Syria War: Attack on Idlib Will Turn Into a "Massacre," Says Turkish President

ANKARA, Turkey (ViaNews) - Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem spoke to Russia Today: “We do not want to come into conflict with Turkey but they must understand that Idlib is Syrian soil!” Muallim’s words were a direct response to countries that could potentially take part in the attack against the city of Idlib. Syrian FM said the purpose of this operation is to wipe out the jihadist groups in Idlib and the international actors must recognise that effort as Syria’s independence right. As reported by BBC News Turkey, he said Syria is open to dialogue with Kurdish groups, adding, “Our Kurdish brothers are a part of Syria and citizens of this country. Whatever the US promises them, Kurds must look back and understand how they were betrayed by the US in the last hundred years. Syria has red lines and we will not allow separatism and federalism. We want to come to an understanding with them” the Syrian FM said. On Monday, concerning the conflict in Syria Trump tweeted: “President Bashar al-Assad of Syria must not recklessly attack Idlib Province. The Russians and Iranians would be making a grave humanitarian mistake to take part in this potential human tragedy. Hundreds of thousands of people could be killed. Don’t let that happen!”

President Bashar al-Assad of Syria must not recklessly attack Idlib Province. The Russians and Iranians would be making a grave humanitarian mistake to take part in this potential human tragedy. Hundreds of thousands of people could be killed. Don’t let that happen!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2018

“An operation would result in a massacre,” Erdogan says. According to BBC News Turkey, Turkey’s President also spoke in relation to a possible attack on Syria: “There are 2.5 million people living in Idlib. The United States and Russia keep blaming each other. May God forbid if a missile attack takes place, that would be a massacre” He continued, “We are working with Russia and Iran on this situation in order not to experience another Aleppo case. We have 12 observation points. Our security forces are doing their job with determination. Right now, the most important thing is our partnership with Russia. We are hoping to resolve these issues peacefully during Tehran summit on September 7.” Tahrir al-Sham is the number one terrorist group of the Idlib operation on Turkey’s border, according to Russia and Syria. The terrorist organization is controlling nearly 60% of Idlib, the place where anti-Assad organisations deployed. An operation in Idlib may cause 1 million refugees to sweep into Turkey. According to an article on Sputnik News on September 4, a recent warning came from Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov. He also said their possible intervention in Idlib would be justified if the terrorists use chemical weapons. The Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group, which is affiliated with the Nusra Front, is planning a chemical attack against civilians in the Syrian Idlib province in order to provoke western nations into retaliating against Damascus. Turkey, Iran, and Russia will meet on Friday in Tehran to discuss the future of Idlib province, Syria's rebel bastion. Turkey voiced reservations about an Idlib operation which may not be susceptible to separate civilians from terrorists.