View source for Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019 – March 2020)

{{short description|Military operation of the Syrian civil war}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Northwestern Syria offensive<br>(December 2019 – March 2020)
| partof            = the [[Syrian Civil War]] and the [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate]]
| image             = [[File:Maarat Al-Numan Offensive (2019).svg|380px]][[File:Map of Idlib Ceasefire (March 2020).png|380px]]
| caption           = '''Top:''' Situation in northwestern Syria as of 8 March 2020. Locations of Turkish, Russian, and Iranian [[Outpost (military)|outposts]] are marked.<br>'''Bottom:''' Situation along the M4 Highway after the 6 March 2020 ceasefire. {{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Syrian Army control}}{{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Syrian Opposition control}}{{leftlegend|#ffa067|Syrian Army & SDF control}}
| date              = 19 December 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/27/more-than-235000-people-have-fled-idlib-region-in-syria-says-un|title=More than 235,000 people have fled Idlib region in Syrmia, says UN|first1=Emma|last1=Graham-Harrison|first2=Hussein|last2=Akoush|date=27 December 2019|website=theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191227-more-than-235-000-displaced-by-latest-assault-on-syria-s-idlib-says-un|title=More than 235,000 displaced by latest assault on Syria's Idlib, says UN|date=27 December 2019|website=France 24}}</ref><ref name="threatened">{{Cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/turkey-syria-russia-idlib-turkish-outposts-came-under-threat.html|title=Turkish troops in Syria threatened at Idlib outposts|first=Metin|last=Gurcan|date=30 December 2019|website=Al-Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51458008|title=Syria war: Government will pay 'heavy price' for attacking Turkish troops|date=11 February 2020|website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200214-turkey-syria-erdogan-ceasefire-idlib-russia-united-nations-un-ankara-jihadist-2018-deal|title=Turkey threatens to hit Syrian 'radicals' who do not abide by ceasefire|date=14 February 2020|website=France 24}}</ref> – 6 March 2020<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|year1=2019|month1=12|day1=19|year2=2020|month2=03|day2=06}})
| place             = Northwestern [[Syria]]
* Western [[Aleppo Governorate]]
* [[Idlib Governorate]]
* Northwestern [[Hama Governorate]]
| result            = Syrian Army and allies victory<ref name="Gumrukcu 2020">{{cite news | last=Gumrukcu | first=Tuvan | title=Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib comes at a cost for Turkey's Erdogan | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-ceasefire-idUSKBN20T2DJ | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
| territory         = * Syrian Army and allies capture 2,345 square kilometers of territory<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/12061/map-latest-military-situation-in-northwest-syria/|title=Map: Latest Military Situation in Northwest Syria – IWN|date=4 March 2020 }}</ref>{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}} and 295 towns, villages and hilltops,<ref name="50days">{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156424/|title=Military escalation in "De-escalation zone" 51 days on: 1,200,000 people displaced…2,640 killed…276 areas fall to regime forces • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> including the strategic cities of [[Ma'arrat al-Nu'man]] and [[Saraqib]],<ref name="The New York Times 2020 ceasefire">{{cite web | title=With Cease-Fire in Place, Syrians Return for Belongings, but Not to Stay | website=The New York Times | date=2020-03-16 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/world/middleeast/syria-ceasefire.html | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> and the towns of [[Jarjnaz|Jarjanaz]], [[Kafr Rumah]], [[Hish, Syria|Hish]], [[Kafr Nabl|Kafranbel]], [[Khan Tuman]], [[Al-Eiss]] and the [[Al-Ghab Plain]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/154849/|title=18 days of military operations in Aleppo and Idlib: 1060 regime soldiers, Turks, rebels and jihadis killed, regime forces control the strategic M5 and capture 162 areas • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=12 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/بغطاء-ناري-مكثف-قوات-النظام-تتقدم-بضوا/363427/|title=بغطاء ناري مكثف.. قوات النظام تتقدم بضواحي مدينة حلب وتسيطر على بلدة وتلة استراتيجية|date=16 February 2020}}</ref>
* Syrian Army and allies gain complete control over the entire [[M5 Motorway (Syria)|M5 highway]]<ref name="The New York Times 2020 M5">{{cite web | title=Turkey-Russia Patrols Start Amid Protests on Syrian Highway | website=The New York Times | date=2020-03-15 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/03/15/world/middleeast/ap-ml-syria.html | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref><ref name="Gurcan M5">{{cite web | last=Gurcan | first=Metin | title=Turkey's geostrategic orientation at crossroads amid Idlib tangle | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/turkey-syria-russia-idlib-deal-nato-orientation-crossroads.html | date=18 March 2020| access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
* Syrian Army and allies encircle 9 out of 29 [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|Turkish observation posts]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=365439|title=بهجوم معاكس.. الفصائل تستعيد السيطرة بلدة "كفرعويد".. وأكثر من 200 ضربة جوية تستهدف منطقة "بوتين-أردوغان" |website=SOHR |date=27 February 2020}}</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155324 Regime forces advance rapidly in west and north-west of Aleppo amid ongoing and intensive aerial bombardment], SOHR</ref>
* Turkish-backed rebels recapture 19 towns and villages, including the northern part of the Al-Ghab Plain<ref name="50days"/>
| combatant1        = '''{{flag|Syria}}'''<br>{{flag|Russia}}<br>{{flag|Iran}}<br>''Allied militias:''<br />{{flagicon image|}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces|PMF]]-affiliated militias<br/>{{flagicon image|Liwa Fatemiyoun infobox flag.png}} [[Liwa Fatemiyoun]]<ref name=irgc>{{Cite news|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/irgc-trained-militias-suffer-losses-in-northwest-syria.php |title=IRGC trained militias suffer losses in northwest Syria |work=Long War Journal |author=Joe Truzman |date=14 February 2020 |access-date=17 February 2020 }}</ref><br/>{{flagicon image|Liwa Zainebiyoun infobox flag.png}} [[Liwa Zainebiyoun]]<ref name=irgc/><br>{{flag|Hezbollah}}<ref name="funeral">{{cite news |url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/55630/funeral-held-for-hezbollah-field-commander-killed-in-idleb.html |title=Funeral Held for Hezbollah Field Commander Killed in Idleb |work=ZAMAN AL WASL, Syrian Observer |date=27 January 2020 |access-date=7 February 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Haboush 2020 Hizbollah">{{cite web | last=Haboush | first=Joseph | title=Three Hizbollah fighters die in Idlib in latest sign of Iran's involvement in Syria | website=The Telegraph | date=2020-02-02 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/02/three-hizbollah-fighters-die-idlib-latest-sign-irans-involvement/ | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref>
| combatant2        = {{flag|Syrian opposition}}
*{{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Syrian_Salvation_Government.svg}} '''[[Syrian Salvation Government]]'''
**[[Al-Fateh al-Mubin]] Operations Room
***[[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]]
***{{flagicon image|WataniaTahrirFlag.png}} [[National Front for Liberation]] (also part of Syrian National Army)
*** [[Jaysh al-Izza]]<ref name="oppositionconfusing">{{Cite web | url=https://www.almodon.com/arabworld/2020/1/25/إدلب-المعارضة-مربكة-وجيش-العزة-يدخل-المعركة | title=Idlib: The opposition is confusing ... and the "Army of Glory" is entering the battle }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Syrian Interim Government]]
**{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Syrian National Army]]<br>
'''{{flag|Turkey}}''' ({{small|from 3 February}})<br>
{{flagicon image|Infobox Ajnad al-Kavkaz flag.png}} [[Ajnad al-Kavkaz]]<ref name=specialised>{{Cite news|url=https://www.janes.com/article/94675/small-russian-factions-continue-to-play-key-specialised-role-in-opposition-offensives-in-syria-s-idlib |title= Small Russian factions continue to play key specialised role in opposition offensives in Syria's Idlib |work=Jane's |author=Joanna Paraszczuk |date=4 March 2020 |access-date=4 May 2020 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|WaHaridFlag.png}} [[Rouse the Believers Operations Room]]<ref name=incite>{{Cite news|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/01/incite-the-believers-continue-to-fight-assad-regime-in-southern-idlib.php |title='Incite the Believers' continues to fight Assad regime in southern Idlib |work=Long War Journal |author1=Caleb Weiss |author2=Joe Truzman |date=27 January 2020 |access-date=6 February 2020 }}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria.svg}} [[Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria|Turkistan Islamic Party]]<ref name=aide/>
| commander1        = {{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/prominent-syrian-army-commander-makes-appearance-in-southeast-idlib-video/ |title=Prominent Syrian Army commander makes appearance in southeast Idlib: video |work=al-Masdar News |date=22 December 2019 |access-date=7 February 2020 |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225142209/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/prominent-syrian-army-commander-makes-appearance-in-southeast-idlib-video/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="thwarts">{{cite news |url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/54875/armed-opposition-thwarts-iranian-attack-east-of-idleb.html |title=Armed Opposition Thwarts Iranian Attack East of Idleb |work=ZAMAN AL WASL, Syrian Observer |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=7 February 2020 }}</ref><br /><small>(25th Special Forces commander)</small><br />{{flagdeco|Syria}} Maj. Gen. [[Maher al-Assad]]<ref name="thwarts"/><br/><small>(4th Division commander)</small><br />{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Burhan Rahmun{{KIA}}<br><small>(commander of 124th Brigade of Republican Guard)</small><ref name=Brig>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/280220202|title=Syrian regime commander reportedly killed in Turkish drone strike in Aleppo|work=Rudaw|date=28 February 2020|access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Ismael Ali{{KIA}}<ref name=3Gen>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/turkish-combat-drones-kill-3-assad-regime-generals-in-idlib/news|title=Turkish combat drones kill 3 Assad regime generals in Idlib|work=Daily Sabah|date=1 March 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Col. Mazar Farwati{{KIA}}<ref name=3Gen/><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Col. Basil Ali Khaddour{{KIA}}<br><small>(commander of 6th regiment of 25th Special Forces)</small><ref name="Enab Baladi 2019 colonel killed"/><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Juma al Ahmad{{KIA}}<ref name=heavy>{{Cite news|url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/hezbollah-and-i.php |title=Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias suffer heavy losses fighting in Syria |work=Long War Journal |author=Joe Truzman |date=5 February 2020 |access-date=9 February 2020 }}</ref><br /><small>(Baqir Brigade commander)</small><br/>{{flagdeco|Iran}} Asghar Pashapour{{KIA}}<ref name=aide>{{Cite news|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200204-soleimani-aide-killed-in-syria/ |title= Soleimani aide killed in Syria  |work=Middle East Monitor |date=4 February 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020 }}</ref><br/><small>(IRGC senior commander; Iranian-backed militias overseer)</small><br/>{{flagicon|Hezbollah}} Jaafar al Sadiq{{KIA}}<ref name="funeral"/><ref name=heavy/><br/><small>(Hezbollah commander)</small><br />
| commander2        = {{flagicon image|}} [[Abu Mohammad al-Julani]]<ref name=heavy/><br/><small>(Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader)</small><br>{{flagicon image|}} Abu Ubeidah al-Kansafra{{KIA}}<br /><small>(Hayat Tahrir al-Sham commander)</small><ref>[https://english.iswnews.com/11874/a-prominent-tahrir-al-sham-commander-killed-in-southern-idlib/ A prominent Tahrir al-Sham commander killed in southern Idlib], Islamic World News</ref>{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}}<br />{{flagicon image|AnsaralTawhidFlag.png}} Obada Abu Jafar{{KIA}}<br /><small>(Ansar al-Tawhid commander)</small><br />
{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Maj. Gen. [[Salim Idris]]<ref name = idlibpost>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IdlibEn/status/1232629320323149825|title=Pictures of the visit of the President of the Syrian National Coalition "Anas al-Abda" the head of the Syrian Interim Government "Abdul Rahman Mustafa" and the Minister of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government "Salim Idris" to the fronts of Idlib Governorate.|author=Idlib Post}}</ref><br /><small>([[Syrian Interim Government]] Defense Minister; Syrian National Army Chief of Staff)</small> <br />{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Brig. Gen. Adnan al-Ahmad<ref name = idlibpost /><br /><small>(Syrian National Army Deputy Chief of Staff)</small><br/>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Thaer Maarouf<ref name=operating/><br/><small>(First Legion leader)</small><br/>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Gen. Ahmad Rahhal<br/><small>(SAA defector)</small><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security/turkey-russia-face-off-in-syria-as-fighting-escalates-plane-shot-down-idUSKBN20Q1J1|title=Turkey, Russia face off in Syria as fighting escalates, plane shot down|date=3 March 2020|work=Reuters}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Captain Mustafa Kuja<ref name=operating/><br/><small>(Northern Command commander)</small><br>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}}{{flagicon image|Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg}} Ali Jaber Pasha <small>(Leader of Ahrar al-Sham)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/erdogan-bluster-war-russia-backed-syrian-forces.html|title=Turkish losses rise in dangerous escalation over Syria's Idlib|website=Al-Monitor|date=27 February 2020}}</ref><br />{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} Col. Mustafa Bakour <small>(Leader of Jaysh al-Izza)</small><ref name="aformerleader">{{Cite web|url = https://www.enabbaladi.net/archives/322878 | title=A former leader in the opposition warns of a second phase of the Idlib battles | date=23 August 2019 }}</ref><ref name="thesecondbattle">{{Cite web|url = https://www.almodon.com/arabworld/2020/2/26/معركة-إدلب-الثانية-مناورة-من-النظام-لتطبيق-سوتشي | title=The second battle of Idlib ... a maneuver by the regime to implement "Sochi"? }}</ref><br>
{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Hulusi Akar]]<ref name=Tastekin>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-is-ankara-changing-strategy-in-dlib-hts.html |title=Is Turkey planning to curb radicals in Idlib under strategy shift? |author=Fehim Tastekin |work=Monitor |date=16 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref><br /><small>(Turkish Minister of Defense)</small><br/>{{flagicon|Turkey}} Lt. Gen Sinan Yayla<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.independentturkish.com/node/140201/haber/bahar-kalkan%C4%B1-harekat%C4%B1n%C4%B1-korgeneral-sinan-yayla-y%C3%BCr%C3%BCtecek |title = Bahar Kalkanı Harekatı'nı Korgeneral Sinan Yayla yürütecek|date = 2 March 2020}}</ref><br /><small>([[Second Army (Turkey)|2nd Army commander]])</small>
| units1            = {{flag|Syria}}
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Army]]
**[[4th Armoured Division (Syria)|4th Armoured Division]]<ref name=nightmare/><ref name="thwarts"/>
**{{flagicon image|Syrian commando.png}} [[25th Special Mission Forces Division]]<ref name="unit1"/>
**{{flagicon image|Syrian Republican Guard SSI.svg}} [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]<ref name=nightmare>{{Cite news|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2020/01/aleppo-is-living-nightmare-of-future-battle/ |title=Aleppo is living nightmare of future battle |work=Enab Baladi |author=Mais Hamad |date=29 January 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020 }}</ref>
***[[30th Division (Syria)|30th Division]]
** [[5th Assault Corps (Syria)|5th Corps]]<ref name="unit1">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|title=Syrian Army's death toll after two-days of battle in southeast Idlib rises to 40|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223105540/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Local Defence Forces<ref name=heavy/>
**[[Baqir Brigade]]<ref name=nightmare/>
**Qamr Bani Hashim Division<ref name="qamr-bani">{{cite news |url=https://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/03/the-qamr-bani-hashim-division |title=The Qamr Bani Hashim Division |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |work= |date=18 March 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021 }}</ref>
***313 Force<ref name="qamr-bani"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/02/the-life-of-farid-khattab-of-the-313-force|title=The Life of Farid Khattab of the 313 Force|first=Aymenn Jawad|last=Al-Tamimi|website=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi|date=February 2020 }}</ref>
**Special Assignments Battalion<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/02/the-special-assignments-battalion-local-defence |title=The Special Assignments Battalion: Local Defence Forces Unit |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |date=9 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces]]<ref name=NDF-involved/>
*Palestinian Syrian militias
**{{flagicon image|Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg}} [[Liwa al-Quds]]<ref name=nightmare/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.muraselon.com/2019/12/map-militant-forces-in-idlib-buckle-under-huge-syrian-army-assault/|title=Map: Militant forces in Idlib buckle under huge Syrian Army assault &#124;|date=20 December 2019}}</ref>{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}}
**[[Free Palestine Movement|FPM]]<ref name=Palestinian>{{Cite news|url=http://www.actionpal.org.uk/en/post/9544/action-group-for-palestinians-of-syria/palestinian-group-engaged-in-pro-govt-battles-in-syria-s-idlib-province |title= Palestinian Group Engaged in Pro-Govt Battles in Syria's Idlib Province |work=Action Group for Palestinians of Syria |date=30 December 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020 }}</ref>
**{{Armed forces|Palestinian Islamic Jihad}}<ref name=Palestinian/>
*[[Military Intelligence Directorate (Syria)|Military Intelligence Directorate]]
**[[Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes]]{{efn|As can be seen in a photo collection of [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/hezbollah-and-i.php this article] by the ''[[Long War Journal]]'', one of pro-government fighters killed during this offensive belonged to the ''Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes''. The militia's emblem can be seen on his photo. }}
{{flag|Russia}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Air Force.svg}} [[Russian Air Force|Air Force]]
* [[File:Flag of the Russian Federal Security Service.svg|23px]] [[Federal Security Service]]
** Spetsgruppa "K" advisors<ref name="FSB">[https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/02/03/four-fsb-special-forces-officers-reportedly-killed-in-syria Four FSB special forces officers reportedly killed in Syria], Meduza</ref>
*[[File:Great emblem of Military Police of Russia.svg|23px]] [[Military Police (Russia)|Military Police]]
{{flag|Iran}}
* [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|IRGC]]<ref name=nightmare/>
** [[Quds Force]]<ref name=aide/>
* Iranian-affiliated militias<ref name=aide/>
{{flag|Hezbollah}}
*[[Hezbollah armed strength|Lebanese Hezbollah]]<ref name="funeral"/><ref name=heavy/>
*[[Syrian Hezbollah]]<ref name=irgc/>
| units2            = {{flagicon image|}} [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]]
*Aleppo City Battalion<ref name=nightmare/>
*Red Bands<ref name=heavy/>
*Tawhid and Jihad Brigade<ref name=who>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-45401474 |title=Syria: Who's in control of Idlib? |author=Zulfiqar Ali |work=BBC |date=18 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
*Popular Resistance Units<ref name=malhama>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/02/malhama-tactical-interview |title=Malhama Tactical: Interview |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|ImamBukhariJamaatflag.png}} [[Imam Bukhari Jamaat]]<ref name=who/>
{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Syrian National Army]]
*{{flagicon image|WataniaTahrirFlag.png}} [[National Front for Liberation]]<ref name=prevent>{{cite web|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/12/hts-denies-claims-it-is-preventing-military-reinforcement-from-reaching-idlib/|title=HTS denies claims it is preventing military reinforcement from reaching Idlib|date=25 December 2019|website=Enab Baladi}}</ref>
**[[Jaysh al-Ahrar]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/battle-idlib-frontline-fighters-resisting-assads-assault |title=Battle for Idlib: On the frontline with the fighters resisting Assad's assault |author=Bilal Abdul Kareem |work=Middle East Eye |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
*1st Legion
**[[Ahrar al-Sharqiya]]<ref name=prevent/>
**9th Division<ref name=operating>{{cite web |url=https://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/18483 |title="Syrian National Army" establishes 2 operating rooms to reinforce Idlib and Aleppo fronts to repel the Russian aggression (photos and videos) |work=Nedaa Syria |date=31 January 2020 |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217114005/https://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/18483 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**Samarkand Brigade<ref name=operating/>
**Northern Brigade<ref name=operating/>
*2nd Legion
**{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Sultan Murad Brigade.png}} [[Sultan Murad Division]]<ref name=monitor>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-idlib-moscow-support-surprised-ankara.html |title=Turkey tests limits of Moscow-Damascus alliance
|work=Al-Monitor |date=21 February 2020 |access-date=29 February 2020 }}</ref>
**{{Flagicon image|Logo of the Hamza Division.jpg}} [[Hamza Division (Aleppo)|Hamza Division]]<ref name=monitor/>
*3rd Legion
** {{flagicon image|Flag of Ahrar ash-Sham.svg}} [[Ahrar al-Sham]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/erdogan-bluster-war-russia-backed-syrian-forces.html |title=Turkish losses rise in dangerous escalation over Syria's Idlib|work=Al-Monitor |date=27 February 2020 |access-date=29 February 2020 }}</ref>
**[[Glory Corps]]<ref name=operating/>
**[[Levant Front]]<ref name=prevent/>
*Northern Command<ref name=operating/>
*[[Lions of the East Army]]<ref name=prevent/>
*[[Northern Division (Syrian rebel group)|Northern Division]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pro-assad-forces-take-control-kafranbel-syrias-revolutionary-stronghold |title=Rebels vow to retake Kafranbel, Syria's revolutionary stronghold |author=Harun al-Aswad |work=Middle East Eye |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
{{flagdeco|Turkey}} [[Turkish Armed Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Air Force Command.svg}} [[Turkish Air Force]]
{{flagicon image|WaHaridFlag.png}} [[Rouse the Believers Operations Room]]
*{{flagicon image|Guardians Of Religion INFOBOX flag.png}} [[Guardians of Religion Organization]]<ref name=incite/>
*{{flagicon image|AnsaralTawhidFlag.png}} [[Ansar al-Tawhid (Syria)|Ansar al-Tawhid]]<ref name=incite/><ref name=Tastekin/>
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar al-Islam.svg}} [[Ansar al-Islam in Kurdistan|Ansar al-Islam]]<ref name=incite/>
[[Malhama Tactical]]<ref name=malhama/><ref name=specialised/><br/>
| strength1         = Unknown
