On March 2, the Hezbollah media wing released a new map of Idlib showing five Turkish observation posts, which were recently established in the governorate’s southeastern countryside.
Click to see full-size map
Turkey established twelve observation posts in western Aleppo, southern Idlib, northern Hama, and northern Lattakia last year, under an agreement with Russia and Iran. These posts became a part of the demilitarized zone agreement later.
The new map confirms a recent report by Syria TV, which said that the Turkish military is working to establish new observation posts between the towns of Tell Sultan and Saraqib in southeastern Idlib.
According to Syria TV, Turkey will use the new posts to reinforce the failed demilitarized zone agreement. The Turkish military will also take more steps in the upcoming few days to achieve this goal, including organizing patrols within the zone.
Syrian pro-government activists doubt that these new observation posts will improve the situation around Idlib. Some even believe that Turkey is taking advantage of its agreements with Russia and Iran to expand its influence in Syria’s northwestern part.
