran, and Damascus to achieve progress in the rapprochement process without being forced to withdraw from the Syrian areas it occupies or to stop its attacks, particularly against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

Based on past experiences, every time a meeting or negotiation takes place between these parties, the escalation on Syrian territory intensifies, with increasing speculation about the possibility of a dubious deal being made at the expense of the Syrian people.

A-H

ANHA