| strength2         = {{flagicon image|}} 12,000–20,000<ref name=who/><br/>{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} 22,000–50,000 (total, not all involved)<ref name=who/><br/>{{flagdeco|Turkey}} 8,350<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156468/|title=150 Turkish military vehicles enter Syria as calm prevails the "de-escalation" zone • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=6 March 2020}}</ref>–20,000<ref name="reuters.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-ceasefire-idUSKBN20T2DJ|title=Ceasefire in Syria's Idlib comes at a cost for Turkey's Erdogan|first=Tuvan|last=Gumrukcu|newspaper=Reuters|date=6 March 2020|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><br>{{flagicon image|WaHaridFlag.png}} 3,500–5,000<ref name=who/><br/>
| casualties1       = {{flagicon|Syria}} 1,449 killed<ref name="casu1">383 soldiers and 357 rebels killed (19 Dec.-23 Jan.),[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=150897][http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153633] 1,129 rebels and 1,098 soldiers killed (15 Jan.-5 March),[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156424] 9 rebels and 6 soldiers killed (6 March),[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156458] 1 rebel killed (10 March) [http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156768] total of 1,496 rebels and 1,487 pro-government soldiers reported killed. 38 of the soldiers were non-Syrian.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155738][http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156424]</ref><br>2 [[SyAAF]] [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17s]] shot down<ref name="mi1" /><ref name="mi2" /><ref name="Karnozov 2020">{{cite web | last=Karnozov | first=Vladimir | title=Fighter-bombers and Anka UAVs Downed as Turkey and Syria Exchange Blows | website=Aviation International News | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-03-02/fighter-bombers-and-anka-uavs-downed-turkey-and-syria-exchange-blows | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref><br/>2 [[SyAAF]] [[Sukhoi Su-24|SU-24s]] shot down<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/syria-closes-airspace-idlib-plane-shot-200301094353040.html|title=Turkey shoots down two Syrian government warplanes over Idlib|website=Al Jazeera|date=2020-03-01}}</ref><br/>1 [[SyAAF]] [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39]] shot down<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-warplane-idUSKBN20Q12V|title=Turkey says Syrian government warplane shot down|newspaper=Reuters|date=3 March 2020|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon image|Liwa Fatemiyoun infobox flag.png}}{{flagicon image|Liwa Zainebiyoun infobox flag.png}} 21 killed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-buries-21-afghan-pakistani-proxy-fighters-killed-in-syria/30462791.html|title=Iran Buries 21 Afghan, Pakistani Proxy Fighters Killed In Syria|website=RFE/RL|date=March 2020 }}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|Hezbollah}} 15 killed<ref name=heavy/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156166/|title=Turkish drones kill 19 regime soldiers, the death toll of regime forces and loyalists rises to 93 in less than 72 hours • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=1 March 2020}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|Russia}} 8 killed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153207|title=72 hours of violent escalation: four Russian soldiers and 125 regime soldiers, fighters and jihadies killed in military operations in Idlib and Aleppo, while nearly 1,800 strikes kill and injure over 140 civilians|website=SOHR|date=2020-01-18}}</ref><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-kill-4-russian-soldiers-in-western-aleppo/ Jihadists kill 4 Russian soldiers in western Aleppo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311103159/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-kill-4-russian-soldiers-in-western-aleppo/ |date=11 March 2020 }}, Al-Masdar<br>[https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/02/03/four-fsb-special-forces-officers-reportedly-killed-in-syria Four FSB special forces officers reportedly killed in Syria], Meduza</ref><br>{{flagicon|Iran}} 5 killed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/quds-force-special-operation-commander-killed-in-aleppo/|title=Quds Force special operation commander killed in Aleppo|website=Al-Masdar News|date=February 3, 2020|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226130539/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/quds-force-special-operation-commander-killed-in-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156322/|title=Turkish drones and artillery resume targeting regime's military vehicles and positions in Idlib countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=3 March 2020}}</ref>
| casualties2       = {{flagicon image|}}{{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} 1,496 killed<ref name="casu1"/><br>{{flagicon|Turkey}} 59–73 killed <small>(58–72 soldiers, 1 contractor)</small><ref>The Turkish president confirmed 59 were killed,[https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/erdogan-idlibde-59-sehit-verdik-5667724/] including 1 civilian contractor,[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-to-keep-military-observation-posts-in-idlib-syria/1724137] bringing the total to 58 soldiers killed. Separately, the SOHR reported 73 killed,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156424][http://www.syriahr.com/?p=367235] including 1 civilian contractor,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154347] bringing the total to 72 soldiers killed.</ref><ref group=note>Turkish losses presented do not include early claims of 50–100 dead in the February 2020 [[2020 Balyun airstrikes|Balyun airstrikes]].[https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/idlib-tuerkische-soldaten-sterben-durch-luftangriffe-in-syrien-a-f42bf8b4-e061-4a7c-a697-7fc97fe37c3a][https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-deciphering-attack-on-turkish-troops.html][https://web.archive.org/web/20200229213920/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kz][https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad?] Instead, they include 34 soldiers killed in the airstrike confirmed by Turkey.[https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/erdogan-idlibde-59-sehit-verdik-5667724/]</ref><br>5–12 [[Turkish Armed Forces|TAF]] [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|combat drones]] shot down<ref>1 [[TAI Anka#ANKA-S|TAI Anka-S]] (26 February) [https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311103302/https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html |date=11 March 2020 }}[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-shoots-down-large-turkish-military-drone-in-idlib/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311103231/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-shoots-down-large-turkish-military-drone-in-idlib/ |date=11 March 2020 }}<br> 1 [[Bayraktar TB2]] (February 2020) [https://defence-point.com/2020/03/19/wreckage-of-turkish-combat-drone-uncovered-in-southeast-idlib-pics/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302060024/https://defence-point.com/2020/03/19/wreckage-of-turkish-combat-drone-uncovered-in-southeast-idlib-pics/ |date=2 March 2022 }}[https://t.me/anna_news/4437]<br>1 TAI Anka-S (1 March)[https://theaviationist.com/2020/03/01/two-syrian-su-24-fencer-jets-and-a-turkish-drone-shot-down-over-idlib-region-syria/][https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/assad-regime-aircraft-downed-in-nw-idlib/news]<br>1 Bayraktar TB2 (3 March)[https://en.muraselon.com/2020/03/pics-syrian-army-shoots-down-turkish-bayraktar-drone-near-idlib/][https://www.mediaapakabar.com/2020/03/jadi-bintang-di-pertempuran-idlib.html]<br> 1 Bayraktar TB2 (4 March) [https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=187369] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526021657/https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=187369 |date=26 May 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Ripley Weekly 2020">{{cite web | last1=Ripley | first1=Tim | last2=Weekly | first2=London – Jane's Defence | title=Turkish UAVs played leading role in Idlib battle | website=Jane's 360 | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.janes.com/article/94745/turkish-uavs-played-leading-role-in-idlib-battle | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref>
| casualties3       = 370+ civilians killed <small>(per UN; by February)</small><ref name="Deeb 2020">{{cite web | last=Deeb | first=Sarah El | title=Syrian refugees run out of room in final opposition enclave | website=SFChronicle.com | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/world/article/Syrian-refugees-run-out-of-room-in-final-15057450.php | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><br>470+ civilians killed <small>(per SOHR)</small><ref name="France 24 2020 pilot">{{cite web | title=Syrian pilot killed as Turkey downs warplane: monitor | website=France 24 | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200303-syrian-pilot-killed-as-turkey-downs-warplane-monitor | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><br>980,000+ civilians displaced from Idlib and Aleppo<ref name="Gumrukcu 2020 overwhelmed"/><ref name="The Refugee Brief 2020"/>
| notes             =
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
}}
{{Campaignbox Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War}}
The '''2019–2020 northwestern Syria offensive''', codenamed "'''Dawn of Idlib 2''',"<ref name="threatened"/> was a military operation launched by the [[Syrian Armed Forces|armed forces]] of the [[Syrian Arab Republic]], [[Russia]], [[Iran]], [[Hezbollah]] and other allied militias against [[Syrian opposition]] and allied fighters of the [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Syrian National Army]], [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]], [[Rouse the Believers Operations Room]], the [[Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria|Turkistan Islamic Party]], and other rebels. After 9 days of bloody clashes, Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham  control about 80% of the area of what is left for the opposition factions within Syrian territory forces in [[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]] and surrounding [[governorates of Syria|governorates]] during the [[Syrian civil war]]. The offensive began on 19 December 2019 and saw Russian-backed pro-[[government of Syria|Syrian government]] forces clash with [[Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army|Turkish-backed]] opposition groups along with leaving 980,000 civilians [[Internally displaced persons in Syria|displaced]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2124516/nearly-700000-displaced-nw-syria-regime-fire-spikes|title=Nearly 700,000 Displaced in NW Syria as Regime Fire Spikes|website=Asharq AL-awsat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/russian-syrian-regime-forces-step-attacks-rebel-stronghold-idlib|title=Russian, Syrian Regime Forces Step Up Attacks on Rebel Stronghold Idlib|website=Voice of America|date=8 December 2019 }}</ref>
By February 2020, pro-government forces had encircled several [[Turkish occupation of northern Syria|Turkish]] [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|observation posts]] that had been established throughout Idlib governorate.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 encircles">{{cite web | title=Turkey bolsters Idlib outposts as Syrian gov't forces make gains | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-07 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/turkey-bolsters-idlib-outposts-syrian-gov-forces-gains-200207105046246.html | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 2020 encircles">{{cite web | title=Syrian Attacks Draw Turkey Deeper Into Syrian War | website=The New York Times | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/12/world/middleeast/syria-turkey-russia-war.html | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> On 27 February, after intermittent deadly clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces, Turkey formally intervened in the offensive and announced the beginning of [[Operation Spring Shield]] with the aim of pushing Syrian government forces back to pre-offensive frontlines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/serkan-demirtas/turkey-launches-operation-spring-shield-152580|title=Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=2 March 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref>
On 5 March 2020, a meeting took place between [[Turkish President]] [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] and [[Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in which they agreed on a [[ceasefire]] beginning on 6 March that established a six-kilometer [[Safe Zone (Syria)|secure corridor]] along the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4 Highway]]. The ceasefire also called for joint Turkish–Russian patrols along the highway beginning on 15 March.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news| last=Soldatkin | first=Vladimir | title=Russia, Turkey agree ceasefire deal for Syria's Idlib | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idUSKBN20S161 | access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref>
==Background==
{{Main|Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)|Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)}}
Following Syrian government victories in 2018 during the [[siege of Eastern Ghouta]], the [[Southern Damascus offensive (April–May 2018)|Southern Damascus offensive]], and the completion of [[Eastern Qalamoun offensive (April 2018)|rebel evacuations from eastern Qalamoun]]—which partially concluded the government's [[Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign]]—parts of northwestern Syria in the [[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]] and [[Aleppo Governorate]]s became the only significant opposition-controlled territory. Fighters of the [[Syrian National Army]] loyal to the [[Syrian Interim Government]] (concentrated in Aleppo) and some 20,000 fighters aligned with the internationally-proscribed terrorist organization [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]] (HTS) and loyal to the [[Syrian Salvation Government]] (concentrated in Idlib) held out against [[Bashar al-Assad]]'s government and its allies, with a civilian population of three million living in the area.<ref name="Financial Times 2020 Idlib">{{cite web | website=Financial Times | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/73666354-5320-11ea-8841-482eed0038b1 | title=A shameful response to the tragedy in Idlib|access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043844/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 March 2019|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|date=31 August 2018|via=uk.reuters.com|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>
According to a [[Reuters]] analysis, the [[National Front for Liberation–Tahrir al-Sham conflict|January 2019 takeover of Idlib]] by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ended any realistic prospect of fulfilling the requirements of the [[Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)|2018 Turko-Russian Agreement]], which called for the disarming of the jihadist faction and reopening of the strategic [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4]] and [[M5 Motorway (Syria)|M5]] highways.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043844/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 March 2019|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 August 2018|via=uk.reuters.com}}</ref> The offensive that began in December 2019 was aimed at reopening the highways to civilian traffic, as well as the final elimination of rebel control over the territory.<ref name="Financial Times 2020 Idlib"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/full-text-turkey-russia-agreement-northeast-syria-191022180033274.html|title=Full text of Turkey, Russia agreement on northeast Syria|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref>
==Prelude==
On 20 November 2019, [[Qah]] was [[Qah missile strike|struck]] by a [[ground-to-ground missile]] from the [[Syrian government]] with [[Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War|Russian]] and [[Iranian military|Iranian support]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/syria-idlib-idp-camp-hit-deadly-missile-attack-191121065039126.html |title=Syria: Idlib IDP camp hit by deadly missile attack |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |newspaper=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network]]}}</ref> It killed at least 16 people.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/syrian-regime-targets-hospital-and-refugee-camp-killing-at-least-22 |title=Syrian regime targets hospital and refugee camp, killing at least 22 |first=Bethan |last=McKernan |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian News & Media Limited]]}}</ref> The United States strongly condemned the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.state.gov/attack-on-al-qah-idp-camp-in-northern-syria/ |title=Attack on al-Qah IDP Camp in Northern Syria |first=Morgan |last=Ortagus |author-link=Morgan Ortagus |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |work=[[U.S. Department of State]] |publisher=[[United States Government]]}}</ref>
On 24 November 2019, pro-Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, entered the villages of [[Umm Elkhalayel]], [[Zarzur]], al-Sayeer and [[Msheirfeh, Idlib|Msheirfeh]], causing dozens of casualties on both sides.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/c6155df260cc452781b2823e59977bad|title=Syrian troops capture village from insurgents in Idlib|date=24 November 2019|website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref name="Asharq AL-awsat 2019">{{cite web | title=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2019-11-25 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2007431/monitor-syrian-regime-captures-strategic-town-idlib | access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref> The next day, a second advance was attempted by government forces targeting the village of al-Farjah, which Syrian state media reported as being under the control of [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]] (HTS).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alo.rs/vesti/svet/teroristi-se-razbezali-raspao-se-front-asadove-snage-nezaustavljivo-jure-na-marat-al-numan-mapa/268138/vest|title=Teroristi se razbežali, raspao se front, Asadove snage nezaustavljivo jure na Marat al Numan! (MAPA)|website=[[Alo!]]}}</ref>{{better source needed|tabloid|date=February 2020}}
On 26 November, opposition media reported that the rebel [[Al-Fatah al-Mubin]] Operations Room repelled another attempted government advance on the Sahel village in Idlib's southeastern countryside.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/breakingnews/details/35662/بلدي_فصائل_الفتح_المبين_تصد_محاولة_تقدم_لقوات_النظام_على_قرية_سحال_بريف_إدلب_الشرقيسوريا|title=شبكة بلدي الإعلامية &#124;|website=baladi-news.com}}{{Dead link|date=February 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
On 28 November, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced repelling a joint [[Iranian involvement in the Syrian Civil War|Iranian]] militia-Syrian advance on [[Kabani, Syria|Kabani]] in northeastern [[Latakia Governorate]], with pro-government forces withdrawing after hours of clashes. Russian warplanes were also reportedly seen during the assault, according to opposition sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eldorar.com/node/144454|title="تحرير الشام" تحبط هجومين لقوات الأسد وميليشيات إيران على محور الكبينة باللاذقية خلال 24 ساعة|first=محرر الدرر|last=الشامية|date=29 November 2019|website=الدرر الشامية}}</ref>
On 30 November, HTS and other rebel groups reportedly captured several villages near the [[Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase]], according to pro-government sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-score-big-advance-in-southeast-idlib-after-launching-new-offensive/|title=Jihadist rebels score big advance in southeast Idlib after launching new offensive|first=News|last=Desk|date=30 November 2019|website=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=1 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227191044/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-score-big-advance-in-southeast-idlib-after-launching-new-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 1 December, according to government sources,{{which|date=March 2020}} HTS, the Turkish-backed [[National Front for Liberation]] (NFL), [[Ajnad al-Kavkaz]], and Ansar al-Tawhid attacked government-controlled villages, with fierce clashes occurring in the towns of Establat and Rassem Wared in which two tanks and five transport vehicles were reportedly destroyed; during the rebel advance, the Syrian military said it destroyed two [[SVBIED]]s (suicide car bombs) near the town of [[Kafriya]]. The joint rebel offensive was ultimately repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=49511&SEO=syrian-army-rejects-terrorist-offensive-southeast-of-idleb|title=Syrian army rejects terrorist offensive southeast of Idleb|website=[[Prensa Latina]], Cuba}}</ref>
On 4 December, clashes occurred<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=149566|title=As clashes continue in Idlib fronts .. 5 members of the regime forces killed including an officer • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=4 December 2019}}</ref> as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) seized a military base east of Umm al-Tinah village.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2019/4-december-saa-control-military-base-east-of-umm-altinah|title=SAA control military base east of Umm Al-Tinah Idlib Governorate|website=Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news and incidents today - syria.liveuamap.com}}</ref>{{better source needed|source is a now-deleted tweet, need RS|date=March 2020}}
On 9 December, pro-government sources reported that the military bombarded rebel-held areas in the southern Idlib countryside, as well as portions of the western Aleppo countryside and parts of Aleppo city's outskirts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-heavy-attack-across-southern-idlib/|title=Syrian Army launches heavy attack across southern Idlib|first=News|last=Desk|date=9 December 2019|publisher=al-Masdar|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211155201/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-heavy-attack-across-southern-idlib/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==The offensive==
Pro-government airstrikes in the region began to intensify on 15 December 2019.<ref name="CoI">[https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/A_HRC_43_57_AEV.pdf Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic], 28 January 2020</ref> Meanwhile, on 17 December, Russian intelligence reported that 300 fighters from the Turkish-backed [[Syrian National Army]] (SNA) arrived in Idlib from [[Afrin, Syria|Afrin]] in preparation for renewed fighting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-forces-launched-large-attack-against-syrian-army-troops-russian-military/|title=Jihadist forces launched large attack against Syrian Army troops: Russian military|work=Al-Masdar News|date=18 December 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417023954/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-forces-launched-large-attack-against-syrian-army-troops-russian-military/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Following the air bombing campaign and after the [[Syrian peace process#Nur-Sultan meeting, December 2019|14th round of negotiations]] in [[Nur-Sultan]], [[Kazakhstan]] ended a few days prior without any definitive ceasefire agreement, ground fighting resumed on 18 December, reportedly due to the opposition's refusal to accept new Russian terms regarding control of Idlib.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/18/russia-bombing-idlib-is-response-to-opposition-rejecting-land-grab|work=[[The New Arab]]|date=18 December 2019|title=Deadly Russian bombardment of Idlib is response to 'opposition rejection of land-grab proposal'}}</ref> As many as 200 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and [[Guardians of Religion Organization]] fighters jointly attacked Syrian government forces in the Umm al Khalakhil and [[Zarzur]] fronts. The Syrian military said they had repelled all attacks and that 12 pro-government fighters were injured and hospitalized.
