Illustrative image. Construction of the Turkish wall around Afrin. Source: al-Alarabiya.net
Turkey is fortifying its border with the Syrian governorate of Idlib, where several terrorist groups are situated, the Daily Sabah reported on October 1.
According to the Turkish newspaper, cement blocks each weighting over 1,300kg, barbed wires and other fortifications were installed along the border fence with Idlib in order to prevent Syrians from sneaking into Turkish territory.
The reinforcement of the border fence began six months ago and it is expected to be completed in the upcoming four months.
Most of Idlib and the opposition-held areas around it are controlled by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. More than 3 million Syrians are living in the region that became known as Greater Idlib.
Last year, the Turkish military established twelve observation posts inside Greater Idlib in the framework of the Astana process. Turkey is also believed to be supporting several armed groups inside the region.
Despite this support, Turkey is not apparently so enthusiastic about welcoming refugees from Greater Idlib. Ankara is likely fearing unrest along its border if Syrian government forces advance further in the region.
In 2016, Turkey closed its border with Syria. Since then, at least 440 Syrians, including women and children, have been killed by Turkish border guards resisting their attempts to cross into Turkey, according to a Syrian monitoring group.
