Syrian Military Kills 5 Turkish Soldiers in Idlib: Turkey

The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced Monday that five of their military personnel were killed in a new attack launched by the Syrian armed forces in the northwestern province of Idlib. 

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In their statement, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said their soldiers came under attack at their observation post near the Taftanaz Base northeast of Idlib city. 

Turkish military helicopters were seen arriving at the observation post in Taftanaz shortly after the attack on Monday. Anti-government Free Syrian Army reported that Turkish military choppers transported the dead and wounded soldiers from Taftanaz after the attack. 

The Syrian military attack comes amid increased tensions between Ankara and Damascus over the ongoing battle in the Idlib province.

Last week, the Turkish Ministry of Defense reported the deaths of seven soldiers that were killed by the Syrian military in rural Idlib. This resulted in a retaliatory attack by the Turkish forces, which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed neutralized dozens of Syrian soldiers. 

Syria and Turkey currently have no diplomatic relations, which makes the situation along the border even more complicated. The two countries rely on Russia to mediate between their governments. 

Turkey, who backs the anti-government forces, has refused to restore ties with Damascus as long as Presient Bashar Al-Assad is still in office.