Syrian and Turkish aircraft shot down over Idlib

IDLIB, Syria – Turkey launched a new military operation in Idlib, targeting several locations in various regions in Syria, and shooting down two Syrian Su-24 military aircraft. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in turn shot down at least one Turkish (the SAA claimed to have shot down three), threatening to shoot down any aircraft operating in Syrian airspace.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Turkish bombardment on the areas of Al-Araymah, Al-Khaldiya, Al-Kowakli, Al-Yalini, and Jeb al-Hamra which are under the control of the Manbij Military Council (MMC) and the SAA in the western countryside of Mabbug (Manbij). According to some sources, the bombing of Al-Araymah targeted the Russian Forces command building and the headquarters of the local Internal Security Forces of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAA). No information has been reported about human casualties.

Explosions were also heard at Hama Military Airport, resulting from the targeting of Syrian air and ground defenses of the 47^th Brigade by Turkish drones. No information has been reported about human casualties.

Turkish drones also targeted Nayrab Military Airport, rendering it inoperable, and the southern and eastern countryside of Idlib.

The two Syrian Su-24s were shot down near Iskenderun Brigade by Turkish air-to-air missiles. Both aircraft fell within the SAA’s area of control in Maarat al-Numan and Jabal al-Zawia countryside. The SAA stated that both pilots had ejected from their stricken aircraft safely.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that during the past four days, Turkish forces destroyed 8 Syrian helicopters, 103 military tanks, 72 howitzers, rocket launchers, a drone, and 6 air defense systems.

The SAA stated that it had shot down three Turkish drones and threatened to shoot down any other aircraft that violates Syrian airspace.