Russian airstrikes on a training camp in rebel-held Idlib has killed or injured dozens of rebels on Monday. The strikes killed 35 fighters and wounded another 77 rebels from the Sham Legion, a rebel group under Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation.
This attack is the most deadly breach of the ceasefire between Turkey and Russia struck in March. The attack is part of an air campaign by Syrian and Russian forces. On Friday, online videos circulated showing the bombardment of fuel tankers which killed seven civilians.
Over the past few years, the Turkish-Russian conflict has played out on Idlib, Syria’s impoverished and rebel-held northwestern province. Last year, the Syrian government backed by Russia attempted to recapture Idlib. This move was countered by Turkey deploying its military in support of the rebels.
The fight between Azerbaijan and Armenia has also intensified the Turkey-Russia conflict - Russia has a security pact with Armenia while Turkey supports Azerbaijan.
Russian officials have criticized Turkey for sending Syrian mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan as it could allow hard-line Islamist fighters to enter Russia. Turkey has repeatedly denied dispatching mercenaries.
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Zara Masood
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