===Opening advances===
On 19 December, pro-government media reported that the Syrian government had initiated the "second phase" of [[Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)|Operation Dawn of Idlib]], the prior government offensive in summer 2019, with pro-government forces led by the [[25th Special Mission Forces Division]] (formerly known as the Tiger Forces) attacking several villages in southeastern Idlib Governorate, particularly along the [[Umm Jalal]] axis. A Syrian military source said the objective of the operation was to capture territory south of [[Ma'arrat al-Nu'man]], a key rebel stronghold on the M5 highway.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2019 mass exodus">{{cite web | title=As Syria's army advances into Idlib, a mass exodus is underway | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2019-12-26 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-26/as-syrias-army-advances-into-idlib-a-mass-exodus-is-underway | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref><ref name="2ndphase">{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-of-idlib-offensive/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 December 2019|title=Breaking: Syrian Army kicks off 2nd phase of Idlib offensive|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209142837/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-of-idlib-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref> There were Russian airstrikes on [[Tal Mardikh]] in the eastern Idlib countryside and the village of Marshamarin in southern Idlib, and government helicopter [[barrel bomb]] attacks on [[Jarjnaz]] and al-Ghadfah, as well as bombing of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.<ref name="The New Arab & 2019 continue to hit">{{cite web | author=The New Arab & | title=Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes continue to hit Idlib | website=alaraby | date=2019-12-19 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/19/russian-and-syrian-regime-airstrikes-continue-to-hit-idlib | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref> 80 people were reported killed on both sides on 20–21 December, including in heavy air strikes on Ma'arrat al-Nu'man and [[Saraqib]].<ref name="News24 2019 flee renewed">{{cite web | title=Tens of thousands of civilians flee renewed Syria violence | website=News24 | date=2019-12-21 | url=https://www.news24.com/World/News/tens-of-thousands-of-civilians-flee-renewed-syria-violence-20191221 | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref> Russia reported that 17 Syrian soldiers were killed.<ref name="Enab Baladi 2019 colonel killed">{{cite web | title=24 members of Syrian government forces including colonel were killed in Idlib – Enab Baladi | website=Enab Baladi | date=2019-12-29 | url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/12/24-members-of-syrian-government-forces-including-colonel-were-killed-in-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref>
On 21 December, according to pro-government sources, several pro-government fighters were killed in an ambush by the [[National Front for Liberation]] (NFL) in [[Latakia Governorate|Latakia]], with several light weapons also captured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-turkish-backed-militants-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Several Syrian soldiers killed in ambush by Turkish-backed militants in northeast Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224142051/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-turkish-backed-militants-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, HTS claimed a suicide attack in the village of al-Furqa, southeast of Idlib, which reportedly killed 30 Syrian troops.<ref name="Enab Baladi 2019 colonel killed"/>
By 22 December, government forces spearheaded by the [[Syrian Army#5th Corps (Division)|5th Corps]] and the 25th Special Mission Forces Division had made notable advances in the southeastern Idlib countryside, battling rebel units in the area and reportedly capturing over 15 towns and villages within a 48-hour period. According to front line reports, the SAA death toll had risen to 40, with over 50 wounded. An SAA source said the rebels had suffered 70–80 dead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|title=Syrian Army's death toll after two-days of battle in southeast Idlib rises to 40|work=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223105540/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|url-status=dead}}</ref> During its advance, the Syrian army began encircling the [[Turkish military operation in Idlib Governorate|Turkish observation point]] near [[Sarman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151172|title=After besieging the Turkish point in Morek months ago, the regime forces almost besiege the Turkish point in "al-Sarman" and control areas in the Maarrat al-Nu'man countryside|work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=22 December 2019}}</ref> Government sources reported the death of Colonel Basil Ali Khaddour, the commander of the sixth regiment of the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, while opposition media reported several of the Division's members killed.<ref name="Enab Baladi 2019 colonel killed"/>
On 23 December, the Syrian army advanced further, completely surrounding the Turkish observation point near Sarman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20191223-syria-regime-forces-surround-turkish-army-post-idlib|title=Syria regime forces surround Turkish army post in Idlib |work=France 24|date=23 December 2019}}</ref> and capturing Jarjnaz, considered the largest town in the eastern countryside of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151286|title=Regime forces go deep in Jarjanaz town's neighborhoods and get closer to Maarrat al-Nu'man city, less than 9 km away of it |work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=23 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUKKBN1YS184|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224195117/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUKKBN1YS184|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2019|title=Russian-backed Syrian forces close in on major city in rebel-held Idlib |work=Reuters|date=24 December 2019}}</ref>
On 24 December, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition elements launched a morning counterattack to retake Jarjnaz, recapturing the villages of [[Tell Mannas]], al-Barsah, Farwan, and al-Ghadfah in the process, according to SOHR; an [[SVBIED]] was deployed and attacked pro-government forces in Jarjnaz.<ref name="24dec">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151322|title=Opposition factions and jihadis continue counterattack in Maarrat Al-Nu'man countryside recovering more areas hours after regime had advanced into them|website=SOHR|date=24 December 2019}}</ref> By 24 December, 30,000 people had fled from the areas around Ma'arrat al-Nu'man while airstrikes on the M5 highway reportedly targeted civilians fleeing north from the front lines.<ref name="McKernan Akoush 2019 thousands flee">{{cite web | last1=McKernan | first1=Bethan | last2=Akoush | first2=Hussein | title=Thousands flee north-west Syria amid fierce assault by Assad | website=the Guardian | date=2019-12-24 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/24/thousands-flee-north-west-syria-amid-airstrikes | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref> Pro-government media reported that HTS withdrew from its defensive positions in and around Ma’arat Al-Nu’man as well as other defensive positions in the southern Idlib countryside, handing control over to Ansar al-Tawhid, part of the [[Rouse the Believers Operations Room]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/al-qaeda-linked-jihadist-group-enters-battle-in-southeast-idlib/|title=Al-Qaeda linked jihadist group enters battle in southeast Idlib|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 December 2019|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210203558/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/al-qaeda-linked-jihadist-group-enters-battle-in-southeast-idlib/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Deputy Defense Minister of the [[Syrian Interim Government]] said that HTS had blocked reinforcements sent by the SNA from areas in northern Aleppo such as Afrin and further alleged that the only SNA factions allowed into Idlib by HTS were the [[Levant Front]], [[Ahrar al-Sharqiya]] and the [[Lions of the East Army]]. HTS denied the claims.<ref name=prevent/>
On 25 December, the [[Russian Air Force]] reportedly bombed a military convoy of [[Ahrar al-Sham]] moving near the town of [[Kafr Nabl]] in southern Idlib, killing an unknown number of its field commanders and fighters.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
On 26 December, ground advancements largely halted and both sides began shelling each other's positions around Ma'arrat Al-Nu’man, with casualties reported on both sides. Pro-government forces began shelling the rebel-held towns of Bernan, Farwan, [[Barissa]], and [[Halban, Idlib|Halban]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151475|title=Regime forces unleash new attack on Bernan and Farawan renewing the fierce battles in both eastern and south-eastern countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=26 December 2019}}</ref> Both government and opposition factions later reported that they paused their field operations in the Idlib region due to poor weather conditions. According to a Syrian army source, the air force was temporarily grounded because of limited visibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pauses-idlib-offensive-as-poor-weather-conditions-ground-air-force/|title=Syrian Army pauses Idlib offensive as poor weather conditions ground air force|first=News|last=Desk|date=31 December 2019|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211140716/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pauses-idlib-offensive-as-poor-weather-conditions-ground-air-force/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The NFL reportedly planned to launch a counterattack, but it was also called off due to poor weather conditions. Instead, they brought reinforcements to their positions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/27/more-than-235000-people-have-fled-idlib-region-in-syria-says-un|title=More than 235,000 people have fled Idlib region in Syria, says UN|first1=Emma|last1=Graham-Harrison|first2=Hussein|last2=Akoush|date=27 December 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
By the end of the month, hundreds of SNA fighters (two brigades) were transferred to Idlib as a result of an agreement with HTS, which had previously blocked the entry of SNA combatants.<ref name="The New Arab 2019 hundreds">{{cite web | author=The New Arab | title=Hundreds of Turkish-backed Syrian fighters arrive in Idlib to halt regime advance | website=alaraby | date=2019-12-31 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/31/hundreds-of-turkish-backed-syrian-fighters-arrive-in-idlib | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref>
The Syrian Army offensive was condemned by world leaders, including [[United States]] president [[Donald Trump]], who [[Twitter|tweeted]] that "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib province."<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2019 mass exodus"/> By this stage, [[United Nations]] agencies were reporting that "mass evacuations" of pro-opposition families from front line areas "have left behind a landscape of [[ghost town]]s".<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2019 mass exodus"/>
===Russia–Turkey ceasefire===
According to a Russian major-general, a ceasefire was agreed with [[Turkey]], which supported many of the rebel factions in the area, between late December 2019 and early January 2020; the ceasefire was introduced in the Idlib de-escalation zone on 9 January 2020. Turkey had sent a delegation to [[Moscow]] to establish a new ceasefire in the region.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-russia-ceasefir-idUSKBN1Z82FA|title=Russia says ceasefire established in Syria's Idlib: TASS|date=9 January 2020 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> Turkey's defense ministry announced that the ceasefire would take effect on 12 January and said that Syrian and Russian land and air attacks would halt at one minute past midnight.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/turkey-russia-idlib-1.5422193 |title = Turkey, Russia agree to ceasefire in war-torn Idlib, Syria &#124; CBC News}}</ref> The ceasefire was set to stem the flow of refugees from Idlib and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/russian-army-announces-ceasefire-syria-idlib-200109214536381.html|title=Russia announces ceasefire deal with Turkey in Syria's Idlib|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref>
On 11 January 2020, a day before the brokered ceasefire went into effect, Ansar al-Tawhid released a video of a mechanized attack against government positions in southeastern Idlib using heavy machine guns previously captured from the Syrian army. The group also reportedly ambushed a vehicle carrying government officers and successfully captured a position from government forces, seizing some small arms in the process.<ref name=incite/>
===Post–ceasefire advances===
Late on 15 January, post-ceasefire, the Syrian Arab Army and its allies resumed offensive actions in southern Idlib in response to a prior series of apparent ceasefire violations by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other militant groups. The Syrian Army captured the villages of [[Barsa, Idlib|Barsah]] and Nouhiya, located west of the [[Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase]].{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
On 16 January, the Syrian army captured three towns in southeast Idlib after troops stormed the towns of [[Talkhatra]], Abu Jurayf and Khirbat Dawud in the morning. The three towns were secured following several hours of clashes that killed 22 militants, including 16 jihadists, according to SOHR.  HTS and its allies claimed to recapture Abu Jurayf in a counterattack that killed more than ten Syrian troops, due to the SAA failing to secure the town after initially storming it. On 17 January, the rebels captured Tal Musaytif from government forces, according to SOHR.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153160|title=Opposition factions and jihadis attack regime positions east of Saraqib capturing a new village|date=17 January 2020|work=SOHR}}</ref>
Russia's defense ministry stated that a major clash had occurred on the evening of 22 January between [[Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria|Turkistan Islamic Party]] (TIP) forces—backed by 20 cars, tanks and two armored vehicles—and Syrian government forces. The ministry and Syrian state media added that the militants also used attack drones and car bombs and that the assault pushed the SAA out of two settlements in Idlib. The clashes reportedly left up to 50 fighters killed and 90 wounded while government forces lost 40 dead and 80 wounded. An NFL spokesman said the assault had taken place earlier in the week. A Syrian military source was cited as saying army units were redeployed to the area and eventually repelled the attacks "with high efficiency".<ref name=TIP-AttackBBC>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51221225|title=Syria war: Jihadist assault 'kills dozens of soldiers'|work=BBC|date=23 January 2020}}</ref> However, a "field source" in [[Hama Governorate|Hama]] quoted by pro-government media said he was not aware of any significant attack near the front lines and that rebels were mostly using artillery and rockets to strike the SAA's positions in the de-escalation zone.<ref name=TIP-Attack>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-claims-40-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-jihadist-attack/|title=Russia claims 40 Syrian soldiers killed in jihadist attack|date=23 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228200705/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-claims-40-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-jihadist-attack/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the same day the [[Rouse the Believers Operations Room]] rebel coalition released photos of captured equipment and also released a photo of a pro-government fighter's [[Germany|German]] identification card. The coalition also released video footage of mortar attacks against Syrian troops.<ref name=incite/>
===Capture of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man===
After a short lull, and after the Russia-Turkey ceasefire failed to materialize, the Syrian Arab Army renewed its ground offensive towards [[Ma'arrat al-Nu'man]] on 24 January, assisted by massive airstrikes. Ma'arrat al-Nu'man was of both strategic and symbolic importance due to its location on the strategic Aleppo-Damascus highway/motorway (M5)—one of Syria's economic arteries—and that it was a major center for anti-government protests against Assad's rule since the civil war began in 2011.<ref name="McKernan 2020 Maarat"/>
Led by the [[4th Armoured Division (Syria)|4th Armored Division]], the Syrian army also launched new ground operations on the [[Aleppo]] axis on 25 January, opening with a massive artillery barrage on rebel defenses in the western Aleppo outskirts, spanning from the Al-Zahra'a Association Quarter to Rashiddeen 3 and 4 suburbs. The 4th Division conducted an armored assault on rebel defense lines near the Great Prophet Mosque, the local scientific research building, and Rashidden 3 suburb, but did not make any significant gains.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kicks-off-long-awaited-offensive-in-western-aleppo/|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian Army kicks off long-awaited offensive in western Aleppo|date=26 January 2020|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129042319/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kicks-off-long-awaited-offensive-in-western-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Between 24 and 26 January, the Syrian army captured eight towns and villages in the Ma'arrat al-Nu'man countryside, including [[Tell Mannas]], [[Ghadqa]], and [[Maar Shamshah]], and captured a section of the M5 highway north of the stronghold, cutting a major rebel communication and supply line from [[Idlib]]. According to SOHR, by 26 January, Russia had conducted 78 airstrikes targeting front lines around Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, south of Aleppo, and in the western countryside while Syrian helicopters reportedly deployed 52 [[barrel bomb]]s in rural areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153801|title=Regime forces block the international highway M5, capturing eight towns in less than 48 hours, and nearly 190 airstrikes on "Putin-Erdogan" area|work=SOHR|date=26 January 2020}}</ref> According to opposition activists and paramedics, Ma'arrat al-Nu'man was almost empty of its 110,000 civilian residents as a result of the intense government bombardment in prior weeks which displaced hundreds of thousands, many of which fled north towards the border with Turkey. By the end of 26 January, the SAA was less than a kilometer from the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/056d7bb89bbd4246a59c52e64ea9d119|title=Syrian troops reach outskirts of key rebel-held town|date=26 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|work=Associated Press}}</ref>
On 27 January, heavy clashes continued as government forces reached the eastern, northern and southern outskirts of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, nearly encircling it. The 25th Special Mission Forces Division reportedly overran rebel defenses on the city's southern flank, capturing several towns and villages, including [[Sahyan]], [[Kafr Basin]], and Muqah, and capturing the majority of the M5 highway located south of the metro, except for the Turkish observation post at [[Maar Hattat]]. According to SOHR, pro-government forces were besieging Ma'arrat al-Nu'man from three sides and had captured 22 areas since 24 January; SOHR recorded 91 deaths among pro-government forces and 112 among the rebels, including 89 jihadists, since 24 January.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/articles/56333/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%B1|title=The regime continues to advance in Idlib and casualties of the "Fatimiyoun" militia in Deir Ezzor|work=Baladi News|date=27 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-idlib/|title=Syrian Army seizes 3 more towns in Idlib|date=27 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127223743/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-idlib/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153858|title=In less than 72 hours: Regime forces capture 22 areas southeast of Idlib, besieging Ma'rat al-Numan from three sides, and more than 200 people killed from warring sides|date=27 January 2020|work=SOHR}}</ref> On the Aleppo front, there were reports in pro-government media of an ongoing battle near [[Khan Tuman]] between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian army, assisted by the [[National Defence Forces]] (NDF). The army attempted to capture the village after they seized several hills to its northeast.<ref name=NDF-involved>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-capture-strategic-town-along-aleppo-idlib-highway/|title=Syrian Army attempts to capture strategic town along Aleppo-Idlib Highway|work=Al-Masdar News|date=27 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023234117/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-capture-strategic-town-along-aleppo-idlib-highway/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Syrian Military Statement on the capture of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.ogv|thumb|The [[Syrian Armed Forces]]' official statement on the capture of [[Ma'arrat al-Nu'man]]]]
On 28 January, the Syrian Arab Army and allies captured [[Kafr Rumah]] and the Wadi Deif military base following token rebel resistance. Pro-government forces subsequently stormed Ma'arrat al-Nu'man from three fronts, entering the city and capturing most of its districts after short clashes, according to Syrian state media. A Syrian military source said HTS and allied rebels mostly withdrew from the stronghold the day before, neglecting to defend the city proper, besides a small garrison. It was the first time Syrian government forces had control of the city since [[Battle of Maarrat al-Nu'man (2012)|losing it on 10 October 2012]]. Rebel units subsequently counterattacked pro-government forces in the vicinity of the stronghold. SOHR said that at least 147 pro-government fighters and 151 opposition fighters were killed in the battle.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security/syrian-government-forces-enter-town-south-of-idlib-city-idUSKBN1ZR1PV|work=Reuters|title=Syrian government forces enter town south of Idlib city|date=28 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="McKernan 2020 Maarat">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Assad regime captures town in Syria's last rebel-held territory | website=the Guardian | date=2020-01-28 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/syrian-regime-captures-maarat-al-numan-in-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 2020 Maraat">{{cite web | title=Syrian army 'recaptures' key town from opposition | website=BBC News | date=2020-01-29 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51293327 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-maarat-al-numan-and-wadi-al-deif-base/|title=Syrian Army captures Ma'arat Al-Nu'man and Wadi Al-Deif Base|date=28 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022021/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-maarat-al-numan-and-wadi-al-deif-base/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The SAA continued to push west of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, reportedly capturing [[Hantutin]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-advancing-in-idlib-after-seizing-maarat-al-numan/|date=28 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian Army keeps advancing in Idlib after seizing Ma'arat Al-Nu'man|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022022/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-advancing-in-idlib-after-seizing-maarat-al-numan/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, the SAA reported it had reached the outskirts of Khan Tuman after capturing the last hills to its east during repeated assaults spearheaded by the [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]'s [[30th Division (Syria)|30th Division]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-in-southern-aleppo-amid-push-towards-khan-touman/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in southern Aleppo amid push towards Khan Touman|work=Al-Masdar News|date=28 January 2020|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022040/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-in-southern-aleppo-amid-push-towards-khan-touman/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 29 January, following the latest army advances, the SOHR reported that 57% of the [[Idlib Governorate]] remained under rebel control, while the other 43% was controlled by government forces. It stated that the Syrian Army had managed to capture over 40 kilometers of the M5 highway and only a 25-kilometer stretch held by rebel forces was preventing it from controlling the highway in its entirety. It also reported a government advance on the outskirts of Aleppo, but stated that it did not hold strategic significance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153952&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=238ae51a8ab640da77bcbf0caca31d86f9820825-1580300932-0-AY6poVlvggDWV4Ga_Qnf31jaCmNYpRFiU5KqZ28jwBnAumUkH0yr-cu3qAhgD5WQgkekgQEEZ7M9jrLzNKhpZ7jR0mvHeExFgQ4enSdp_tvUY_pSHceIdFnSbj6W-XFAntljIRq5Hzrc3rz3sPzlVhjb3kav3VNqmhLllAVitfTtXdkDX8nddZRGPanYz14dI783s–4xcI_1RamARmyrLyRS0cU2Y2TNxNkv4HAUx_WaBpf0mjfjCHOehcWsejkL_72m2DXk18KIYg374NFhi0M|title=100 hours of military operations in Aleppo and Idlib: nearly 6,000 air and ground strikes, 26 areas fall to regime forces, and over 60,000 civilians displaced|date=29 January 2019|website=[[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]]}}</ref> [[Al-Masdar News]] reported that the Syrian Army had secured Ma'arrat al-Nu'man's flanks and further captured the town of al-Harradah.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-in-idlib-seizes-new-town/|title=Syrian Army continues advance in Idlib, seizes new town|author=News Desk|date=29 January 2020|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129124322/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-in-idlib-seizes-new-town/|url-status=dead}}</ref> An armed rebel group reportedly stormed Idlib Central Hospital, occupying it for military purposes for a few hours while Al-Shami Hospital in [[Ariha]] was reportedly struck by multiple airstrikes.<ref name="MSF ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Advancing front lines, mass exodus and hospitals targeted in Idlib – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/advancing-front-lines-mass-exodus-and-hospitals-targeted-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>
Government forces also advanced towards Aleppo's western suburbs to push rebels away from the city.<ref name="McKernan 2020 Maarat"/> The army reported a breakthrough in the Rashideen 5 suburb of Aleppo and advanced toward Rashideen 4, stating this advance was the first major SAA breakthrough on the previously deadlocked Aleppo front.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cracks-jihadist-lines-for-first-major-advance-in-southwest-aleppo/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army cracks jihadist lines for first major advance in southwest Aleppo|author=News Desk|date=29 January 2020|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129125050/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cracks-jihadist-lines-for-first-major-advance-in-southwest-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
