The Turkish Defence Ministry issued a statement on Monday, saying that Syrian government forces had allegedly attacked its military post in the Taftanaz area of Syria's Idlib Province, killing five soldiers, while injuring another five.
The Turkish military, in its turn, has immediately responded to the attack, the ministry added.
At the same time, Fahrettin Altun, a representative of the Turkish presidential administration has confirmed that Turkey retaliated for the attack.
"Turkey retaliated against the attack to destroy all enemy targets and avenging our fallen troops. The war criminal, who ordered today’s heinous attack, targeted the entire international community, not just Turkey. The Turkish Armed Forces, who tirelessly serve the cause of peace and stability around the world, will continue to crush anyone who dares to target our flag, to reassure our friends, and to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies," Altun wrote on Twitter.
Turkey retaliated against the attack to destroy all enemy targets and avenging our fallen troops.
— Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) February 10, 2020
The war criminal, who ordered today’s heinous attack, targeted the entire international community, not just Turkey.
The incident was first reported by the Reuters news agency that cited unnamed Turkish officials. The Syrian government, however, hasn't commented on the claims yet.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that 76 Syrian servicemen had fallen victim to Turkey's retaliation. The Turkish head of state also said he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to explain to Damascus that the Syrian Army should stop its offensive in Idlib and withdraw from Turkey's observation posts.
Days after the incident, media reported that Turkey was drawing up forces in the region as a convoy of 150 trucks carrying Turkish special forces troops, military equipment and ammunition was seen at the Turkey-Syria border in the province of Hatay.
