Operation Spring Shield | |||||||||
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Part of the 2019–2020 northwestern Syria offensive and Turkish military operations in Idlib as part of Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war | |||||||||
![]() The situation after the ceasefire. | |||||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||||
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![]() ![]() Supported by: ![]() | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Units involved | |||||||||
Strength | |||||||||
8,350[14]–20,000[15] | Unknown | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
Per Turkey:[16][17][18] Materiel: |
Per SOHR:[21] Materiel: |
Operation Spring Shield (Turkish: Bahar Kalkanı Harekâtı) was a cross-border military operation carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in the Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria against the Syrian Armed Forces and allied militias. The operation was launched on 27 February 2020 in direct response to the Balyun airstrikes, aiming to address the escalating situation in the region.[32][33]
According to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, the primary objective of Operation Spring Shield was to achieve a ceasefire agreement within the framework of the Astana talks and to establish stability in the Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone. Additionally, the operation sought to prevent the mass migration of people from Idlib to the Turkish border, a pressing humanitarian concern.[34]
On 5 March, Turkey and Russia signed a ceasefire agreement in Moscow, marking a step towards de-escalation in the region.[4]
We've seen a Turkish supported counteroffensive on the ground in Idlib, which has partially failed
In one week, this Turkish offensive, supporting a rebel ground offensive, killed at least 405 pro-regime fighters, including 30 high-ranking officers, and led to the destruction or capture of 73 armored vehicles.
An Iranian news outlet reported that 21 Iranians had been killed in Turkish attacks
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