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Erdogan vies for leverage in Syria's Idlib as Turkish troops reinforce positions

Following recent clashes between Syrian and Turkish troops, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan doubled down on threats to retaliate against ongoing regime offensive in Idlib.
HATAY, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 12: A convoy of Turkish Armed Forces, including Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles carrying commandos, pass through Hatay province of Turkey to support the border units on February 12, 2020. (Photo by Eren Bozkurt/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

ISTANBUL ­— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan doubled down on threats to retaliate against Russian-backed Syrian forces in Idlib, where an ongoing government offensive has escalated tensions between Ankara and Damascus.

Recent clashes between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish troops stationed at observation posts in Idlib left 14 Turkish soldiers and personnel dead, drawing a strong rebuke from lawmakers in Ankara.

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