Is the Idlib airstrike a response to Nagorno Karabakh Crisis?

Russia and Turkey are two countries involved in many conflicts. In Nagorno Karabakh, they are, at least diplomatically, also present. According to Al Jazeera, it is rare that they clash despite being on opposite sides. However, the scenario changed in Syria on 26 of October when Russian airstrikes in a training camp killed dozens of militia fighters known to be backed by Turkey in the province of Idlib. 

Several observers say that the attack on the Jabal al-Dawila area, a military training camp for "Filaq al-Sham", one of the armed groups assumed to be backed by Turkey, sends a clear message to Ankara.

Charles Lister, a senior fellow at Middle East Institue in Washington says the attack “wasn’t a Russian attack on the Syrian opposition as much as it was a direct hit against – and message to – Turkey”

The situation in Syria has been calm recently. Earlier this year, the two sides established a ceasefire in Idlib with Russian and Turkish considerations to stop the Syrian army's offensive. The airstrike could reflect some tension between Russia and Turkey, most notably over the situation in the South Caucasus. 

Moscow, which has traditionally been closer to Armenia, has expressed concern over reports that Syrian mercenaries have been deployed alongside Azerbaijani forces to fight in the region.

Dareen Khalifa, a senior Syria analyst with the International Crisis Group, notes that Moscow might continue pressuring Ankara for various reasons through attacking militia groups in Syria.  

On his turn, Erdogan responded saying "Russia's attack on the training center of the Syrian National Army forces in the Idlib region shows it does not want lasting peace in the region,"

The uncertainty is on the mind of both Turkish and Russian decisionmakers as both counties have high stakes in both Syria and Nagorno Karabakh. 

Source: Commonspace.eu with agencies. 
Photo: Syrians attending the funeral of fighters killed in the Russian airstrike on Idlib last month. 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.