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Fighting Escalates in Idlib Ahead of Ankara Ultimatum

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Fighting in Syria's Idlib province is escalating with
   Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claiming rebels backed by
   Turkish troops have recaptured a strategic town from Damascus forces.

   "Developments in Idlib have turned to our advantage. We have three
   martyrs, let them rest in peace. But on the other hand, the regime's
   losses are very big," Erdogan said in a speech Thursday.

   Syrian rebels reportedly backed by Turkish special forces and artillery
   recaptured the town of Saraqeb on Thursday. The northwestern town,
   located on the crossroads of two main highways, is pivotal to both
   sides.

   Turkey has deployed thousands of soldiers backed by hundreds of tanks
   and armored vehicles in Idlib in a bid to thwart an offensive by
   Damascus to seize control of the last rebel stronghold.
   Fighting in Idlib is set to escalate further with Ankara's ultimatum to
   Damascus to give up all its recent Idlib military gains by the end of
   February.

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