A number of [[Hezbollah]] fighters were reported killed in this stage of the offensive. On 24 January, Jaafar al Sadiq, a Hezbollah commander, was reported killed; on 27 January, three more fighters' deaths in the Aleppo countryside were announced; a fifth Hezbollah death, in [[al-Zahraa]], was subsequently announced.<ref name="Truzman 2020 Hezbollah">{{cite web | last=Truzman | first=Joe | title=Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias suffer heavy losses fighting in Syria | website=FDD's Long War Journal | date=2020-02-05 | url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/hezbollah-and-i.php | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
===Army advance towards Saraqib and proposed Turkish deadline===
On 30 January, the Syrian Army reached the outskirts of the opposition stronghold of [[Saraqib]], north of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, after capturing the towns of [[Kafr Battikh]], [[Ebla|Tell Mardikh]], [[Jobas]], Qomhane, [[Hatamiyeh]] and Tell Dibs, pushing the front line to  just three kilometers away from Saraqib's city center.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Later in the day, the army advanced further in the southeastern Idlib countryside, capturing the al-Suater hilltop from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies. Turkey's president [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] threatened to take direct military action in Idlib unless the government-led offensive ceased.<ref name="auto2"/> On the Aleppo front, HTS detonated a remote control car bomb and deployed SVBIEDs followed by rocket and mortar attacks into the northwestern Aleppo outskirts against Syrian government positions, opening a new front. The HTS-linked [[Ebaa News Agency]] released footage of HTS [[inghimasi]] fighters pledging to wage [[jihad]] until death before deploying for Aleppo to attack pro-government positions. Syrian state media claimed government forces destroyed four SVBIEDs before they reached their destination. HTS also claimed to have killed a number of Iranian-linked militia fighters in west Aleppo.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idUSKBN1ZV3I1|title=Jihadist car bomb attacks target Syrian pro-government forces in Aleppo|date=1 February 2020|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> Meanwhile, according to pro-government sources, the remnant [[Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement|Nour al-Din al-Zenki]] rebel group, operating from Turkish-backed opposition-held areas in northern Aleppo, sent reinforcements to the western Aleppo countryside to help bolster area defenses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nouriddeen-al-zinki-sends-reinforcements-to-help-jihadists-in-west-aleppo/|title=Nouriddeen Al-Zinki sends reinforcements to help jihadists in west Aleppo|first=News|last=Desk|date=30 January 2020|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=6 February 2020|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201185907/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nouriddeen-al-zinki-sends-reinforcements-to-help-jihadists-in-west-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
29–31 January saw sustained bombardments as the government and its allies carried out 200 strikes throughout Idlib; Russian airstrikes on Ariha reportedly struck a bakery and a medical facility. Civilians displaced from Saraqib and other towns were also reportedly targeted as they fled the war zone.<ref name="McKernan 2020 batter">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Syria: pro-Assad forces batter Idlib and spark fears of fresh crisis | website=the Guardian | date=2020-01-31 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/31/syria-pro-assad-forces-batter-idlib-spark-fears-fresh-crisis | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 2020 200 strikes">{{cite web | title=Syria's Idlib 'hit by 200 strikes in three days' | website=BBC News | date=2020-01-30 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51317720 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>
On 1 February, in response to government gains on the ground, the Turkish military established three new observation posts around Saraqib.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2020/02/01/turkish-military-sets-3rd-observation-point-near-syrias-saraqib|title=Turkish military sets 3rd observation point near Syria's Saraqib|website=DailySabah|date=February 2020}}</ref> On the same day, pro-government warplanes reportedly targeted al-Huda Hospital in the town of Hoor in the western countryside of Aleppo, destroying large parts of the building.<ref name="al-Khateb hospitals">{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Syrian shelling in Idlib knocks out dozens of medical facilities | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-regime-russia-airstrikes-target-idlib-hospitals.html | date=16 February 2020| access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> There was an HTS counter-offensive in [[Al-Zahraa]] in Aleppo governorate, in which several Local Defense Force (LDF) pro-government militia fighters were reported killed.<ref name="Truzman 2020 Hezbollah"/> Four Russian [[Federal Security Service|FSB]] officers were reported killed the same day, also in the Aleppo countryside.<ref name="Meduza 2020 FSB">{{cite web | title=Four FSB special forces officers reportedly killed in Syria | website=Meduza | date=2020-02-03 | url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/02/03/four-fsb-special-forces-officers-reportedly-killed-in-syria | language=la | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
On 2 February, fighting was reported between HTS and the LDF-affiliated and Iranian-backed [[Baqir Brigade]] in the Aleppo countryside, in which a Brigade commander, Juma al Ahmad, was reported killed.<ref name="Truzman 2020 Hezbollah"/> An [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]] (IRGC) [[Quds Force]] commander, Asghar Pashapour, was killed the same day in the Aleppo countryside.<ref name="Malley 2020 Quds">{{cite web | last=Malley | first=JP O’ | title=Senior commander in Iran's Quds Force reported killed in Aleppo battle | website=The Times of Israel | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/senior-commander-in-irans-quds-force-reported-killed-in-aleppo-battle/ | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref><ref name="Truzman 2020 Hezbollah"/><ref name="Asharq AL-awsat 2020 Iran announces">{{cite web | series=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2020-02-04 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2114676/iran-announces-death-soleimanis-guard-southern-aleppo |title=Iran Announces Death of Soleimani's Guard in Southern Aleppo| access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref><ref name="Xinhua 2017 Iranian officer">{{cite web | title=Iranian military officer killed in Syria's Aleppo: TV – English.news.cn | website=Xinhua | date=2017-03-21 | url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/03/c_138753423.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205115751/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/03/c_138753423.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 February 2020 | language=la | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
On 3 February, Syrian and Turkish forces exchanged fire in Idlib, Latakia and the northern Aleppo countryside. Turkey and the SOHR reported seven Turkish soldiers, one civilian contractor, and 13 Syrian soldiers were killed.<ref name="McKernan 2020 clashes">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Turkish soldiers killed as battle for control of Idlib escalates | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-03 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/turkish-soldiers-killed-battle-syria-idlib-assad | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154347|title=The number of Turkish soldiers killed by regime fire on "Tarnabeh" military post rises to eight|date=3 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/3d67f5af98809d06e47600ea3568c8be|title=8 Turkish personnel, 13 Syrian troops killed in north Syria|date=3 February 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref> Turkey said it had carried out retaliation strikes south of Saraqib, and witnesses reported artillery shelling and one [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon#Turkey|F16]] entering Syrian airspace. According to SOHR, at least 13 Syrian soldiers were killed (with other monitors giving similar numbers), while according to the Turkish president 30–35 were killed and according to Turkish Defense Minister [[Hulusi Akar]] 76 Syrian soldiers were "neutralized"  and 57 Syrian military sites were bombed. Russia denied that any airstrikes had occurred at all<ref name="DW.COM targets">{{cite web | title=Turkey targets Syria troops in deadly counterattack – 03.02.2020 | website=DW.COM | url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-targets-syria-troops-in-deadly-counterattack/a-52238424 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 2020 deadly">{{cite web | title=Turkey Launches Deadly Airstrikes Against Syrian Forces | website=The New York Times | date=2020-02-03 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/03/world/middleeast/turkey-syria-idlib.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Akar 2020">{{cite web | last=Akar | first=Hulusi | title=Turkey's Claim of Killing 76 Syrian Troops Has Scant Evidence | website=POLYGRAPH.info | date=2020-02-05 | url=https://www.polygraph.info/a/turkey-claims-it-killed-76-syrian-soldiers-russia-denies/30419032.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> and the [[Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria]] and [[Syrian Arab News Agency]] (SANA) denied Turkish claims of casualties among Syrian troops.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/syrian-government-shelling-kills-turkish-soldiers-idlib-200203050515309.html|title=Turkey hits back after soldiers killed in Syrian gov't shelling|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2020/02/14/centr-po-primireniiu-storon-oproverg-dannye-o-poteriah-sirijskih-vojsk.html|title=Центр по примирению сторон опроверг данные о потерях сирийских войск|website=rg.ru|date=14 February 2020 }}</ref> Turkey's president Erdogan described the attack on Turkish forces a "turning point in Syria for Turkey". He gave the Syrian government a deadline of the end of February to withdraw from the de-escalation zone and demanded that Russian forces in Idlib "stand aside"; he nevertheless dismissed the possibility of direct conflict with Russia saying Turkey and Russia would talk about the issue "without anger".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/02/05/world/middleeast/04reuters-syria-security-turkey.html|title=Turkey, Russia Can Tackle Syria Escalation 'Without Anger': Erdogan|date=5 February 2020|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 pull back">{{cite web | title=Erdogan says Syrian forces must pull back from Idlib posts | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-05 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/erdogan-syrian-forces-pull-idlib-posts-200205114643965.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref>
Despite the Turkish operations, Syrian government forces continued its offensive in the southeastern part of Idlib Governorate and captured the villages of [[Ballisa]], [[Tell Elaghar]], an abandoned Air Defense base, Jadida Tal Khatra, [[Msheirfeh, Idlib|Msheirfeh]], [[Mardikh]] and [[Ebla|Tell Mardikh]] on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/10952/breaking-syrian-army-captured-villages-of-balisah-tal-aghar-abandoned-air-defense-base-jadida-tal-khatra-mushrifa-in-idlib-province/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captured villages of Balisah, Tal Aghar, Abandoned Air Defense base, Jadida Tal Khatra, Mushrifa in Idlib province |website=iswnews.com |date=5 February 2020}}</ref>{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}} With this advance, the Syrian Army had captured 22 villages and towns including 110 square kilometers of territory.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the same day, according to medics and the SOHR, government airstrikes targeted civilian [[Internally displaced persons in Syria|IDP]]s on the road near the village of [[Kafr Naya]] in the Aleppo countryside.<ref name="McKernan 2020 clashes"/> The next day, Russian warplanes reportedly struck the Sarmin Health Center, leading to the almost complete destruction of the building.<ref name="al-Khateb hospitals"/>
===Siege and capture of Saraqib===
On 5 February, government forces captured around 20 settlements, including [[Rasafa, Idlib|Resafah]] and several nearby villages, advancing east and north of Saraqib, isolating it from three directions.<ref name="McKernan 2020 displaced"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/154460/|title=Regime forces encircle the strategic town of Saraqeb from three directions • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
On 6 February, a pro-government blog reported that pro-government forces seized the area of Duwayr, cutting off the M5 highway north of Saraqib and leaving only the road through [[Sarmin]] open, which itself was under constant fire from the army.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Later in the day, the 25th Special Mission Forces Division captured the town of [[Afs, Idlib|Afs]],{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} fully encircling Saraqib and all rebel and Turkish forces stationed there, including the four recently established Turkish observation posts, and entered the city.<ref name="Enab Baladi 2020 Saraqib falls">{{cite web | title=Saraqib falls out of opposition control… What will happen to Turkey's military observation post? – Enab Baladi | website=Enab Baladi | date=2020-02-07 | url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2020/02/saraqib-falls-out-of-opposition-control-what-will-happen-to-turkeys-military-observation-post/ | access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref> By 7 February, after two days of siege, government forces captured most of the city, opening the road towards the city of Idlib.<ref name="BBC News 2020 part of Saraqeb">{{cite web | title=Syrian army enters key Idlib town Saraqeb | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-07 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51413260 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> ''[[Enab Baladi]]'' reported that seven Turkish soldiers were killed, meanwhile Turkey repeated its end-of-February deadline for the Syrian government to withdraw from the de-escalation zone.<ref name="Enab Baladi 2020 Saraqib falls"/>
Meanwhile, prominent rebel commander Obada Abu Jafar and eight other militants of an elite [[Ansar al-Tawhid (Syria)|Ansar al-Tawhid]] unit were killed in fierce clashes with the Syrian Army while defending their positions in southern Idlib, according to a pro-government blog.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the same day, [[Israel]]i warplanes fired missiles near [[Damascus]] while targeting Iranian elements in the area. The Syrian government said Israel intended to "save the armed terrorist organisations which ha[d] been collapsing in Idlib and western Aleppo Governorate in front of the strikes of the Syrian Army".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51397357|title=Israel 'hits Iran-backed fighters in Syria'|date=6 February 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
===Army captures the M5 highway and continued Turkish clashes===
On 7 February, the Syrian army, spearheaded by the 25th Special Forces Division and assisted by the Republican Guard and [[Hezbollah]], made further advances, reportedly capturing the towns of Zaytan, Birnah, Makhalah and Huwayyir al-Eis in the southwestern Aleppo countryside and the towns of Maharim, Khawari, Tall al-Nabariz, [[Ejaz, Idlib|Ijaz]], [[Rasm al-Ward]] and Abbad in southeast Idlib.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} The 25th Special Forces Division also captured the towns of Karrathin, al-Dahiriyah and al-Thuriyah as well as the [[List of universities in Syria#Private universities|Ebla University complex]] on the administrative border between southeast Idlib and southwest Aleppo by the end of the day.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
On 8 February, the army reportedly captured several sites along the strategic M5 highway as it advanced north of Saraqib. Government forces also reportedly crossed the M5 highway and entered the southwestern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate, the first time since 2013, from the southern approach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-crosses-aleppo-damascus-highway-after-capturing-new-areas/ |title=Breaking: Syrian Army crosses Aleppo-Damascus Highway after capturing new areas |website=almasdarnews.com |date=8 February 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 |archive-date=9 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209142036/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-crosses-aleppo-damascus-highway-after-capturing-new-areas/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On the northern approach, the army advanced on the town of [[Al-Eiss]], capturing the towns of Maryudah, Tell Bajir, Kusiniya, al-Shiekh Ahmad, Abu Kannseh, Umm Atabah, Rasm al-Eis, Rasm al-Saharij and Jub Kas in the process.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} According to pro-government activists, Al-Eiss also hosted a Turkish observation post. The army subsequently captured Al-Eiss and the nearby hilltop.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/world/1118063 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=tass.com |title=Syrian troops advancing from Idlib and Aleppo meet in Tal al-Eiss — TV }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-09 |title=Map: Al-Eis region completely secured – Islamic World News |url=https://english.iswnews.com/11189/map-al-eis-region-completely-secured/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=al-Sabbagh |first=Hazem |date=2020-02-08 |title=Army units advancing from Aleppo countryside meet units advancing from Idleb southeastern countryside at al-Eiss hill – PHOTOS |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=184742 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Syrian Arab News Agency |language=en-US}}</ref> Pro-government forces later captured the town of Tell Hadiyah in the area while, on the Idlib front, continued their northern advance along the M5, capturing the town of Talhiyah.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Meanwhile, Russian-Turkish talks in [[Ankara]] concluded after three hours with no progress made.<ref name="The Daily Beast 2020 death rattle"/><ref name="The New York Times 2020 draw Turkey deeper">{{cite web | title=Syrian Attacks Draw Turkey Deeper Into Syrian War | website=The New York Times | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/12/world/middleeast/syria-turkey-russia-war.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref>
On 9 February, in Idlib, pro-government sources said the army captured the towns of Buwaybiyah and al-Kusaybiyah as well as the [[International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas]] (ICARDA) research center.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mideastdiscourse.com/2020/02/09/syrian-army-secures-icarda-center-and-two-towns-along-m5-highway/|title=Syrian Army Secures ICARDA Center and Two Towns Along M5 Highway|date=6 June 2023 }}</ref>{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}} Army units stormed and captured the towns of Barqum, al-Zarbah and al-Salehiyah along the M5.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the Aleppo front, pro-government forces captured the areas of Tal Kalariyah and Kalariyah and advanced on rebel positions in the Rashideen 4 district in west Aleppo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/154718/|title=Regime rapid advancement in rural Aleppo: only two km separate Syrian regime from controlling the strategic M5 • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=9 February 2020}}</ref>
On 10 February, Syrian government forces shelled a recently built Turkish observation post at [[Taftanaz Military Airbase]], killing five Turkish soldiers, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.<ref name="auto13">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51447114|title=Syrian shellfire kills Turkish soldiers in Idlib|date=10 February 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> According to the SOHR and other sources, six Turkish soldiers and four Syrian rebels were killed in the attack.<ref name="auto13"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154769|title=Rocket attack on Taftanaz military airport leaves ten people dead among Turkish troops and proxies factions|date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Beast 2020 death rattle"/> The attack  destroyed military hardware and supplies including trucks, APCs and a [[main battle tank]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/item.php?id=22249|title=Lostarmour ID: 22249|website=lostarmour.info}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://muraselon.com/2020/02/رتل-الجيش-التركي-يحترق-في-إدلب-صور/|title=رتل الجيش التركي يحترق في إدلب ( صور )|date=10 February 2020}}</ref> The Turkish Ministry of Defense said, but did not provide evidence, that 115 Syrian army sites and positions were targeted in retaliation, including destroying three tanks and two mortar positions, and that 101 Syrian soldiers were "neutralized".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idlib-idUSKBN20421S|title=Turkey says it hit 115 Syrian government targets, destroyed 101 after attacks on soldiers|date=10 February 2020 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Syrian Army advanced west from the M5 highway towards the Turkish border, led by the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, and captured the towns of [[Kafr Halab]], Meznaz, and another town from HTS and the NFL northeast of the ICARDA center, according to pro-government media,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-militant-stronghold-in-southwest-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures militant stronghold in southwest Aleppo|date=10 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214032710/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-militant-stronghold-in-southwest-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> in an attempt to split the northern and southern parts of Idlib into separate pockets.<ref name="The Daily Beast 2020 death rattle"/> On the night of 10–11 February, there were pro-government airstrikes on several towns in Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 13 civilians<ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 M5"/> while a maternity hospital in [[Atarib]] was narrowly missed by government bombs and a health facility in Maret al-Nasan was destroyed in shelling,<ref name="Syria Relief ReliefWeb 2020 healthworker">{{cite web | title=Syria Relief Healthworker Killed In Airstrike – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-relief-healthworker-killed-airstrike | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> according to [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]s.<ref name="SAMS ReliefWeb 2020"/> An IDP camp in [[Kafr Aruq]] was also struck, killing a child, according to the United Nations.<ref name="OCHA briefing ReliefWeb 2020"/>
On 11 February, after asserting control over the Rashideen 4 district in western Aleppo and virtually converging the northern and southern front lines in the countryside,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/assad-forces-retake-key-syrian-highway/a-52334336|title=Assad forces retake key Syrian highway|website=DW|date=11 February 2020}}</ref> it was widely reported that government forces controlled the entirety of the M5 highway for the first time since 2012; however, this was not claimed by government media and opposition sources said fighting continued in some northern areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-rebels-push-back-against-regime-forces-chopper-shot-down|title=Syrian government retakes strategic highway as helicopter shot down|website=middleeasteye.net|date=11 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security/government-troops-seize-highway-in-northwest-syria-as-turkey-russia-talks-end-inconclusively-idUSKBN2051EH|title=Government troops seize highway in northwest Syria as Turkey-Russia talks end inconclusively|website=Reuters|date=11 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 M5">{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Turkey says 51 Syrian soldiers killed as rebels hit back in Idlib | website=U.K. | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN2050QN | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212103320/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN2050QN | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> A report on a Russian TV channel showed 25th Special Mission Forces Division troops, apparently wearing [[UNICEF]] backpacks distributed as relief supplies, entering Kafr Halab;<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 UNICEF">{{cite web | title=Syrian regime forces carrying backpacks with UNICEF logo | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-19 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/19/syrian-regime-forces-carrying-backpacks-unicef-logo-raid-kafr-halab-village-aleppo/ | language=la | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported the troops were deliberately shooting elderly civilians there.<ref name="Ensor 2020 elderly">{{cite news | last=Ensor | first=Josie | title=Exclusive: Syrian forces deliberately shot elderly women | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=2020-02-21 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/21/exclusive-syrian-forces-deliberately-shot-elderly-women-near/ | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> On the same day, rebel groups launched a counteroffensive on the town of [[Nayrab, Idlib|Nayrab]], located west of Saraqib and south of [[Sarmin]]. Turkey claimed that 51 government fighters were killed in the rebel counteroffensive, and Turkish-backed rebel forces shot down a Syrian [[Mil Mi-17]] helicopter, killing all on board.<ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 M5"/><ref name="mi1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-backed-rebels-down-syrian-army-helicopter-report-says-1.8523125|title=Turkey-backed Rebels Down Syrian Army Helicopter as Fighting Escalates|agency=Associated Press|date=11 February 2020|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> Rebels were also reported to retake the town of [[Sheikh Dames]], 20 miles south of Idlib city.<ref name="al-Khateb army gains">{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Syrian army makes gains in Idlib, opposition blames Turkey | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syrian-regime-offensive-turkey-army.html | date=19 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> Later that day, the SAA captured [[Khan al-Asal]], a key location on the M5 highway.<ref name="McKernan 2020 M5">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=The highway that determines the future for Syria and its citizens | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-20 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/the-highway-that-determines-the-future-for-syria-and-its-citizens | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="AP NEWS 2020 M5 highway">{{cite web | title=AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://apnews.com/9f6d1f6ea8866e2d82e41b9bf08e67a5 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> That night, the NGO Action on Armed Violence reported that airstrikes on Idlib city left 12 civilians (half of them children) dead and 32 injured;<ref name="AVOV ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/12-killed-regime-airstrikes-syria-s-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> government airstrikes on [[Darat Izza]] narrowly missed a hospital according to another NGO.<ref name="SAMS ReliefWeb 2020"/> By this point, according to [[Reuters]], the government had taken 600 square kilometers (230 square miles) of territory in the offensive, and 700,000 people, mostly women and children, had been displaced—the largest number in a single period since fighting began in 2012 according to the UN—while 200 had been killed.<ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 M5"/><ref name="McKernan 2020 700K displaced">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=700,000 displaced by Idlib fighting as Syria-Turkey tensions rise | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-11 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/11/700000-displaced-by-idlib-fighting-as-syria-turkey-tensions-rise | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="CBC 2020 no place">{{cite web | title='No place to go': Syrian doctor says more than 700,000 Idlib residents stranded – CBC Radio | website=CBC | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.5460922/no-place-to-go-syrian-doctor-says-more-than-700-000-idlib-residents-stranded-1.5461104 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="ITV News 2020 plight">{{cite web | title=Idlib's humanitarian crisis: Plight of Syrian children left suffering and dying during attacks | website=ITV News | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.itv.com/news/2020-02-12/idlib-s-humanitarian-crisis-plight-of-syrian-children-left-suffering-and-dying-during-attacks/ | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="IRC ReliefWeb 2020"/>
