Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib - UPDATE

The attack came after Russia stated on Thursday that the non-commitment of Turkish regime to its obligations under Sochi agreement is one of main reasons for the deterioration of the situation in Idlib.

Reports from the Arab media, local sources and social media networks say that Russian jets have struck Turkish forces in Idlib region. According to al-Arabiya, at least 10 soldiers of the Turkish army have been killed, while some other sources speak of 37 dead and 20 wounded.

The London based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that at least 34 people have died in the areas of Jabal al-Zawiya, Zakum and Sahl al-Gab.

Local sources speaking to ANF say that 113 soldiers were killed and many others wounded.

According to the Mezopotamya Agency (MA) report citing local sources, the Public Hospital in Reyhalı district of Hatay province bordering Syria has been closed to civilians amid repeated announcements for blood donation. The MA report says that: “Reports are coming through that bodies of 100 soldiers have been brought to the hospital and dozens of others are wounded. Bodies of 32 soldiers and dozens of wounded soldiers have been brought to the new public hospital in Hatay. People have gathered outside hospitals and there is an intense military activity along the border. The border area of Oğulpınar has been declared military restricted zone and reports say that some villages at the border will be evacuated. The intensive care unit of İskenderun Public Hospital has also been closed. Reports say that all the hospitals in Hatay will be closed for the treatment of wounded soldiers.”

Although there are no clarified figures as of now, images and video footage circulated on social media indicate a heavy loss.

An audio record on social media, by a person claiming to be in Reyhanlı public hospital, says; “We have counted 58 coffins of martyrs in the morgue. More martyrs are being transferred to the hospital at the moment.”

Another person says; “We have sent 25-30 martyrs to Hatay public hospital. There are more of them trapped under the wreckage. There are no less wounded as well.”

One other person speaks of numerous cars transporting dead soldiers.

While the Turkish state has not made an official statement yet, the Security Summit has convened in Beştepe, Ankara. According to the Turkish media, the meeting is chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and attended by Minister of Defence Hulusi Akar, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Chief of General Staff Yaşar Güler, commanders-in-chief of armed forces and MIT chef Hakan Fidan.