Stop Idlib attacks, Turks warn Syria

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey warned Syria on Thursday that it would respond if attacks in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province continue, after a Turkish observation post in the region was struck by mortar shells, which Turkey’s Defense Ministry said were fired from areas under Syrian government control.

A ministry statement said three Turkish soldiers were slightly wounded by the 35 mortar rounds fired at the observation point in what it described as a deliberate attack.

“If the regime continues its attacks, we will take the necessary action. No one should have any doubts about that,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a joint news conference in Ankara with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Cavusoglu also called on Russia and Iran to exert pressure on Syrian President Bashar Assad to stop assaults in Idlib.

Thursday’s attack came amid a ground offensive launched by Syrian government forces in late April against rebel-held areas near the Turkish border.

The Russian military had a different version of events on Thursday, blaming militants for the attack on Turkish troops. Russia is a main backer of Assad and his forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Turkey had asked Russia for help after one of its checkpoints in the de-escalation zone came under fire from shelling. In response to that request, Russia launched an airstrike that destroyed a group of rebels and the weapons used in the attack.