On 12 February, Turkey's president Erdogan announced: "I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the [[Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)|[2018] deal]] if any tiny bit of harm is dealt to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/12/erdogan-threatens-assad-with-retaliation-if-more-troops-harmed-syria-turkey|title=Erdoğan threatens Assad with retaliation if more troops harmed|first=Bethan McKernan Middle East|last=correspondent|date=12 February 2020 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> By this stage, Turkey had stationed 30,000 troops at the Syrian border, and sent 5,000 reinforcements to Idlib, bringing the total to 9,000, as well as establishing new defensive positions around Idlib city.<ref name="The New York Times 2020 draw Turkey deeper"/><ref name="The Daily Beast 2020 death rattle">{{cite news | title=Syria Hears the Death Rattle of the Arab Spring as Assad and Putin Forces Advance | newspaper=The Daily Beast | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/as-assad-and-putin-forces-advance-in-syria-its-the-death-rattle-of-the-arab-spring | access-date=2020-03-04| last1=Hodge | first1=Jeremy }}</ref>
On 13 February, heavy bombardment and ground clashes forced the [[World Food Programme]] to pause their on-going relief efforts in Idlib, with [[Atareb]] especially severely affected.<ref name="WFP UN News 2020">{{cite web | title=Vital Idlib aid deliveries resume after 'heavy bombing' – WFP | website=UN News | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1057401 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> The town of Takad was shelled by government forces for the first of many times, causing residents to flee, according to [[Médecins Sans Frontières|MSF]].<ref name="Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International"/> The SAA, alongside the auxiliary Local Defense Forces and [[Liwa al-Quds]], advanced north of Az Zarbah and captured Rif Muhandiseen and Kafr Jum along with several surrounding tactical points on the approach to the strategic Regiment 46 base, also known as Base 46, which [[Siege of Base 46|fell to rebel forces]] in November 2012. Another army unit reportedly made a push on a separate axis in Aleppo.<ref name="Yahoo News UK 2018">{{cite web | author=AFP| title=Syria government forces chip away at rebel enclave | website=Yahoo News UK | date=2018-08-26 | url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/syria-government-forces-chip-away-rebel-enclave-102109809.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-new-ground-in-southwest-aleppo-after-failed-jihadist-offensive/|title=Syrian Army captures new ground in southwest Aleppo after failed jihadist offensive|date=13 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214034236/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-new-ground-in-southwest-aleppo-after-failed-jihadist-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-presses-forward-in-west-aleppo-as-they-approach-key-base/|title=Syrian Army presses forward in west Aleppo as they approach key base|date=13 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214032658/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-presses-forward-in-west-aleppo-as-they-approach-key-base/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 14 February, a second Syrian [[Mil Mi-17]] helicopter was shot down with a guided missile near Qubtan al-Jabal, killing its crew. According to an activist, the helicopter was shot down after dropping two [[barrel bomb]]s.<ref name="mi2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-rebels-shoot-down-second-government-helicopter-one-week|title=Syrian rebels shoot down second government helicopter in a week|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref> Between 14–15 February, pro-government shelling struck IDP camps located around the town of [[Sarmada]], according to the UN and MSF.<ref name="Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International">{{cite web | title=People in Idlib race to flee airstrikes as safe area shrinks in Syria | website=Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International | url=https://www.msf.org/people-idlib-race-flee-airstrikes-safe-area-shrinks-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="OCHA briefing ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock: Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Northwest Syria, 19 February 2020 – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-100 | access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref> During 13–16 February, the UN reported that 160,000 people fled from advancing front lines, mostly from Atareb and [[Darat Izza]] sub-districts.<ref name="OCHA briefing ReliefWeb 2020"/> The UN said a total of 100 civilians had been killed in the first two weeks of February by both air and ground-based strikes.<ref name="OCHA briefing ReliefWeb 2020"/>
===Western Aleppo assault and rebel retreat===
Following the complete capture of the strategic M5 highway, the Syrian Army shifted its momentum towards securing [[Aleppo Governorate|Greater Aleppo]], particularly the city's western outskirts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/f132ca3a-380a-48dc-b758-e8a34e9e6c4e|title=SDF denies supporting Syrian government offensive against rebels in northwest Syria |website=kurdistan24.net | access-date=2020-02-16}}</ref> Among opposition settlements targeted by airstrikes in this period were [[Turmanin]], [[Al-Dana, Syria|al-Dana]], Kabtan al Jabal, al-Abzimo and Darat Izza.<ref name="Crawford Syria 2020"/>
On 15 February, the army attacked opposition forces in the northern Aleppo countryside in Sheikh Aqil near Darat Izza from Bashmara, territory under joint [[Rojava]] and SAA control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soha.vn/big-story/chien-dau-co-su-34-nga-don-dap-oanh-kich-sat-bien-gioi-tho-phien-quan-syria-chet-nhu-nga-ra-20200215064457642.htm|title=Su-34 Nga lập kỳ tích chặn đứng quân Thổ – QĐ Syria bất ngờ mở hướng tiến công mới, phiến quân trở tay không kịp|website=soha.vn|date=15 February 2020 }}</ref>
On 16 February, pro-government forces achieved a major breakthrough on the Aleppo front by capturing more than 30 villages, towns and suburbs in the west Aleppo countryside in a single day amidst a sudden collapse in rebel defense lines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/b7132a6044a40d68934f693836b3a767|title=Assad vows to defeat rebels, as forces capture new ground|date=2020-02-16|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-02-16}}</ref> By the evening, government forces, backed by continued Russian airstrikes, had managed to capture the last remaining rebel-held areas in Aleppo's western periphery, including towns and cities such as [[Haritan]] and [[Anadan]], effectively concluding the period of intermittent clashes in the area that began with the [[Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)|Battle of Aleppo]] over seven years prior.<ref name="NBC News 2020 Aleppo">{{cite web | title=Syrian forces seize most of Aleppo province, on eve of Turkey-Russia talks | website=NBC News | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syrian-forces-seize-most-aleppo-province-eve-turkey-russia-talks-n1137631 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Pro-government media reported that after having many of their supply lines cut off, rebel forces fled west to avoid being encircled by the SAA, thus leaving the army in control of the Greater Aleppo area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-takes-control-of-greater-aleppo-area-as-all-militants-withdraw-west/|title=Syrian Army officially takes control of Greater Aleppo area as all militants withdraw west|author=News Desk|date=2020-02-16|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-16|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216175304/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-takes-control-of-greater-aleppo-area-as-all-militants-withdraw-west/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that a 100-vehicle convoy of reinforcements, including troops, tanks and other military vehicles and equipment, had been deployed to the Idlib area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syrian-forces-seize-most-aleppo-province-eve-turkey-russia-talks-n1137631|work=NBC News|date=17 February 2020|title=Syrian forces seize most of Aleppo province, on eve of Turkey-Russia talks}}</ref> HTS claimed a suicide attack on Russian positions in Kafr Halab.<ref name="NBC News 2020 Aleppo"/>
On 17 February, [[President of Syria|President]] [[Bashar al-Assad]] addressed the nation in a rare televised speech, saying the military operations in Aleppo and Idlib governorates would continue regardless of Turkey's threats, and that the war was not yet over "but it means that we rubbed their noses in the dirt as a prelude for complete victory".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/assad-pledges-continue-onslaught-displaced-900000-200217184909079.html|title=Assad pledges to continue onslaught that has displaced 900,000|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref name="Ensor 2020 Assad">{{cite news | last=Ensor | first=Josie | title=Assad says Syrian regime will see victory 'sooner or later' as hospitals and refugee camp targeted | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/18/assad-says-syrian-regime-will-see-victory-sooner-later-hospitals/ | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> Syrian state media also shared images of Aleppo residents apparently celebrating the recent advances, which reportedly pushed rebel mortar teams out of adequate firing range of the city for the first time in years and, along with the capture of the M5, was set to facilitate future civilian movement between northern and southern Syria up to pre-war levels.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/syrias-military-hails-advance-against-rebels-in-record-time|title=Syria's military hails advance against rebels in 'record time'|date=17 February 2020|work=PBS}}</ref> Meanwhile, according to NGOs, government forces bombed hospitals in Darat Izza.<ref name="SAMS ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Eight health facilities affected by conflict in NW Syria in one week – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/eight-health-facilities-affected-conflict-nw-syria-one-week | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="UOSSM ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Breaking: 2 Hospitals Bombed in Aleppo, Syria Including Maternity Hospital, Last in Western Aleppo – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/breaking-2-hospitals-bombed-aleppo-syria-including-maternity-hospital | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="Knecht 2020 hospitals">{{cite web | last=Knecht | first=Eric | title=Air strikes hit hospitals, camps in northwest Syria, Turkey demands pull-back | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idUSKBN20C1P3 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International"/>
[[File:Changing frontlines Idlib 2020.gif|thumb|Frontline advances, 24 January–19 February 2020]]
On 19 February, Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] announced that a Turkish intervention in Idlib was just "a matter of time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/president-erdogan-threatens-imminent-turkish-operation-syria-200219092248649.html|title=Erdogan threatens 'imminent' Turkish operation in Syria|website=aljazeera.com}}</ref> Meanwhile, pro-opposition NGO [[Syrian Network for Human Rights]] (SNHR) reported a Syrian government airstrike on an IDP camp near [[Deir Hassan]].<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 shelled IDP">{{cite web | title=Syrian regime shelled an IDPs camp near Deir Hassan village in Idlib, on February 19 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-20 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/20/syrian-regime-shelled-idps-camp-near-deir-hassan-village-idlib-february-19/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125159/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/20/syrian-regime-shelled-idps-camp-near-deir-hassan-village-idlib-february-19/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Rebel counteroffensive towards Saraqib begins===
On 20 February, Turkish-backed rebels launched another counteroffensive on [[Nayrab, Idlib|Nayrab]] with [[T-155 Fırtına|Turkish artillery support]].<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155453 Turkish forces and opposition factions storm Al-Nayrab amid fierce battles with regime forces], SOHR</ref> Turkish commandos were also reported to have been operating alongside rebels in the assault on the town.<ref name="MEM20022020">{{cite web | title=Two Turkish soldiers killed as Syrian rebels stage assault on Idlib's Neirab | author=Harun al-Aswad, Ragip Soylu| website=Middle East Eye | url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/two-turkish-soldiers-killed-syrian-rebels-stage-assault-idlibs-neirab | date=20 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref> Russian planes provided air support to the pro-government forces and struck positions of the advancing rebels.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Shelling on nearby towns on both the government-controlled and opposition-controlled sides of the frontline were reported, with both Russian and Turkish forces involved in air and artillery support roles respectively.<ref name="syriahr.com">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155457 Fierce battles continue in Al-Nayrab and Turkish forces shell Saraqeb and surrounding villages intensively], SOHR</ref> During the battle, rebel fighters attempted to shoot down a Russian [[Su-24]] using [[Man-portable air-defense system|MANPADS]] while also claiming to have downed two Russian [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]s with MANPADS.<ref name="The New Arab 2020 Turkey launches">{{cite web | author=The New Arab | title=Turkey launches 'limited' operation to retake Idlib towns | website=alaraby | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/2/20/turkey-launches-limited-operation-to-retake-idlib-towns | access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref><ref>[https://eurasiantimes.com/russian-su-24-bomber-almost-shot-down-by-turkish-forces-watch-now/ Russian Su-24 Bomber almost shot down], [[Eurasian Times]], 28 February 2020</ref><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-attempt-to-shoot-down-russian-aircraft-over-idlib-video/ Turkish-backed militants attempt to shoot down Russian aircraft over Idlib: video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220152125/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-attempt-to-shoot-down-russian-aircraft-over-idlib-video/ |date=20 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref> After heavy fighting,<ref name="syriahr.com"/> the rebels managed to briefly seize Nayrab. However, Russian air support allowed pro-government forces to eventually repel rebel ground elements and recapture the town.<ref>[https://apnews.com/a245ab41546b6dd77be773137da8e0c4 Turkish soldiers killed in Syria amid threats of escalation], AP, 20 February 2020</ref><ref>[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2020/Feb-20/501499-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-kill-27-fighters-monitor.ashx Clashes in Syria's Idlib kill 27 fighters: monitor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302180407/https://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2020/Feb-20/501499-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-kill-27-fighters-monitor.ashx |date=2 March 2020 }}, Daily Star Lebanon, 20 February 2020</ref>
Russian news agency [[RIA Novosti]] said that the [[Russian Ministry of Defence]] contacted Turkish forces and asked them to end artillery support to the rebels and that Turkish troops agreed to do so.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-51575995 Rusya'dan İdlib açıklaması: Ankara'yla temas kurduk, Türkiye Suriye ordusuna yönelik topçu ateşini durduruldu], BBC Turkish</ref> The [[Ministry of National Defense (Turkey)|Turkish Ministry of Defense]] confirmed that two Turkish soldiers had been killed and five wounded due to an airstrike during the assault,<ref>[https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-idlibden-aci-haber-2-sehit-5-yarali-6149365 Son dakika haberleri... İdlib'den acı haber! 2 şehit, 5 yaralı], Milliyet</ref> while also claiming the Turkish-backed rebels killed 50 Syrian government forces during the overall battle for the town.<ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-more-than-50-syrian-government-forces-killed-near-syria-s-idlib-1.8561003 Turkey Claims 'More Than 50' Syrian Forces Killed After Two Turkish Soldiers Killed in Airstrike], Ha'aretz</ref> The Russian Defence Ministry said Russian elements destroyed one tank, six armored vehicles, and five other vehicles all belonging to the rebels.<ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-destroys-10-turkish-backed-militant-vehicles-in-northern-syria/ Breaking: Russia destroys 10 Turkish-backed militant vehicles in northern Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923004747/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-destroys-10-turkish-backed-militant-vehicles-in-northern-syria/ |date=23 September 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref> As well as the two confirmed Turkish deaths,<ref name="haaretz.com 2020 Turkish casualties">{{cite web | title=Turkey suffers casualties as Syrian government continues advance on Idlib | website=haaretz.com | date=2020-02-22 | url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-suffers-casualties-as-syrian-government-continues-advance-on-idlib-1.8564747 | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> the SOHR said that about 28 rebels and 14 pro-government soldiers were killed and that some captured Syrian soldiers were beheaded by jihadist fighters.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155503 Nearly 45 regime and Turkish soldiers and rebels killed in shelling and violent battles on Al-Nayrab frontline, east of Idlib], SOHR</ref>
Before the clashes, Turkey reportedly asked the [[United States]] to deploy two [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot]] [[surface-to-air missile]] systems on the [[Syria–Turkey border]] to deter Russian forces.<ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turkey-asks-us-for-patriot-missiles-to-deter-russia-in-syria/ar-BB10cAxI Turkey Asks U.S. for Patriot Missiles to Deter Russia in Syria], MSN.com</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/20/turkey-asks-us-patriot-missiles-two-turkish-soldiers-killed/ Turkey asks US for Patriot missiles as two Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib airstrike], Telegraph</ref> However, the Russian state news agency reported that the Turkish Ministry of Defence had denied this.<ref>[https://ria.ru/20200220/1565026130.html В Турции опровергли сообщения о просьбе к США поставить ЗРК Patriot], RIA</ref> Reuters also reported on-going talks between Turkey and Russia about Syrian airspace.<ref name="Reuters 2020 airspace">{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkey, Russia discussing use of Syrian air space in Idlib: minister | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-minister-idUSKBN20E2KU | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> The same evening, Syrian government airstrikes were reported by SNHR on [[Hazarin]]—striking two schools—and nearby Ma'aret Harma, where a mosque was struck.<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 Hazarin">{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed several vital facilities in Hazarin village in Idlib, on February 20 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-22 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-several-vital-facilities-hazarin-village-idlib-february-20/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125732/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-several-vital-facilities-hazarin-village-idlib-february-20/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 Maarat Harma">{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed a mosque in Ma'aret Harma village in Idlib, on February 20 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-22 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-mosque-maaret-harma-village-idlib-february-20/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125735/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-mosque-maaret-harma-village-idlib-february-20/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 22 February, Turkey reported that a Turkish soldier was killed (the sixteenth such casualty in the month) in a bomb attack by pro-Syrian government forces, and said it retaliated by destroying 21 government targets. Turkey said it would meet with Russian and European leaders in March to discuss the situation.<ref name="haaretz.com 2020 Turkish casualties"/>
===Al-Ghab plain-Zawiya mountains assault, rebels recapture Saraqib===
The Syrian Army and allies continued their main ground advance on 23 February in the Zawiya mountains ([[Jabal Zawiya|Jabal al-Zawiya]]) and [[al-Ghab plain]] region near the southern Idlib-northwestern [[Hama Governorate|Hama]] administrative border. During operations, Syrian artillery reportedly targeted a Turkish Army column near [[Bara, Syria|Bara]] in which several Turkish soldiers and rebel fighters were injured and forced to withdraw.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155680 Regime artillery fire injures many Turkish soldiers in Jabal Al-Zawiya forcing Turkish troops to retreat], SOHR</ref>
On 24 February, the Syrian Army reported advances in southern Idlib, capturing the towns of al-Naqayar, Araynabiyah, and Sitouh Al-Dayr, south of [[Kafrsajna]], along with nearby Ma'ar Taseen, Jabla and [[Maar Tamater]], as rebels retreated westwards.<ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-southeast-idlib-as-jihadists-retreat-west/ Syrian Army seizes 3 more towns in southeast Idlib as jihadists retreat west] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224131223/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-southeast-idlib-as-jihadists-retreat-west/ |date=24 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-defenses-collapse-in-southern-idlib-as-syrian-army-advances-across-jabal-al-zawiya/ Jihadist defenses collapse in southern Idlib as Syrian Army advances across Jabal Al-Zawiya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225021104/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-defenses-collapse-in-southern-idlib-as-syrian-army-advances-across-jabal-al-zawiya/ |date=25 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref> There were reports of ten Turkish soldiers killed and wounded by Russian and Syrian jet strikes on the Turkish post in [[Kansafra]]. According to the SOHR, several Turkish vehicles were destroyed and damaged as well.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155734 Regime and Russian jets target Turkish post south of Idlib, killing and injuring ten soldiers], SOHR</ref><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-turkish-soldiers-allegedly-killed-in-new-syrian-russian-air-attack-in-idlib/ Several Turkish soldiers allegedly killed in new Syrian-Russian air attack in Idlib] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224131225/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-turkish-soldiers-allegedly-killed-in-new-syrian-russian-air-attack-in-idlib/ |date=24 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref> Turkish forces responded with rocket shelling on government positions.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155726 Turkish troops respond to regime aerial bombardment on Turkish post in Kansafra, while Russian raids kill five civilians in Jabal Al-Zawiya], SOHR</ref> Meanwhile, Turkish-backed rebels continued their push towards Saraqib. SOHR and al-Masdar reported that National Front for Liberation and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces, backed by the Turkish military, recaptured Nayrab from the SAA after eight hours and three waves of attacks<ref name="al-Masdar Nairab 24 Feb">[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-retake-key-town-in-eastern-idlib-after-costly-battle/ Turkish-backed militants retake key town in eastern Idlib after costly battle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225021106/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-retake-key-town-in-eastern-idlib-after-costly-battle/ |date=25 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar</ref><ref name="SOHR Nairab 24 Feb">{{cite web |title=Factions control Neirab town, nine members of the regime forces were killed in Turkish ground shelling on rural Idlib, and 37 dead of the regime forces and the factions in Neirab town |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155803 |website=SOHR |date = 24 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> while Turkish sources attributed the recapture to NFL, saying that the Iranian-backed militias and government forces defending the town took "many" casualties.<ref name="Anadolu Ajansı 2020 Nairab">{{cite web | title=Moderate opposition takes key village in northern Syria | website=Anadolu Ajansı | date=2020-02-24 | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/moderate-opposition-takes-key-village-in-northern-syria/1743744 | access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref> SOHR said that 11 government and loyalist militia fighters and 26 rebels were killed, while al-Masdar claimed 150 rebels were killed.<ref name="SOHR Nairab 24 Feb"/><ref name="al-Masdar Nairab 24 Feb"/>
