On February 19, the Turkish military deployed troops inside the town of al-Atarib in Aleppo’s western countryside, according to local sources.
The al-Atarib’s Media Center released photos showing Turkish service members inside the town. The service members appeared to be from the Turkish Armed Forces’ commandos units.
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Last week, the Turkish military established at least two “observation posts” north and west of al-Atarib. The step was not likely coordinated with Russia.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is now stationed less than 4 km to the east of al-Atarib. The town may be one of the next main targets of the army’s ongoing large-scale military operation.
The deployment of Turkish troops inside al-Atarib is a serious escalation by Turkey, whose president vowed to launch an attack on the SAA in Greater Idlib earlier today. These moves by Ankara may lead to a military confrontation in the Syrian region soon.
