Tensions in northern Syria are escalating as Turkish and Syrian forces continue to clash in Idlib province – the last stronghold of jihadists in the war-torn country.
The Turkish Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that a Syrian Arab Army helicopter had been downed and that Syrian forces had to leave the village of al-Nayrab in Idlib province.
The Syrian Army later confirmed that it left the village for a short period of time due to the surprise attack; however, according to recent reports, government forces have recaptured al-Nayrab, pushing out rebels linked to the Jabhat al-Nusra* terrorist organisation.
Tensions in northern Syria began to escalate earlier this month after eight Turkish nationals were killed in shelling conducted by Syrian forces on one of Turkey’s observation posts in Idlib. Turkish troops responded with a strike and claimed that they eliminated 76 Syrian servicemen.