Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Turkish Casualties Rise in Syria, but Ankara Wary of Confronting Russia

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Turkish forces have suffered more casualties in the latest
   round of fighting in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. Butdespite
   Russia backing Syrian government forces in the ongoing attacks on
   Turkish forces, Ankara has refrained from confronting Moscow --a sign,
   analysts suggest, of the considerable economic leverage Russia retains
   over Turkey.

   Officials say a Turkish convoy in Idlib was hit Monday in an airstrike
   that caused several injuries. During the weekend, a Turkish soldier was
   killed in another attack, bringing the number of deaths to at least 18
   since Turkey sent significant reinforcements to counter a Damascus
   government offensive against Syria's last rebel enclave.

.