“We are coming to Idlib through war or peaceful means.”
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The Assad regime has defied — at least verbally — the Russia-Turkey demilitarized zone in northwest Syria, proclaiming that it will retake the area whether through military or non-military action.
Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told a pro-regime newspaper, “As we were victorious in every part of Syria we will be victorious in Idlib and the message is very clear to everyone who is concerned by this matter: We are coming to Idlib through war or peaceful means.”
Russia — the essential ally propping up the regime — and Turkey, which is alongside rebels in Idlib and northern Hama Provinces, declared the 15 to 20-km wide and 100-km long zone after a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on September 17. The deal, to go into effect by October 10 according to Putin, suspended a Russian-regime offensive to reoccupy the territory.
Syria Daily, Sept 18: Russia & Turkey Announce Buffer Zone for Opposition-Held Idlib
The Assad regime was not part of the talks, and gave a face-saving assertion of acceptance later. Rebels have also accepted, while the jihadist bloc Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham — which has fought the opposition for control of Idlib — has not stated its official position.
About 3 million people — around 20% of the population still in Syria — are estimated to live in Idlib and northern Hama.
Syria Daily, Sept 23: Idlib Rebels —- We Will Cooperate With Demilitarized Zone
Syria Daily, Sept 22: 10,000s Rally Across Idlib for 4th Friday in Row
Report: Russia Rejects Visit by High-Level Israelis After Downing of Plane
Russian officials reportedly rejected a visit by a high-level Israeli delegation last week, following the downing of a Russian surveilliance plane by Assad regime air defenses during Israel’s strikes on western Syria.
Sources said Israel sought to send a delegation led by National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, accompanied by air force officials. The Government also considered a personal visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
Moscow reportedly said it preferred to leave discussions to military officials.
Analysts suggested the Russian Defense Ministry is trying to split the Netanyahu Government from the Israeli military, suggesting that officials are being misled by an “unprofessional” air force.
The Russian Il-20, carrying 15 personnel, was downed by an Assad regime SS-20 anti-air missile last Monday soon after Israeli F-16s fighters fired on regime targets in Latakia and Tartous Provinces. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the F-16s were using the Il-20 as cover; the Israel Defense Forces said their warplanes had already returned to Israeli airspace.
President Vladimir Putin initially stepped back in a phone call with Netanyahu, citing a chain of “accidental circumstances”. But the Defense Ministry has maintained its criticism.
Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will not halt its airstrikes inside Syria.