On 25 February, pro-government forces captured [[Kafr Nabl]], a symbolically important stronghold for the Syrian opposition,<ref name="Salahi 2020 iconic">{{cite web | last=Salahi | first=Amr | title=Kafranbel: Iconic revolutionary town falls to the Assad regime | website=alaraby | date=2020-02-26 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/2/26/kafranbel-iconic-revolutionary-town-falls-to-the-assad-regime | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> while SOHR reported that the Syrian army also took control of [[Sheikh Dames]] and [[Sheikh Mustafa, Idlib|Sheikh Mustafa]].<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155781 Over 15 areas fall to regime forces in south Idlib countryside in less than 36 hours, and 16 regime soldiers, rebels and jihaids killed in Al-Nayrab battles], SOHR</ref> In turn, rebel fighters reportedly recaptured the villages of [[San, Idlib|San]] and Ma'arat Alia west of Saraqib.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155791 Backed by intensive Turkish firepower, rebels advance from Al-Nayrab and capture new area west of saraqeb], SOHR</ref> Syrian and Turkish clashes continued as Syrian warplanes targeted Turkish forces in Taftanaz Military Airbase northeast of Idlib city, with no reports of casualties.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155777 Syrian regime jets target Turkish troops at Taftanaz military airport northeast of Idlib, and rocket attacks on Idilb leave four people dead], SOHR</ref> A Turkish [[TAI Anka|Anka-S drone]] was also shot down in Dadekh, east of Idlib;<ref name="Karnozov 2020"/> SANA reported the aircraft infiltrated Syrian airspace and was intercepted.<ref>[https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html Agency: the Syrian army shot down a Turkish plane marching over Idlib … video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311103302/https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html |date=11 March 2020 }}, MBS</ref> SNHR reported 25 civilians killed by government forces and its allies,<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 25 Feb">{{cite web | title=February 25, 2020, 25 civilians killed in Syria | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-26 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/february-25-2020-25-civilians-killed-syria/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=8 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608150729/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/february-25-2020-25-civilians-killed-syria/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> and 185 civilians were reportedly injured as airstrikes targeted eight schools and two nurseries in rebel-held areas throughout Idlib Governorate while two MSF hospitals in Idlib city and [[Maarrat Misrin]] sustained damage.<ref name="the Guardian 2020 schools">{{cite web | title=Syria: footage shows rescue mission after airstrikes target schools in Idlib – video | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/feb/27/syria-footage-shows-rescue-mission-after-airstrikes-target-schools-in-idlib-video | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/overwhelmed-doctors-syria-idlib-russia-1489515 'WE ARE OVERWHELMED': DOCTORS IN SYRIA'S IDLIB ARE 'POWERLESS' IN THE FACE OF RUSSIAN-BACKED OFFENSIVE, MSF SAYS], Newsweek, 27 February 2020</ref><ref name="MSF UK 2020 Mareet Misirin">{{cite web | title=Syria: Indiscriminate attacks on civilians must stop | website=MSF UK | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.msf.org.uk/article/syria-indiscriminate-attacks-civilians-must-stop | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 2020 nurseries">{{cite web | title=Fresh Syria strikes 'target schools and hospitals' | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-25 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51638381 | access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref>
On 26 February, Syrian government forces were reported to have captured 33 towns and villages in Idlib and Hama in the previous 60 hours, while a SOHR report said that a Turkish military column on the Bara–Kansafra road was targeted by government rockets, leaving a vehicle destroyed.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155825 Regime forces target Turkish military column in Jabal Al-Zawiyah destroying at least one vehicle], SOHR</ref> Two Turkish soldiers were killed, according to the Turkish foreign ministry.<ref>[https://ahvalnews.com/idlib/two-turkish-troops-killed-state-media-intensifies-attack-russia Two Turkish troops killed as state media intensifies attack on Russia], Ahval News</ref> SNHR reported that government artillery struck a hospital in Idlib city,<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 Idlib hospital">{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed a hospital in Idlib city, on February 26 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/27/syrian-regime-bombed-hospital-idlib-city-february-26/ | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and that a total of 126 civilians had been killed by Russian and government forces in the 44 days since the end of the ceasefire on 12 January.<ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 44 days">{{cite web | title=Toll of civilian victims killed by Syrian- Russian alliance in northwest Syria during 44 days | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-26 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/toll-civilian-victims-killed-syrian-russian-alliance-northwest-syria-44-days/ | language=la | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
While government forces made territorial gains in southern Idlib and northern Hama, opposition factions with support from Turkish elements had counterattacked on a separate front towards [[Saraqib]] and, on the dawn of 27 February, fully recaptured the strategic city and cut the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway once again.<ref name="al-Khateb">{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-south-idlib-regime-advances-rebels-lose-russia-turkey.html | date=27 February 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish forces and proxy factions capture Saraqeb city, cutting off Damascus-Aleppo international highway |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155889 |website=SOHR |date = 27 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> The counterattack also lifted the encirclement of the four Turkish observation posts established around the city's perimeter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Turkish forces break siege imposed on military posts in Saraqeb, while regime forces advance further into Sahl Al-Ghab |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155907 |website=SOHR |date = 27 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> Frontlines continued to shift as the Syrian army's southern Idlib assault continued; pro-government forces captured 20 additional villages in the al-Ghab plain and Zawiya mountain region, establishing control over southern al-Ghab and regaining control of the entirety of Hama Governorate.<ref name="McKernan 2020 retake key town">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Syrian rebels retake key town in Idlib from Assad forces | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/syrian-rebels-retake-key-town-idlib-from-assad-forces-saraqeb | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155987 Regime forces advance further in Sahl Al-Ghab and ten villages separate them from having full control over Hama province, and rebels carry out new offensive far east of Idlib backed by Turkish firepower], SOHR</ref>
===Operation Spring Shield===
{{Main|Operation Spring Shield|2020 Balyun airstrikes}}
On 27 February, in a major escalation, at around 5:00&nbsp;p.m. local, [[2020 Balyun airstrikes|pro-government airstrikes]] targeted a Turkish mechanized infantry battalion, composed of about 400 soldiers, near a post in [[Balyun]] in the Zawiya mountains,<ref name="Gurcan deciphering">{{cite web | last=Gurcan | first=Metin | title=Deciphering Turkey's darkest night in Syria | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-deciphering-attack-on-turkish-troops.html | date=28 February 2020| access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> leaving at least 34 soldiers killed and others wounded, some seriously.<ref name="Der Spiegel turkish dead"/><ref name="MSN Turkish dead"/><ref name="CNN Tuysuz Sariyuce 2020">{{cite web | last1=Tuysuz | first1=Gul | last2=Sariyuce | first2=Isil | title=At least 33 Turkish soldiers killed in an air attack by Syrian regime, Turkish governor says | website=CNN | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/middleeast/turkish-soldiers-killed-syria/index.html | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref name="Reuters 2020 33 killed">{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Attack in Syria's Idlib killed 33 Turkish soldiers: Hatay governor | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-military-attack-idUSKCN20M030 | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> Other Turkish and rebel sources indicated 55 to 70 Turkish soldiers killed,<ref name="Der Spiegel turkish dead">[https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/idlib-tuerkische-soldaten-sterben-durch-luftangriffe-in-syrien-a-f42bf8b4-e061-4a7c-a697-7fc97fe37c3a Turkish soldiers die from airstrikes in Idlib], Der Spiegel</ref><ref name="MSN Turkish dead">[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kz Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229213920/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kz |date=29 February 2020 }}, The Guardian/MSN</ref> with some local reports as high as 100.<ref>Simon Tisdall, [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad? Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria], Guardian Comment</ref> Several military vehicles were also reported destroyed.<ref name="BBC News 2020 alarm after"/><ref>[https://www.arabnews.com/node/1634221/middle-east At least 34 Turkish soldiers killed during airstrikes in Idlib], Arab News</ref> While sources in Idlib and unverified footage of the strike suggested it had been conducted by the Russian air force, Russia denied responsibility and Turkey's leadership nevertheless held Syrian government forces responsible.<ref name="tisdallbrink">{{cite web | last=Tisdall | first=Simon | title=Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria | website=The Guardian | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad | access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref><ref name="McKernan 2020 dozens killed">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria | website=The Guardian | date=2020-02-28 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria-reports-say | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref name="Gurcan deciphering"/><ref name="Ministry 2020">{{cite web | title=The Strike: Did Russia Knowingly Target Turkish Troops? | website=POLYGRAPH.info | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.polygraph.info/a/turkey-russia-syria-fact-check/30460458.html | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> Meanwhile, Reuters cited witnesses as saying the government resumed airstrikes on residential areas of Idlib city the same evening.<ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 regain pivotal">{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Battle rages over strategic Syrian town of Saraqeb as humanitarian catastrophe unfolds | website=U.K. | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib-idUKKCN20L0GW | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227143843/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib-idUKKCN20L0GW | url-status=dead | archive-date=27 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref>
On 28 February, Turkey said it retaliated for the Balyun strikes by striking 200 Syrian government targets and "neutralizing" 309 soldiers in a dedicated operation throughout Greater Idlib.<ref name="BBC News 2020 alarm after">{{cite web | title=Alarm after Syrian attack kills Turkish soldiers | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51667717 | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> Turkish drone and artillery strikes on Syrian army positions in the east and south of the governorate were reported to have targeted helicopters, tanks, armoured vehicles, howitzers, ammunition trucks and ammunition depots.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Turkey Strikes Back And Calls For No-Fly-Zone After Its Troops Die In Syria Airstrikes (Updated) |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32394/turkey-strikes-back-and-calls-for-no-fly-zone-after-its-troops-die-in-syria-airstrikes |website=The Drive |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> In contrast to Turkish numbers, the SOHR reported that 34 Syrian soldiers and 14 Hezbollah fighters (10 Lebanese nationals and four of other nationalities, including at least one Iranian) and an officer of the IRGC were killed by the Turkish counterattack. Hezbollah later confirmed eight of the deaths, including an Iranian cleric identified as Sayyed Ali Zengani, while pro-government media also reported Hezbollah deaths.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156015/|title=Regime and Turkish forces exchange fire, while Russian airstrikes renew on Aleppo and Idlib • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="مقتل 26 عنصرا من قوات النظام في قصف">{{cite web |title=مقتل 26 عنصرا من قوات النظام في قصف طائرات مسيرة تركية.. وارتفاع عدد قتلى قوات النظام والموالين لها إلى 74 في أقل من 48 ساعة |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366157 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="خلال 24 ساعة.. القصف البري والجوي ا">{{cite web |title=خلال 24 ساعة.. القصف البري والجوي التركي يقتل نحو 50 عنصراً وضابطاً من "قوات النظام" في إدلب وحلب ويدمر 13 آلية عسكرية |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366034 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="AP NEWS 2020 Hezbollah">{{cite web | title=Eight fighters with Lebanon's Hezbollah killed in Syria | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-29 | url=https://apnews.com/21190f4721ee413268a0bd7bdb49353f | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="AMN - Al-Masdar News &#124; المصدر نيوز 2020">{{cite web | title=Turkish airstrike hits Syrian military, Hezbollah positions in Aleppo | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News &#124; المصدر نيوز | date=2020-02-29 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-airstrike-hits-syrian-military-hezbollah-positions-in-aleppo/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=29 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229113804/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-airstrike-hits-syrian-military-hezbollah-positions-in-aleppo/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 weekend"/> Iranian media also reported the deaths of 21 members of [[Liwa Fatemiyoun]] and [[Liwa Zainebiyoun]] brigades—Afghan and Pakistani Shiite forces supported by Iran—in the Turkish operation.<ref name="Azizi Iran">{{cite web | last=Azizi | first=Hamidreza | title=Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/iran-confrontation-turkey-idlib-syria.html | date=4 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Turkish forces also bombed defense and scientific research laboratories in the [[as-Safira]] area of the eastern Aleppo countryside with SAMs<ref>{{cite web |title=45 قتيلا من قوات النظام بقصف طائرات مسيرة وحربية وقصف مدفعي تركي.. وصواريخ أرض-أرض تستهدف ريف حلب |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366030 |website=SOHR |date = 28 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> and claimed to have targeted the [[Kuweires Military Aviation Institute|Kuweires]] and [[Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase|Abu al-Duhur]] military airbases in Aleppo Governorate.<ref>{{cite web |title=5 helikopter, 1 Pantsir hava savunma sistemi... Rejimin hava üssü yerle bir edildi |url=https://www.star.com.tr/savunma/rejimin-hava-ussu-yerle-bir-edildi-haber-1518907/ |website=Star |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> Russian media reported Turkish ground troops using MANPADS while attempting to shoot down Russian and Syrian warplanes.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 turkish soldiers">{{cite web | title=33 Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/turkish-soldiers-killed-air-raid-syria-idlib-200227211119672.html | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 regain pivotal"/> Overnight retaliatory Syrian government attacks killed a Turkish soldier and injured six more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/amp/45-قتيلا-من-قوات-النظام-بقصف-طائرات-مسير/366030/|title=45 قتيلا من قوات النظام بقصف طائرات مسيرة وحربية وقصف مدفعي تركي.. وصواريخ أرض-أرض تستهدف ريف حلب|date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
Amid the sudden escalation, the United States expressed support for Turkey and [[NATO]] Secretary General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] told media following the [[North Atlantic Council]] meeting—requested by Turkey to hold consultations under Article 4 of NATO's founding [[North Atlantic Treaty|Washington Treaty]]—that NATO continued to support Turkey with a range of measures, "including by augmenting its air defences".<ref name="stoltennatoremarks">{{cite web | title=Press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the North Atlantic Council meeting at Turkey's request for Article 4 consultations on the situation in Syria | website= nato.int | url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_173931.htm |date=28 February 2020}}</ref> Stoltenberg also urged Russia and the Syrian government "to stop the indiscriminate air attacks" and to engage with UN-led peace efforts, while the UN expressed concern at the developments.<ref name="BBC News 2020 alarm after"/><ref name="stoltennatoremarks" /> Turkey further escalated regional tensions when it threatened to [[European migrant crisis#EU-Turkey refugee return agreement|open its borders with Europe to allow Syrian refugees to leave]], prompting [[Greece]] and [[Bulgaria]] to tighten border security.<ref name="Bloomberg 2020 refugees">{{cite news | title=Turkey Threatens to 'Loosen' Refugee Stance: Syria Update |author1=Firat Kozok |author2=Taylan Bilgic |author3=Stepan Kravchenko |newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-28/turkey-disputes-russian-account-of-deadly-strike-syria-update | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-tightens-control-on-turkey-border-to-prevent-migrant-inflow/30460012.html|title=Bulgaria Tightens Control On Turkey Border To Prevent Migrant Inflow|date=28 February 2020|work=[[Radio Free Europe]]|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> The [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|UN Secretary-General]] called for an immediate ceasefire and was backed by 13 [[UN Security Council]] members, but Russia and [[China]] vetoed the measure.<ref name="AP NEWS 2020 UN Chief">{{cite web | title=UN chief urges Syria cease-fire but Russia and China oppose | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://apnews.com/894f82404c257d8cf6c6d2da8485f3b4 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Russia stepped up naval and airborne deliveries to Syria, concerned that Turkey might shut the [[Bosporus]] to Russian shipping and Turkish airspace to Russian supply flights.<ref name="Tsvetkova 2020 Russian supply">{{cite web | last=Tsvetkova | first=Maria | title=Russia reinforces Syria before Putin-Erdogan talks – flight and shipping data | website=Reuters. | date=2020-03-04 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-russia-idUSKBN20R2QP | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref>
On 29 February, Turkish-backed rebels recaptured several villages in al-Ghab plain, reversing recent government gains.<ref>{{cite web |title=معارك كر وفر في جبل الزاوية وسهل الغاب.. وشهداء وجرحى في قصف بري على ريف إدلب |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366291 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, according to SOHR, the number of Syrian army soldiers killed by the Turkish retaliation in the past 48 hours rose to 74. In addition, at least eight more Hezbollah fighters were killed on 29 February.<ref name="مقتل 26 عنصرا من قوات النظام في قصف"/><ref name="خلال 24 ساعة.. القصف البري والجوي ا"/><ref name="AP NEWS 2020 Hezbollah"/>
By the end of February, Reuters put the total figure of Turkish soldiers killed at 55.<ref name="Editorial 2020 downed">{{cite web | title=Syrian government plane downed in Idlib: Turkey's Anadolu agency| date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-airplane-govern-idUSKBN20O1K5 | website=Reuters | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref>
====No-fly zone in Idlib and battle for Saraqib====
On 1 March, Turkey's defence minister Hulusi Akar announced the continuation of Operation Spring Shield, which was launched on 27 February.<ref>[https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-launches-military-operation-against-syrian-regime-defense-minister-152574 Turkey launches military operation against Syrian regime, defense minister says], Hurriyet Daily News</ref><ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes">{{cite web | last=Kucukgocmen | first=Ali | title=Turkey strikes Syrian planes and airports, escalating Idlib fight | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20O1KP | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301141058/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20O1KP | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Turkish F-16Cs shot down two Syrian [[Sukhoi Su-24#Operators|Su-24M2]] jets in the western Idlib countryside;<ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes"/><ref name="Karnozov 2020"/><ref name="Roblin 2020">{{cite web | last=Roblin | first=Sebastien | title=Turkish Drones and Artillery Are Devastating Assad's Forces In Idlib Province-Here's Why | website=Forbes | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2020/03/02/idlib-onslaught-turkish-drones-artillery-and-f-16s-just-destroyed-over-100-armored-vehicles-in-syria-and-downed-two-jets/ | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> Syrian state-run media said that both pilots parachuted and survived.<ref name="Alsaafin 2020 parachutes">{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=Turkey shoots down two Syrian fighter jets over Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/syria-closes-airspace-idlib-plane-shot-200301094353040.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> On the same day, according to Turkey's state-owned [[Anadolu Agency]], Turkish forces targeted the Nayrab military airport and allegedly rendered it unusable.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/01/world/middleeast/01reuters-syria-security-turkey-airport.html?searchResultPosition=6 Turkish Military Strikes Airport in Syria's Aleppo: Anadolu], NY Times</ref> With increased Turkish operations, front line ground momentum in the southern Idlib countryside shifted in favor of the Syrian opposition. Pro-government media reported that rebel forces supported by Turkish elements retook the town of al-Amiqiyah with the aim of reversing government gains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-capture-town-in-southwest-idlib/|title=Turkish-backed militants capture town in southwest Idlib|first=News|last=Desk|date=1 March 2020|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301141047/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-capture-town-in-southwest-idlib/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pro-opposition sources said Turkish-backed rebels captured a further seven towns on the Zawiya mountain front<ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 19 killed">{{cite web | title=19 Soldiers Killed in Turkish Drone Strikes, Opposition Forces Take 7 Towns | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56408/19-soldiers-killed-in-turkish-drone-strikes-opposition-forces-take-7-towns.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> while Turkish media reported that nine villages were recaptured by the Syrian National Army in the first 24 hours of the new phase of the operation, naming Anqawi, [[Al-Qahira, Syria|al-Qahira]], Al-Manara and Tal Zajran villages in the Hama countryside and Al-Halluba, [[Qoqfin]], Kafr Avid, Sfuhan and Fattara in southern Idlib, destroying at least three SAA tanks and killing at least 46 government soldiers.<ref name="Services 2020 recaptures">{{cite web | title=Syrian opposition recaptures 9 villages from Assad regime in Idlib | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/syrian-crisis/syrian-opposition-recaptures-9-villages-from-assad-regime-in-idlib | access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref>
Reportedly dozens of Turkish ANKA-S and [[Bayraktar-TB2]] drones attacked government targets, and destroyed<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/3/battle-for-idlib-turkeys-drones-and-a-new-way-of-war|title=Battle for Idlib: Turkey's drones and a new way of war|first=Alex|last=Gatopoulos|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> several Russian-made air defence systems; and according to Turkey, targets included chemical weapons depots, although SOHR rejected that claim.<ref name="Bloomberg 2020 killer drones">{{cite news | title=Turkey's Killer Drone Swarm Poses Syria Air Challenge to Putin | author=Selcan Hacaoglu | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-01/turkey-s-killer-drone-swarm-poses-syria-air-challenge-to-putin | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 weekend">{{cite web | title=What Happened Over the Weekend | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56394/what-happened-over-the-weekend-63.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Beast 2020 Amid">{{cite news | title=Amid Escalating Syrian Carnage, Turkey Shoots Down Assad's Planes | website=The Daily Beast | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/refugees-turkey-the-eu-assad-russia-the-us-amid-syrian-carnage-everybodys-back-is-to-the-wall | access-date=2020-03-05| last1=Hodge | first1=Jeremy }}</ref><ref name="Karnozov 2020"/> In response, Syria said it had shot down three Turkish drones.<ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes"/> Images on social media showed a Turkish [[TAI Anka]] drone shot down by [[Syrian Air Defense Force|Syrian Air Defenses]],<ref>[https://theaviationist.com/2020/03/01/two-syrian-su-24-fencer-jets-and-a-turkish-drone-shot-down-over-idlib-region-syria/ Two Syrian Su-24 Fencer Jets And A Turkish Drone Shot Down Over Idlib Region, Syria], The Aviationist</ref> and Turkey confirmed one drone was hit.<ref name="Bloomberg 2020 killer drones"/>  On the same day, Syria said it was closing its northwestern airspace and warned it would target any hostile aircraft.<ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes"/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200302012829/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/01/c_138832740.htm Syrian army imposes no-fly zone over Idlib], Xinhua agency</ref> The Chief of the [[Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria]] said that the Russian task force in Syria could not guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft's flights over Syria.<ref>[https://tass.com/defense/1125381 Russia cannot guarantee safety of Turkish aircraft’s flights over Syria], TASS</ref>
Despite this, Turkey claimed to have attacked Nayrab airport, west of Aleppo city, and bombed Kuweires airport, east of Nayrab, "marking a significant expansion of Ankara's targets", according to Reuters.<ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes"/><ref name="Alsaafin 2020 parachutes"/><ref name="France 24 2020 airport">{{cite web | title=Turkey targets Syrian planes, airports in escalating Idlib fight | website=France 24 | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200302-turkey-targets-syrian-planes-airports-in-escalating-idlib-fight | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> SOHR reported 19 pro-government fighters were killed in strikes on a military convoy in the Zawiya mountain area and a base near Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.<ref name="France 24 2020 drone">{{cite web | title=Several Syrian soldiers killed in Turkish drone strikes, war monitor says | website=France 24 | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200301-turkey-continues-military-operation-against-syria-syria-says-2-warplanes-downed | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> Turkey claimed that 2,212 pro-government combatants had been "neutralized", i.e. killed, wounded or captured, since the resumption of Operation Spring Shield, while SOHR said that 74 Syrian army troops and pro-government fighters had been killed since 27 February; other monitors put the figure at around 150.<ref name="Kucukgocmen 2020 Turkey strikes"/><ref name="Chulov 2020 jets">{{cite web | last=Chulov | first=Martin | title=Turkey downs two Syrian fighter jets as it intensifies Idlib attacks | website=the Guardian | date=2020-03-01 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/turkey-destroys-syrian-army-targets-says-defence-minister | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Roblin 2020"/>
