​Latest on Idlib: Russia delegation arrives in Ankara

TURKEY - In Brief 21 Feb 2020 by Atilla Yesilada

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I am still in no position to craft an analysis about the war in Idlib between Turkey and the Damascus regime. Fighting rages in two fronts, report Turkish press and international sources, but it is noteworthy that Turkish press and media have suddenly dialed down the intensity of the coverage, which suggests a deal with Russia or USA.The pressure on the currency, which nowadays serves as the “guiding light”for other TL denominated assets continues unabated. I still favor an “intense clashes between rival regular armies” scenario, which I shall fully explore in the upcoming weekly. Since the HEADS UP I sent last night, regime jets killed two Turkish soldiers, wounding 5, which Turkish media blamed on Russia.Turkey has retaliated, but ongoing air bombardment by pro-Assad jets (Russian presumably) forced rebels back from the township of Nayrab.According to Reuters, “Russian warplanes then attacked the militants who had burst through the government positions in two areas of Idlib, allowing the Syrian army to repel them, the ministry said. “So as not to allow the armed groups to make it deep into Syrian territory, Russian Su-25 aircraft carried out a strike ... on the armed militant groups that burst through,” it said”.(link here) I see more footage of Turkish soldiers and tanks being sent to the Syrian front, as Ankara confirmed that it had asked the US to lend a couple of Patriot batteries to defend its land operation. This is very noteworthy, because these will presumably be used against Russian and Syrian jet fighters.It also begs the question of whether Turkey still intends to activate the S-400s. According to TV news, a Russian delegation is on its way to Turkey, whic...