Importance of Idlib

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Declared “de-conflict zone” since 2017 in Syrian civil war that has been lasting for seven years, Idlib has been seen as the “final front” by Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

Where’s Idlib?

Located 60 km away from Aleppo, Idlib is the center of the administration region whose name is also Idlib. Situated at Syria’s northwest and south Afrin, Idlib is neighbor to Hatay province.

Ebla ancient city, which was an important center at the end of B.C. 3 thousand and B.C. 1800-1650, is also within the city territory.

There are 70 thousand militants

Idlib’s current population is estimated 3 million. There are reportedly 70 thousand dissident militants that are members of over a dozen of rebellious groups in the city.

In this complicated organizational structure, there are also Al Nusra members, who are estimated to be as many as 30 thousand people, and Tahrir al-Sham (HTŞ) group, which was designated a terrorist group by Turkey last week.

HTŞ militants are described as “organized and prepared for war” by various analysts in the world.

Its affect to Turkey

The operation in Idlib is problematic for Turkey in terms of foreign policy and a potential immigrant flow.

Relations with the US and the crisis that erupted in the wake of continuation of Pastor Andrew Craig Brunson’s detention, Syrian issue has become very critical.

Turkey pursuing policy with its Astana partners Iran and Russia is “being monitored with concern” by the US.

Turkey has 12 observation points

Turkish Armed Forces completed 12 observation points in Idlib.

Russia announced las week that it deployed at least 10 battleships and two submarines at east of the Mediterranean.

For this reason, Russia-Turkey-Iran summit to be held in Tehran on September is considered “critical”. (PT/TK)