Türkiye and Russia establish demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Photo: Sputnik

Russia and Türkiye have agreed to establish a demilitarized zone 15-20 km deep along the contact line between Syrian forces and armed opposition by October 15. This was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin after talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"During the recent meeting, we discussed in detail the situation in Idlib province and decided to establish a demilitarized zone along the line of contact between armed opposition forces and government forces to a depth of 15-20 km with the withdrawal of extremist militants, including Jabhat al-Nusra," the Russian President said.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that there will be no new military operation in Idlib (Syria). "In the next few hours, we will agree with them on all the points set out in this document," the minister added, referring to the question of whether the Turkish side would agree.