Buffer zone deal puts offensive on hold

Russia and Turkey agreed yesterday to a create a ‘‘demilitarised zone’’ between Syrian rebels and government forces in the northern city of Idlib, staving off a potential humanitarian catastrophe in the last rebel stronghold.

During a summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, came to an agreement that ‘‘radically minded’’ opposition fighters, including formerly al-qaedalinked ones controlling parts of Idlib, would be withdrawn.

Russian and Turkish military police would then carry out coordinated patrols of the zone – which would be 20km deep – from Octover 15, Putin said.

Both sides have already established observation points near flashpoints in the province, but the latest development marks increased co-operation between the two countries, which back opposing sides in the war.

Moscow is keen on strengthening ties with Turkey, at a time when Ankara’s relations are at their lowest with the US.

‘‘I believe our joint statement following this meeting will give the region a new hope,’’ Erdogan said after the meeting.

‘‘At the moment, I believe, not only our region but also the world is looking at Sochi today,’’ he added.

Turkey, which supports and funds opposition groups in Syria, had been told by Russia to separate the estimated 10,000 Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-sham (HTS) fighters from the 30,000-40,000 more moderate ones in Idlib.

But Turkey called instead for measures to target hardline militants while protecting civilians and avoiding an indiscriminate assault.

AP This photo provided by the al-qaeda-affiliated Ibaa News Network, shows fighters of the al-qaeda-linked coalition known as Hay’at Tahrir al-sham, Arabic for Levant Liberation Committee, training in Idlib province, Syria.