Russian defense ministry announces airstrike in Idlib Province; Turkey reports fatalities

Russian forces have carried out an airstrike against fighters opposing Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s Idlib Province, sources within the Defense Ministry told Interfax.

Defense Ministry officials emphasized that the attack was a preemptive strike conducted in anticipation of an offensive from opposition fighters. One tank, six infantry vehicles, and five pickup trucks were reportedly destroyed.

Almost simultaneously with the Russian announcement, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense reported that two of its soldiers had been killed and five others injured during an airstrike in Idlib Province. The Ministry did not specify whether the airstrike in question was carried out by Russian forces.