Syria Accuses Turkey of ‘Colonialist Activities’

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Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria Faisal Mekdad has described Turkey's actions in Syria's Idlib as a serious violation of the agreements concluded in Nur-Sultan and Sochi.

As reported by Sputnik, Vice Minister Mekdad gave an interview to the pro-government al-Watan newspaper and stated the following in brief:

"We condemn Turkey's all violations of Adana Agreement. Turkey does not abide by this agreement. This agreement does not give permission to enter the territory of Syria like that.

"International law does not grant any country the right to occupy the territory of another country. Colonialist activities such as population displacement, the raising of the Turkish flag and the opening of Turkish schools are not allowed in Syrian territory. These are all against the aims announced by Turkey.

"Turkey's attempts to occupy, colonize and intervene in the internal affairs of Syria are a serious violation of the Astana Action Plan, the Sochi Agreements and all the countries' agreements in order to resolve the Syrian conflict.

"The armed groups in Idlib are in coordination with Ankara. Turkey has to cease its actions, which will adversely affect Turkey itself."

What happened?

Releasing a statement early in the morning yesterday (February 3), the Ministry of National Defense announced that four soldiers lost their lives and nine soldiers were wounded in an artillery fire of the regime forces.

As stated by the Ministry in this first statement, the soldiers, who were sent as reinforcements to the region for the purpose of preventing conflicts in Idlib de-escalation zone, were attacked by the regime forces, although their locations were previously coordinated.

In response to this attack, President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "We have responded in kind to these attacks and will continue to do so, whether it is with our artillery or mortars. We are determined to continue our operations for the security of our country, people and our brothers and sisters in Idlib."

Releasing another statement later in the day, the Ministry of National Defense announced that the death toll rose to six as one more soldier and one civilian personnel also died as a result of the attack.

Addressing the reporters yesterday evening, President Erdoğan stated that eight members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), including three civilian personnel, have lost their lives in Idlib. (EKN/SD)