Secret military channels between Turkey and the Syrian regime

ARK News: Despite Ankara's longtime hostility and rivalry to Syrian President Bashar Assad, Turkish officials say their country, through secret channels, is in contact with the Syrian regime to avoid a direct confrontation in northeastern Syria, where both sides deploy their troops, according to Reuters.

Three Turkish officials say that the two sides, which are driven by the diligence and caution, have set up channels of communication, either in the form of direct military and intelligence contacts or indirect messages through Russia to reduce the risk of confrontation.

"We have been in contact with the Syrian regime on military and intelligence issues for some time to avoid any problems on the ground," a Turkish security official told Reuters.

He added that the first contact was about a situation of escalation in northwestern Syria, a situation separate from what is happening in the northeast now, that's when Russian-backed Syrian forces launched an offensive earlier this year in Idlib, where Turkish troops are deployed.

"Communication with the Syrian regime is largely through Russia, but this contact has been direct between Turkey and the regime at times to avoid direct confrontation between Syrian and Turkish soldiers," the official added.

"We will also receive information on Syria's point of view and the steps it will take during the meeting with Putin," a senior Turkish official said.

Source: Sky News

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