Meanwhile, in [[Beirut]], thousands of mourners attended the burial of five of the Hezbollah fighters killed in Idlib on 28 February<ref name="AP NEWS 2020 mourners">{{cite web | title=Thousands bury Hezbollah fighters killed in Syria's Idlib | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://apnews.com/ff901586325b714206e51ce06f99ae0a | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="The National Hezbollah">{{cite web | title=Hezbollah deaths highlight the group's active role in north-west Syria | author=Lizzie Porter|website=The National | url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/hezbollah-deaths-highlight-the-group-s-active-role-in-north-west-syria-1.987137 | date=2 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> while pro-government sources reported that Hezbollah was reinforcing Syrian troops on the Saraqib front and was reportedly approaching Nayrab.<ref name="AMN - Al-Masdar News Saraqib المصدر نيوز 2020">{{cite web | title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah score new advance in Saraqib after resuming operation | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News &#124; المصدر نيوز | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-score-new-advance-in-saraqib-after-resuming-operation/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=2 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302131711/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-score-new-advance-in-saraqib-after-resuming-operation/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="AMN - Al-Masdar News Nayrib المصدر نيوز 2020">{{cite web | title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah crack militant lines to seize several towns in east Idlib | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News &#124; المصدر نيوز | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-crack-militant-lines-to-seize-several-towns-in-east-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=2 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302131626/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-crack-militant-lines-to-seize-several-towns-in-east-idlib/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Asharq AL-awsat 2020 Saraqeb">{{cite web | title=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2158736/syria-regime-forces-re-enter-saraqeb | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref><ref name="Roblin 2020"/>
On 2 March, opposition factions continued their counterattack in the strategically important al-Ghab-Zawiya mountain front while government forces simultaneously counterattacked on the Saraqib front further north; SOHR and the Syrian government reported that, backed by continued Russian air strikes, the SAA had recaptured parts of Saraqib.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2020 Saraqeb">{{cite web | title=Syrian troops retake key northwestern town from rebel forces | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-02/syrian-troops-retake-key-northwestern-town-from-rebel-forces | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Christou Hamou 2020 Turkey">{{cite web | last1=Christou | first1=Will | last2=Hamou | first2=Ammar | title=Turkey and Syria go to war in Idlib as Russia and NATO watch | website=Syria Direct | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://syriadirect.org/news/turkey-and-syria-go-to-war-in-idlib-as-russia-and-nato-watch-2/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=28 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328215853/https://syriadirect.org/news/turkey-and-syria-go-to-war-in-idlib-as-russia-and-nato-watch-2/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156173 Opposition factions capture more areas in south Idlib as regime forces advance into Saraqeb], SOHR</ref> In the late afternoon, Russia's Reconciliation Centre in Syria announced that Russian [[Military Police (Russia)|Military Police]] had been deployed to Saraqib<ref name="Suchkov">{{cite web | last=Suchkov | first=Maxim A. | title=Intel: What is Russia's next move after Turkish attack on Syrian forces? | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/intel-russia-turkey-syria-next-move-saraqeb.html | date=2 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> while the SNA claimed that Russian regular forces and mercenaries were part of the operation in the eastern part of the town.<ref name="Petkova 2020 drones">{{cite web | last=Petkova | first=Mariya | title=Turkish drones – a 'game changer' in Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/turkish-drones-game-changer-idlib-200302182621318.html | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> Russia claimed the military police's task was to establish effectively a [[humanitarian corridor]] for civilians by securing safe passage of vehicles and civilians traveling along the M4 and M5 highways; this was notable since Russia had reduced its overall activities in Syria (apart from defending its own assets) after Erdogan and Vladimir Putin contacted each other on 28 February.<ref name="AP NEWS 2020 broker truce">{{cite web | title=Turkey's Erdogan hopes to broker Syria truce in Moscow | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://apnews.com/75cfdf548c889c4d946027eda1e23fdb | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> However, opposition sources told Reuters that clashes continued in western parts of the town and the SNA said it had prevented Russian Military Police from entering; SOHR said rebels were trying to regain control while [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] reported that rebels were in control of the western part of the city while government control was limited to the eastern (industrial) zone.<ref name="Coskun 2020 strategic town">{{cite web | last=Coskun | first=Orhan | title=Syrian government forces re-enter strategic town, Turkey vows to keep up strikes | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20P16Q | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303010226/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20P16Q | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Alsaafin 2020 Saraqeb">{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=Saraqeb situation fluid as Syrian gov't, rebel groups fight on | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/saraqeb-situation-flux-syrian-forces-rebel-groups-battle-200302182528360.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Kafranbel"/><ref name="Services 2020 Saraqeb">{{cite web | title=Russia announces deployment of military police in Saraqib amid clashes | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/syrian-crisis/russian-military-police-enter-key-syrian-town-of-saraqeb-as-idlib-tensions-increase | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref>
The same day, SOHR and Al-Masdar reported that the Syrian Army launched a counterattack against the rebel advance in southern Idlib, recapturing the town of [[Hazarin]] and several other locations in the Zawiya mountains, which overlooks the M4 highway,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366595|title=قوات النظام تواصل هجماتها المضادة على حساب الفصائل والجهاديين بريفي إدلب وحماة.. وعشرات القتلى من الطرفين خلال اليوم|date=2 March 2020|website=[[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]]|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-turns-the-table-in-southern-idlib-retakes-ground-in-jabal-al-zawiya/|title=Syrian Army turns the table in southern Idlib, retakes ground in Jabal Al-Zawiya|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-02|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302153312/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-turns-the-table-in-southern-idlib-retakes-ground-in-jabal-al-zawiya/|url-status=dead}}</ref> but Turkish sources said the towns were captured by the SNA from government troops and Iranian-backed militias and that fighting continued in Saraqib.<ref name="Agency 2020 diplomatic solution">{{cite web | last=Agency | first=Anadolu | title=Search for diplomatic solution resumes as Turkey-Syrian regime tension escalates | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/search-for-diplomatic-solution-resumes-as-turkey-syrian-regime-tension-escalates/news | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref>[https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/moderate-opposition-controls-zawiya-mountain-in-syria-3513116 Moderate opposition controls Zawiya Mountain in Syria], ''Yenis Safak'', 2 March 2020</ref> Heavy fighting involving the SNA and pro-government forces was also reported in Kafr Nabl.<ref name="AP NEWS 2020 broker truce"/><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Kafranbel">{{cite web | title=The Opposition at the Gates of Kafranbel and Heavy Clashes in Saraqeb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56427/the-opposition-at-the-gates-of-kafranbel-and-heavy-clashes-in-saraqeb.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Petkova 2020 drones"/> Turkish sources reported that three more villages were retaken by the opposition in Idlib, making a total of 12 in the Turkish-backed offensive.<ref name="Turkey: 12 villages in Idlib reclaimed from regime forces 2020">{{cite web | title=Turkey: 12 villages in Idlib reclaimed from regime forces | website=TRTWorld | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.trtworld.com/video/newsfeed/turkey-12-villages-in-idlib-reclaimed-from-regime-forces/5e5d43056c3540001591dd1a | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> The SOHR reported fatalities in the ranks of Turkish soldiers as a result of Syrian government shelling on Turkish positions in Sarmin. Ambulances were reported to have been moving towards the [[Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing]].<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156236 Regime forces renew counter-attacks in Idlib and Hama, and dozens of fatalities among rebels and regime forces], SOHR</ref> A [[Bulgaria]]n defense blog BulgarianMilitary.com, citing Israeli and Russian online sources, reported that a Turkish rejection of an Iranian demand to cease operations in Syria led to Iranian-backed forces on the front lines launching a ballistic missile at Turkish troops on the country's border, which was destroyed by Turkish air defenses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/03/02/iranian-backed-forces-launched-a-missile-strike-on-turkish-troops-on-syria/|title=Iranian-backed forces launched a missile strike on Turkish troops on Syria|date=2020-03-02|language=en-US|website=BulgarianMilitary.comaccess-date=2020-03-02}}</ref> Turkish forces also asserted that the missile had been intercepted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uawire.org/pro-iranian-militants-fire-ballistic-missile-at-turkish-troops-in-syria|title=Pro-Iranian militants fire ballistic missile at Turkish troops in Syria|date=2 March 2020|website=UAWire}}</ref> Meanwhile, the U.S. government continued to express some support for Turkey, saying it would provide ammunition and aid and was examining a request for air defenses.<ref name="The New York Times 2020 increase flow">{{cite web | title=U.S. Says May Increase Flow of Humanitarian Aid to Syria | website=The New York Times | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/02/world/europe/02reuters-syria-security-usa-aid.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref><ref name="Gumrukcu 2020 willing">{{cite web | last=Gumrukcu | first=Tuvan | title=U.S. willing to give Turkey ammunition for Syria's Idlib | website=U.S. | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKBN20Q1WZ | access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref>
On 3 March, Syrian forces launched artillery strikes on Turkish forces located at Taftanaz airport, killing one Turkish soldier and leaving three wounded, according to the SOHR.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366756 Dead and wounded in the ranks of the Turkish forces with artillery shelling of the regime forces in Idlib countryside (''In Arabic'')], SOHR</ref> A Turkish fighter jet downed a Syrian [[Aero L-39 Albatros]] over Idlib; the pilot of the aircraft managed to eject and Syrian Army units immediately began a ground search to rescue him.<ref name="France 24 2020 pilot"/><ref name="Karnozov 2020"/> Rebel forces stated that they had found the pilot's dead body,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366802|title=بعد إسقاط تركيا لطائرته.. الفصائل تعثر على جثة الطيار في منطقة جبل الزاوية|date=3 March 2020|website=SOHR|language=ar}}</ref> while the Syrian Army later stated that they had recovered the pilot in good health after conducting a [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]] operation 2 kilometers behind rebel lines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-went-behind-enemy-lines-to-save-pilot-in-idlib/|title=Syrian Army went behind enemy lines to save pilot in Idlib|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-03|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303170928/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-went-behind-enemy-lines-to-save-pilot-in-idlib/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In turn, SANA released footage of a crashed Turkish [[Bayraktar TB2|Bayraktar drone]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/item.php?id=22488|title=Lostarmour ID: 22488|website=lostarmour.info}}</ref> that they said had been shot down that day by government forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1126131|title=Syrian Army takes down Turkish drone in Idlib|website=TASS|access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref>
On the ground, the Syrian Army secured Saraqib<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200302-syria-army-retakes-saraqib-city-in-idlib-from-opposition/|title=Syria army retakes Saraqib city in Idlib from opposition|date=2 March 2020|website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/75cfdf548c889c4d946027eda1e23fdb|title=Turkey's Erdogan hopes to broker Syria truce in Moscow|date=2 March 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref> and captured several surrounding villages after pushing back rebel forces that were being supported by Turkish artillery and air power. The previous day's clashes led to the deaths of 75 rebel and 40 pro-government fighters, according to SOHR and Al-Masdar, while Turkish airstrikes on government targets had reduced significantly amidst a further government advance toward the town of [[Tell Afis|Afis]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156267|title=115 regime soldiers, rebels and jihadists killed in 24 hours, while regime forces recapture Saraqeb and surrounding villages|date=3 March 2020|website=SOHR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-eastern-idlib-after-seizing-saraqib-city/|title=Syrian Army attempts to advance in eastern Idlib after seizing Saraqib city|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-03|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130081107/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-eastern-idlib-after-seizing-saraqib-city/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkish sources, however, reported continued fighting on the M4/M5 intersection near Saraqib.<ref name="Middle East Monitor 2020 Jabal al-Zawiya">{{cite web | title=Syria opposition recapture Jabal Al-Zawiya in Idlib | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200303-syria-opposition-recapture-jabal-al-zawiya-in-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> Turkish sources also reported opposition advances in the Zawiya mountains.<ref name="Middle East Monitor 2020 Jabal al-Zawiya"/> BulgarianMilitary.com cited pro-government social media reports of a Turkish attack on Syrian Army positions in retaliation for pro-government forces bombing Turkish positions in rebel-held al-Tarnaba and [[al-Mastumah]] near Nayrab, west of Saraqib, with over 60 missiles, including [[OTR-21 Tochka|OTR-21 Tochka TBMs]].<ref name="bulgarian">{{Cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/03/03/syrian-large-scale-missile-attack-on-a-group-of-turkish-soldiers/|title=Syrian large-scale missile attack on a group of Turkish soldiers|date=2020-03-03|language=en-US|website=BulgarianMilitary.com|access-date=2020-03-03}}</ref> According to SOHR, four Turkish soldiers were killed and seven wounded,<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156343 Turkish forces resume bombarding regime positions, while regime forces attempt to advance further northwest of Saraqeb], SOHR</ref> while BulgarianMilitary.com reported that the attack killed 12 and injured eight Turkish soldiers.<ref name="bulgarian"/>
On 4 March, opposition sources reported that Turkish-backed rebels launched a renewed attack on Saraqib and that Turkish drone strikes in support of the operation killed at least nine pro-government fighters.<ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Saraqeb">{{cite web | title=Opposition Forces Launch Major Attack to Retake Strategic Saraqeb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56481/opposition-forces-launch-major-attack-to-retake-strategic-saraqeb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Aleppo">{{cite web | title=Opposition Forces Make Gains West of Aleppo | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56521/opposition-forces-make-gains-west-of-aleppo.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> In turn, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that two Turkish soldiers were killed and six others were wounded by attacks from Syrian forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/idlibde-sehit-olan-askerlerin-olum-haberleri-ailelerine-verildi-420475h|title=İdlib'de şehit olan askerlerin ölüm haberleri ailelerine verildi|website=Halk TV|date=4 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-toll/two-turkish-soldiers-killed-six-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-ministry-idUSKBN20R0YU Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib – ministry], Halk TV</ref> Turkish media reported Iran sent reinforcements to front lines: 2,000 members of its proxy militias and IRGC-Quds Force elements to Saraqib and 200 Liwa Fatemiyoun Brigade vehicles to Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, supported by Russian aerial cover.<ref name="Middle East Monitor 2020 Iran">{{cite web | title=Iran deploys new military reinforcements in Syria's Saraqib | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200305-iran-deploys-new-military-reinforcements-in-syrias-saraqib/ | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> Opposition sources also reported SNA gains in Western Aleppo.<ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Aleppo"/> Meanwhile, Russia claimed opposition elements injured themselves while attempting to deploy chemical weapons in Saraqib.<ref name="Yahoo News CW">{{cite web | title=Russia says Syrian militants hurt while preparing chemical attack – agencies | website=Yahoo News | date=4 March 2020 | url=https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-syrian-militants-hurt-104507263.html | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref>
On the morning of 5 March, opposition sources and ''[[The Independent]]'' reported a major Russian airstrike on an IDP camp near [[Maarrat Misrin]], killing at least 15.<ref name="Alsaafin 2020 IDP">{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=At least 15 displaced Syrians killed in Idlib air attack | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/15-displaced-syrians-killed-idlib-air-attack-200305104007673.html | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref><ref name="Syrian Network for Human Rights 2020 5 March">{{cite web | title=March 5, 2020, 17 civilians killed in Syria | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-03-06 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/03/06/march-5-2020-17-civilians-killed-syria/ | access-date=2020-03-11 | archive-date=8 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308070953/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/03/06/march-5-2020-17-civilians-killed-syria/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Daragahi 2020"/><ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 IDP">{{cite web | title=Russian Airstrike Kills 16 Displaced in Idleb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56514/russian-airstrike-kills-16-displaced-in-idleb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> Opposition sources reported government and Iranian militia artillery strikes on Saraqib, Kafr Nabl, al-Futayra and [[Kafr Oweid]] and Russian air raids on villages in the Zawiya mountains; the sources also reported that NFL fighters inflicted casualties on pro-government fighters in southern Idlib and western Hama.<ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 Idleb">{{cite web | title=While Putin and Erogan Meet, This Is What's Happening in Idleb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56534/while-putin-and-erogan-meet-this-is-whats-happening-in-idleb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> The Turkish military updated its figures for Syrian Army losses due to Turkish operations to 3,138 soldiers and militia killed, plus the following materiel losses: 3 fighter jets, 8 helicopters, 3 UAVs, 151 tanks, 47 howitzers, 52 launchers, 12 antitank weapons, 4 mortars, 10 arsenal depots and 145 military, technical and combat vehicles.<ref>[https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/eu-countries-welcome-syria-ceasefire-urge-aid-access-latest-updates-34168 EU countries welcome Syria ceasefire, urge aid access – latest updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306152755/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/eu-countries-welcome-syria-ceasefire-urge-aid-access-latest-updates-34168 |date=6 March 2020 }}.</ref> By 8 March, Lost Armor's database had posted images of 65 destroyed armored vehicles belonging to the SAA since 14 January 2019. These included 17 self-propelled guns, 15 infantry fighting vehicles, 13 main battle tanks, 2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, 1 MRAP, and 17 others. In turn Turkish losses included 3 [[Sabra (tank)|M60]] main battle tanks and 2 APCs destroyed, rebels lost 4 main battle tanks, 7 [[IFV]]s, 3 APCs and 1 self-propelled gun.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/|title=Losses of armored vehicles and aviation in Syria|website=lostarmour.info}}</ref>
===Second Russia–Turkey ceasefire===
On 5 March 2020, the presidents of Turkey and Russia, Erdoğan and Putin, met in Moscow for high-level talks.<ref name="Marcus 2020 Putin">{{cite web | last=Marcus | first=Jonathan | title=How Russia's Putin became the go-to man on Syria | website=BBC News | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51733595 | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> According to the statements made by the Turkish and Russian leaders following their one-on-one meeting, a ceasefire in the area of Idlib was to come into force from 00:00 hrs on 6 March.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The terms of the ceasefire included a secure corridor 6 kilometers either side of the M4 highway, to be patrolled jointly by Russia and Turkey beginning on 15 March.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 violations"/><ref name="TRTWorld 2020 ceasefire">{{cite web | author=TRTWorld | title=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | website=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/joint-turkish-russian-patrols-to-begin-on-march-15-latest-updates-34168 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
There were reports of Russian and Syrian bombardments continuing after the ceasefire came into effect, with activists noting artillery shelling from the government military camp at [[Jurin]] targeting [[Al-Ziyarah]], from Ma'arrat al-Nu'man targeting [[Bara, Syria|Bara]], and from Saraqib targeting Sarmin. Turkish media reported a total of 15 violations in the first day. However, the next day the ceasefire was reported to have largely held, apart from engagements between Syrian government forces and non-Turkish-backed rebel jihadists taking place in the Zawiya mountain area which left nine fighters of the [[Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria|Turkistan Islamic Party]] and six government troops dead.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 violations">{{cite web | title=Turkey says no ceasefire violations in Syria's Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/tense-calm-prevails-syria-idlib-ceasefire-holds-200306100457396.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Anadolu Ajansı 2020 violations">{{cite web | title=Assad regime forces violate ceasefire in Idlib | website=Anadolu Ajansı | date=2020-03-09 | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/assad-regime-forces-violate-ceasefire-in-idlib/1759017 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Middle East Monitor 2020 ceasefire violated">{{cite web | title=Syria's Assad regime forces violate ceasefire mins after it goes into effect | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200306-syrias-assad-regime-forces-violate-ceasefire-mins-after-it-goes-into-effect/ | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref><ref>[https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-clashes/fifteen-killed-in-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-despite-ceasefire-monitor-idUKKBN20T19X Fifteen killed in clashes in Syria's Idlib despite ceasefire – monitor]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}<br>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156458 15 regime soldiers and rebels killed in clashes on Jabal al-Zawiya frontlines since ceasefire came into effect], SOHR</ref><ref name="Al-Khalidi 2020 ceasefire holds">{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Russia-Turkey ceasefire broadly holds despite clashes in Syria's Idlib | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20T0UM | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306212201/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20T0UM | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> On 7 March, the fragile truce remained largely in force. Turkey said there were no ceasefire violations, although Russia reported several cases of militant gunfire in Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia governorates.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 violations"/><ref name="Editorial 2020 ceasefire holds">{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkey says ceasefire holds in Syria's Idlib, Russia reports some shootings | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20U08R | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308233942/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20U08R | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="NPR.org 2020 ceasefire">{{cite web | title=Cease-Fire Holds In Syria's Idlib | website=NPR.org | date=2020-03-08 | url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/08/813486528/ceasefire-holds-in-syria-s-idlib | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
On 8 March, after heavy shelling in violation of the ceasefire, Syrian Army forces captured the villages of Ma'arat Muqas and al-Burayi, near Kafr Nabl, in an uncontested attack, but later retreated—apparently under pressure from Russia.<ref name="Williams 2020 ceasefire">{{cite news | last=Williams | first=Sara Elizabeth | title=Fragile Idlib ceasefire holding after Syrian regime forces withdraw from villages | website=The Telegraph | date=2020-03-08 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/08/fragile-idlib-ceasefire-holding-syrian-regime-forces-withdraw/ | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/amp/خلال-الـ-48-ساعة-الأولى-قوات-النظام-تخرق/367737/|title=خلال الـ 48 ساعة الأولى.. قوات النظام تخرق وقف إطلاق النار وتستهدف منطقة "بوتين-أردوغان" بـ25 قذيفة وتتقدم بدون مقاومة|date=7 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156584|title=SOHR 8 March 2020|website=SOHR|date=8 March 2020}}</ref> Opposition sources reported hundreds of Turkish reinforcements with 100 tanks entering Idlib the same day.<ref name="The Syrian Observer 2020 reinforcements">{{cite web | title=Turkey Sends Heavy Military Reinforcements to Idleb Despite Ceasefire | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56588/turkey-sends-heavy-military-reinforcements-to-idleb-despite-ceasefire.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> Opposition activists reported that the Syrian military shelled the village of [[al-Mastouma]] near a Turkish observation point on 9 March.<ref name="SYRIA NEWS 2020 violations">{{cite web | title=Assad forces violate ceasefire in Idlib | website=SYRIA NEWS | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/article/52812/ | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> Turkey described this as a "small violation" of the ceasefire.<ref name="Editorial 2020 patrol">{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkish, Russian forces to patrol either side of new Syrian corridor | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-russia-idUSKBN20X13S | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
