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.


Russia, Turkey Are on the Edge in Syria

Charles Maynes

   MOSCOW - Tensions between Russia and Turkey over theirsometimes allied
   and often dueling military campaigns in Syria broke into the open
   Friday, with Moscow blaming Ankara for the deathsof 33 Turkish troops
   in Syria'sIdlibregion during airstrikes.

   While Russia denied any role in the deaths of the Turkish soldiers, the
   Kremlin accused Turkish forces of operating unannounced in the region
   -- and of providing support to terrorist groups subsequently targeted
   by Moscow's ally, the Syrian government.

   Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had met
   with his Security Council in the wake of the attacks,with Russian
   generals informing Putin that raids by terrorist groups against Syrian
   forces inIdlibhad prompted airstrikes.

.