Airstrike Kills 33 Turkish Soldiers in Syria

An airstrike in Idlib, Syria, has left an unspecified amount of injuries and at least 33 dead.

33 Dead, More Injured 

Hatay province Governor Rahmi Dogan informed media outlets that nine soldiers had been killed in an airstrike on late Thursday. Minutes later, the number of casualties was ramped up to 33, with potentially more deceased. It was stated that many were injured in the attack, although a specific number was not given. 

The statement comes at the same time as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and high-level officials held a security meeting that focuses on the incident. Fahrettin Altun, Erdogan’s press secretary, told reporters early Friday that an “illegitimate regime has pointed the gun at our soldiers,” and that Turkey will not make the mistake of repeating “what happened in Rwanda and Bosnia.” 

As soon as news of the airstrike and the number of casualties came to light, social media took the initiative in speculating and accusing who was behind the attack – with many unverified reports calling it a “Russian airstrike,” and that Hatay’s hospitals couldn’t deal with the number of wounded servicemen. None of these allegations have been confirmed by any Turkish officials. 

The pressure in Idlib is only escalating as it is the last militant stronghold standing in Syria and Damascus. Damascus, in particular, has been becoming increasingly aggressive in their desire to reclaim strategic towns with many battles with militants ensuing. This, in turn, prompted Turkey to send thousands of troops and supplies. 

Ankara also demanded that Russia stops supporting Syrian troops’ advance. Moscow’s response hasn’t been the most pleasant one for Turkey, as Russia accuses Ankara of supporting militants, all the while violating a previously agreed upon arrangement.