A Russian military delegation visited Ankara on 10 March to discuss implementation of the security corridor.<ref name="Editorial 2020 patrol"/> By 11 March, Turkey was reporting multiple small violations of the ceasefire, and vowed to respond heavily if their military posts in Idlib came under attack.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 heavy">{{cite web | title=Turkey threatens 'heavy' retaliation if Idlib ceasefire is broken | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-11 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/turkey-threatens-heavy-retaliation-idlib-ceasefire-broken-200311093653110.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
On 12 March, in an apparent ceasefire violation, SOHR reported that the SAA and allies entered the settlements of Maarrat Mukhas and al-Burayj in southern Idlib without any resistance. Government forces reportedly advanced into the same areas on 7 March before withdrawing due to heavy shelling by opposition factions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156866&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=6bb342bc1482958260e8046e5868653adf62a686-1584946974-0-Ad8rMa1LGNwobn17MU8jQVwA6pRCN4Fn1MiY2AYEbKXKISXyC5MvVwytZAJCKnVhNm7kkh94nicDGWAQ5tl6V4acOjZrEqEst3s5WVM-h62IN98sHotUXGHJNTfAmLVYC-5pBTirfuAF1jU8q5NkPwl1XwBQuNhXsTLJ-YKs5ytDE7c1fjPHOLIdR8kzGIKls3u_QqTf727mmq2p0nfJvn0pH7F_EZyFzKsC1iwXh4uEjbO9nKMqThcYrwHqLiw2hh8ZIgcVNqVN3ZD0VyH5R8K1dAMcYT-1NieIWO96Wi7F|date=12 March 2020|work=SOHR|title=Ceasefire violations: regime forces advance into areas around Kafr Nubl without resistance}}</ref>
==Aftermath and Russian–Turkish joint patrols==
{{Further|Insurgency in Idlib|2020 Kafr Takharim airstrike}}
On 15 March 2020, Turkish and Russian troops began joint patrols on the [[M4 Motorway (Syria)|M4 highway]] as a part of the ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/5d8ddf338c10909dcce608fbece5fea7|work=Associated Press|title=Turkey-Russia patrols start amid protests on Syrian highway|date=15 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref>
On 18 March, Turkish troops entered the de-escalation zone to reopen the M4 highway previously blocked by [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]] and jihadist factions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=157700&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=8bb84c3053d1c85af5c2891a998580f8f13659df-1585881380-0-ATNWbVOtQtaiQPjwFGUxLY9GIHQzrS80uZtN3NAbzlXnVSFdXpQRr9XpPk0dSW7joOpFsbLuGU5BXxkNU8pgOvZSfXxCheTTQKEOViZEH532D4B6rPMjlTybmbSBTFAdh82UvktITJ0Ckf5s4BOV7x9RelqNaBGyrGb2QA945P9uY_kTB1-WyuslZL7Xu_cE0Fw0VMI1YtGIOT8RXiqh5s1T08uP_aKkqtvGj4MNpd_Ti_o9MsKxSalIjbX8PMQ_tRwnpwt5I3wqRyOp7tnJ1bvaQNwuL_XqalG2JF776FR5|work=[[Syrian Observatory of Human Rights]]|title=Under HTS's supervision, Turkish forces set up guard posts and conduct patrol on their own|date=19 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref>
On 19 March, two Turkish soldiers were killed and a third was wounded by an attack carried out by radical groups in Idlib, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/rocket-attack-northwest-syria-kills-turkish-soldiers-200320041200347.html|work=Al-Jazeera|title=Rocket attack in northwest Syria kills two Turkish soldiers|date=19 March 2020|access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-retaliates-after-attack-kills-troops-in-idlib-153125|title=Turkey retaliates after attack kills troops in Idlib – Turkey News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=20 March 2020 }}</ref>
On 2 April 2020, the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] reported sporadic clashes in the de-escalation zone and suspended Syrian Government and Russian Air Force activity as part of the ceasefire as it entered the 28th consecutive day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=159136|work=[[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]]|title=Ceasefire violations: regime forces shell positions in Jabal Al-Zawiyah|date=19 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref>
After a period of calm, the Syrian government and Turkey both sent reinforcements to the area in late May and early June. There were numerous ceasefire violations, and Syrian government ground bombardment recommenced in late May and several Russian airstrikes were conducted on the borders of Hama, Latakia and Idlib provinces on 3 June, reportedly displacing hundreds of people.<ref name="ABC News 2020 after monthes">{{cite web | title=Syria activists: After 3 months, Russian strikes hit Idlib | website=ABC News | date=2020-06-03 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-activists-report-russian-airstrikes-idlib-province-71038826 | access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref> A Turkish armoured ambulance was struck by unknown belligerents on 5 June.<ref name="Reuters ambulance2020">{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkish soldier killed, two wounded in Syria's Idlib, defence ministry says | website=Reuters | date=2020-06-05 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN23C2YA | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606145401/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN23C2YA | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref> Russian air raids continued on 8 June, targeting Jabal al-Zawiya (Zawiya Mountain), southern Idlib, and towns in Sahl al-Ghab (Al-Ghab Plain), killing two civilians.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2020 Sahl al-Ghab">{{cite web | title=Two killed as Russian jets hit towns in Syria's Idlib after truce | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-06-08 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/killed-russian-jets-hit-towns-syria-idlib-truce-200608185400764.html | access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref>
{{See also|Idlib Governorate clashes (June 2020)}}
[[Hurras al-Din]] and other al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadi groups formed an operations room, "Be Steadfast", to co-ordinate their efforts against the government and challenge HTS domination of the area.<ref name="Kajjo 2020">{{cite web | last=Kajjo | first=Sirwan | title=Jihadists in Syria's Idlib Form New 'Operations Room' | website=Voice of America | date=2020-06-15 | url=https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/jihadists-syrias-idlib-form-new-operations-room | access-date=2020-06-29}}</ref>
==Humanitarian consequences==
The offensive was characterised by indiscriminate aerial bombing and shelling of civilian homes, mainly either by Russian planes, taking off from the Russian base in [[Latakia]], or by Syrian government jets flying from [[Kuweires Military Aviation Institute]], 18 miles east of Aleppo.<ref name="Crawford Syria 2020"/>
On 23 December 2019, the [[United Nations]] stated that the renewed fighting that started on 18 December had caused an exodus of 80,000 people across Idlib Governorate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUSKBN1YS14D|work=Reuters|title=Russian-backed Syrian forces close in on major city in rebel-held Idlib|date=23 December 2019|access-date=25 December 2019}}</ref> According to [[SOHR]], in the week up to 24 December 100,000 people were displaced because of the fighting as well as Syrian and Russian bombing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151320|title=In a week of flare up in Idlib .. about 3500 air and ground strikes kill 78 persons including 30 children and women .. 41000 people displace .. regime forces advance snatching 44 areas from the factions grip in Maarrat Al-Nu'man and 259 casualties documented in ranks of both sides|website=SOHR|date=24 December 2019}}</ref> More than 235,000 civilians were displaced as of 27 December 2019 per the [[United Nations]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191227-more-than-235-000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-un|title=More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up: UN|date=27 December 2019|website=France 24}}</ref> By 5 February 2020, 300 civilians had been killed in the fighting, including 49 in the first five days of February, and 520,000 were displaced (80% of the latter women and children), according to the UN and various NGOs.<ref name="McKernan 2020 displaced">{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=500,000 flee Syrian regime's deadly offensive in Idlib | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-05 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/syria-half-a-million-displaced-in-idlib-says-un-body | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 2020 part of Saraqeb"/> By 10 February 2020, the number of displaced civilians had reached 689,000.<ref name="auto1"/>
The humanitarian impact of the fighting was made more severe by extreme cold weather, with [[Save the Children]], the [[International Rescue Committee]] and the International Organisation on Migration reporting that many children were dying due to sub-zero temperatures.<ref name="StC ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib as thousands of children displaced in sub-zero temperatures – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/humanitarian-catastrophe-idlib-thousands-children-displaced-sub-zero | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="IRC ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Children dying from the cold in northwest Syria, says IRC – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/children-dying-cold-northwest-syria-says-irc | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref name="IOM ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Brutal Winter Temperatures Intensify Desperation for Rising Numbers of Displaced People in Northwest Syria – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/brutal-winter-temperatures-intensify-desperation-rising-numbers | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> By 14 February, 10 [[Canadian]] aid organisations reported that 142,000 people had fled their homes in the past five days alone, including 6,500 children a day, bringing the total number of people displaced to over 800,000 since December.<ref name="Canadian ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Statement of Concern – Situation in northwest Syria – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/statement-concern-situation-northwest-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> By 17 February, the [[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]] estimated that the northwestern Syria offensive since December has displaced 900,000 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/assad-pledges-continue-onslaught-displaced-900000-200217184909079.html|title=Assad pledges to continue onslaught that has displaced 900,000|date=17 February 2020|website=Al Jazeera.com|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200217-a-horrifying-new-level-un-says-900-000-displaced-in-northwest-syria-since-december|title='A horrifying new level': UN says 900,000 displaced in northwest Syria since December|date=2020-02-17|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-coordinator|title=Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock: Statement on Northwest Syria, 17 February 2020 – Syrian Arab Republic|last=Lowcock|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Lowcock|date=17 February 2020|website=ReliefWeb|publisher=[[United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs]]|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref> By late February, estimates had risen to 950,000.<ref name="Alsaafin 2020 impossible">{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title='Impossible task': Aid groups in Idlib struggle to help Syrians | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/task-aid-groups-idlib-struggle-syrians-200301053201111.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="ReliefWeb 2020 unicef 26F">{{cite web | title=UNICEF Whole of Syria – Northwest Syria Situation Report (1 – 26 February 2020) – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-26 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/unicef-whole-syria-northwest-syria-situation-report-1-26-february-2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="UN News 2020 mayhem">{{cite web | title='Mayhem' in Syria's Idlib amid ongoing violence, as Guterres urges immediate ceasefire | website=UN News | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1058301 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="Inglis 2020">{{cite web | last=Inglis | first=Shelley | title=The worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century: 5 questions on Syria answered | website=The Conversation | date=2020-03-02 | url=http://theconversation.com/the-worst-humanitarian-crisis-of-the-21st-century-5-questions-on-syria-answered-132571 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref> By early March, estimates had risen to 980,000.<ref name="Gumrukcu 2020 overwhelmed">{{cite web | last=Gumrukcu | first=Tuvan | title=Relief operations in Syria's Idlib overwhelmed – U.N. official | website=U.K. | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-migrants-idUKKBN20Q1Q4 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304040944/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-migrants-idUKKBN20Q1Q4 | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref><ref name="The Refugee Brief 2020">{{cite web | title=4 March 2020 – The Refugee Brief | website=The Refugee Brief | date=2020-03-04 | url=https://www.unhcr.org/refugeebrief/the-refugee-brief-4-march-2020/ | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
According to the UN, 82,000 displaced people were living in the freezing open air in February; 36% of newly displaced families are housed by relatives or find rental accommodation, 17% found refuge in camps, over 15% sought shelter in unfinished buildings and 12% are still "looking for shelter".<ref name="Alsaafin 2020 babies freezing">{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title='Breaking point': Babies freezing to death amid Idlib push | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/point-babies-dying-freezing-cold-idlib-push-200217094010212.html | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> Many of the displaced have been forced to move multiple times.<ref name="Crawford Syria 2020">{{cite web | last1=Crawford | first1=Alex | last2=Syria | first2=in northwest | title=Idlib: The Syrian province where war crimes are being committed and the world is doing nothing to help | website=Sky News | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://news.sky.com/story/syria-conflict-seventy-hospitals-bombed-out-of-action-as-civilians-flee-idlib-11937970 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> Some of the displaced people have escaped to [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] controlled [[Manbij]].<ref name="Al-Monitor Manbij">{{cite web | title=Displaced yet again, Syrians flee Idlib for Manbij | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-idlib-displaces-camps-sdf-autonomous-administration.html | date=18 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>
Hospitals were heavily targeted in the fighting.<ref name="Lee 2020 inside">{{cite web | last=Lee | first=Ian | title=Inside Syria's worst humanitarian crisis | website=CBS News | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inside-syria-worst-humanitarian-crisis/ | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> Some 70 hospitals were bombed out of action.<ref name="Crawford Syria 2020"/><ref name="Sky News 2020 hospitals">{{cite web | title=Under attack: Hospitals deliberately targeted as Syria's war intensifies | website=Sky News | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://news.sky.com/story/under-attack-hospitals-deliberately-targeted-as-syrias-war-intensifies-11938292 | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> On 12 February, [[Islamic Relief]] reported that 15 medical facilities it supported had been damaged or fully destroyed, at least 55 sites where they distributed food recorded 428 nearby airstrikes near these locations, and 90% of staff in Idlib had been forcibly displaced.<ref name="Islamic Relief ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite web | title=Islamic Relief calls for immediate ceasefire and protection of aid workers in Idlib as 90% of staff displaced – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/islamic-relief-calls-immediate-ceasefire-and-protection-aid-workers | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>
School buildings were also targeted. On 25 February, [[Amnesty International]] condemned the shelling of ten schools in Idlib and Aleppo countryside, describing it as a war crime.<ref name="Amnesty International 2020 schools">{{cite web | title=Syria: Targeting schools being properly used for educational purposes in Idlib is a war crime | website=Amnesty International | date=2020-02-25 | url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/syria-targeting-schools-in-idlib-is-a-war-crime/ | access-date=2020-02-28}}</ref> After the 25 February attack, all schools in Idlib were suspended.<ref name="Daragahi 2020">{{cite web | last=Daragahi | first=Borzou | title=Bombs from all sides and jets overhead: Inside Idlib, Syria's final war frontier | website=The Independent | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-idlib-airstrike-russia-turkey-bombs-missiles-death-toll-a9383036.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-idlib-airstrike-russia-turkey-bombs-missiles-death-toll-a9383036.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref> In July, a UN investigation said war crimes and possible crimes against humanity were committed during the campaign. The [[Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic]] said people suffered incomprehensible misery. It recorded assaults by all sides in the conflict that resulted in [[civilian casualties]] or damage to civilian infrastructure. It found shelled schools, market bombings, and hospitals bombed.<ref>{{cite news |title=UN alleges war crimes during Syria's Idlib offensive |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/alleges-war-crimes-syria-idlib-offensive-200707194911993.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 July 2020}}</ref>
==Reactions==
===Supranational===
*{{flag|United Nations}} – Spokesman for the [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] Rupert Colville, asked if Syria and Russia were deliberately targeting civilians and protected buildings, and said: "The sheer quantity of attacks on hospitals, medical facilities, and schools would suggest they cannot all be accidental."<ref name="Knecht 2020 hospitals"/> United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [[Michelle Bachelet]] said: "Entire families, some who have fled from one corner of Syria to the other over the course of the past decade, are tragically finding that bombs are part of their everyday life. How can anyone justify carrying out such indiscriminate and inhumane attacks?"<ref name="OCHR ReliefWeb 2020">{{cite news | title=Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/un-human-rights-chief-horrified-escalating-humanitarian-crisis-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>
*{{flag|European Union}} – The European Union condemned the offensive in Idlib and warned of a looming humanitarian disaster. The EU also urged all sides to adhere to [[international law]], allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need and vowed to deliver aid to civilians in Idlib.<ref>{{cite news |title=EU urges halt to Idlib 'humanitarian drama' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-urges-halt-to-idlib-humanitarian-drama/a-52457824 |work= DW News |date=21 Feb 2020}}</ref>
*{{flag|Arab League}} – The Arab League called for an immediate armistice in Idlib. The regional organization labeled the offensive a blatant violation of international law causing a humanitarian disaster for Syrians.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arab League demands immediate cease-fire in NW Syria |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/arab-league-demands-immediate-cease-fire-in-nw-syria/1750403# |work=Anadolu Agency |date=3 January 2020}}</ref>
===National===
*{{flag|Italy}} – On 25 December 2019, Italian foreign minister [[Luigi Di Maio]], while speaking about his country's desire to establish a ceasefire in [[Libya]]'s ongoing [[Libyan Civil War (2014–present)|civil war]], said that the situations in Libya and Syria were similar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/italy-intends-promote-eu-ceasefire-mission-libya|title=Italy intends to promote an EU ceasefire mission in Libya &#124; The Libya Observer|website=libyaobserver.ly|date=14 January 2024 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Libya}}{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Libya Tobruk Government.svg|70px|border=no}} [[House of Representatives (Libya)|House of Representatives]] – On 2 March 2020, the Syrian government announced that the Libyan Embassy in Damascus could be reopened after 8 years shutdown, the interim government based in Libya's Tobruk signed a memorandum of understanding with Syrian Government officials to re-open its diplomatic missions and confront Turkish "interference".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/82194/Libyan-embassy-in-Syria-to-re-open-March-3-after|title=Libyan embassy in Syria to re-open March 3 after 8-year shutdown|website=EgyptToday|date=2 March 2020}}</ref><ref>[Syria to exchange consular missions with Libya’s Haftar government in Benghazi]</ref>
*{{flag|Turkey}} – On 31 January 2020, Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdogan]] has called for the Syrian government to end its offensive in Idlib, and has threatened military action unless it does so.<ref name="auto2"/> On 4 March 2020, during a speech by an opposition Parliament member who accused President Erdogan of disrespecting Turkish soldiers who died in Syria and the military intervention, a brawl took place, dozens of parliamentarians traded punches, while others tried to stop the fighting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/5/brawl-in-turkeys-parliament-after-mp-criticises-erdogan|title=Brawl in Turkey's parliament after MP criticises Erdogan|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-51747282|title=Brawl erupts in Turkish parliament over Syria|work=BBC News}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} – On the UAE's 48th [[National Day (United Arab Emirates)|National Day]] (2 December 2019), an Emirati official at the UAE embassy in [[Damascus]] praised the Syrian government's actions and said that Syria's president [[Bashar al-Assad]] was acting wisely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/video/uae-official-praises-assad-his-forces-kill-civilians-idlib|title=UAE official praises Assad as his forces kill civilians in Idlib|website=Middle East Eye}}</ref>
*{{flag|United States}} – On 26 December 2019, United States president [[Donald Trump]] warned via [[Twitter]] that "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Province," and added that "[[Turkey]] is working hard to stop this carnage."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/26/trump-warns-syira-russia-iran-killing-civilians-idlib-province-089795|title=Trump warns Syria, Russia and Iran against killing 'innocent civilians' in Idlib province|date=26 December 2019|access-date=28 December 2019|work=Politico}}</ref> US Ambassador to Syria [[James Franklin Jeffrey|James Jeffrey]] has warned that the offensive would create a humanitarian crisis.<ref name="auto2"/> US Secretary of State [[Mike Pompeo]] condemned Russia, Iran, [[Hezbollah]] and the Syrian government's actions in Idlib and said that they were intentionally preventing the implementation of a cease-fire in northern Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pompeo-accuses-syrian-govt-russia-iran-hezbollah-of-preventing-ceasefire-in-syria/|title=Pompeo accuses Syrian gov't Russia, Iran, Hezbollah of preventing ceasefire in Syria|first=News|last=Desk|date=28 January 2020|access-date=6 February 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318221539/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pompeo-accuses-syrian-govt-russia-iran-hezbollah-of-preventing-ceasefire-in-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="RFE/RL 2020">{{cite web | author=RFE/RL | title=Pompeo Urges Syrian, Russian, And Iranian Forces To Halt Idlib Offensive | website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty | date=2020-01-28 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-s-defense-skirts-past-bolton-revelations-on-aid-to-ukraine/30401656.html | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref>
*{{flag|China}} – China's United Nations Ambassador [[Zhang Jun (diplomat)|Zhang Jun]] said on 28 January 2020 that “terrorism is an underlying factor” in the conflict and "eradicating the forces of terror is a necessary requirement for the restoration of peace and stability in Syria and the region. [Terrorists] should be resolutely crushed, and safe havens established by terrorist forces in Syria should be liquidated. At the same time, counter-terrorism operations should be cautious not to harm civilians."<ref name="AP NEWS 2020 UN Chief"/>
===Local===
*{{flagicon image|}} [[Hayat Tahrir al-Sham]] – In response to 19 December offensive, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader [[Abu Mohammad al-Julani]] said in a video statement that the offensive would negatively affect regional stability and the lives of people throughout the region, namely the [[Levant]], [[Turkey]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Yemen]], [[Iraq]] and the [[Persian Gulf]]. He also said that HTS has achieved many of its goals in Syria, such as weakening the state of the [[Syrian military]] and the Syrian economy; he criticized Russia's role in supporting the Syrian government as an attempt to restore the level of influence Russia had during the [[Soviet-era]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jihadology.net/2019/12/25/new-video-message-from-hayat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-shams-abu-mu%E1%B8%A5ammad-al-jawlani-the-war-of-liberation-and-independence/|title=New video message from Hay'at Taḥrīr al-Shām's Abū Muḥammad al-Jawlānī: "The War of Liberation and Independence"|website=jihadology.net}}</ref>
== See also ==
*[[Northwestern Syria offensive (2024)]]
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Syrian Civil War}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Northwestern Syria offensive (2019 12-2020 03)}}
[[Category:2019 in Syria]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2019]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2020]]
[[Category:November 2019 events in Syria]]
[[Category:2020 in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2019]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2020]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Iran]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Turkey]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Tahrir al-Sham]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army]]
[[Category:Aleppo Governorate in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Hama Governorate in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Idlib Governorate in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Latakia Governorate in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:December 2019 events in Syria]]
[[Category:January 2020 events in Syria]]
[[Category:February 2020 events in Syria]]
[[Category:March 2020 events in Syria]]
[[Category:Attacks on hospitals during the Syrian civil war]]