
Syria: Idlib ‘buffer zone’ takes effect
The “buffer zone” through Syria’s northern Idlib province, negotiated by Russia and Turkey to forestall an Assad regime offensive on the opposition-held portion of the province, officially takes effect this week. Rebels began withdrawing heavy weapons from the zone at the start of the month, but said that fighters are remaining. Fighters from designated “radical terrorist groups”—primarily Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—are supposed to withdraw entirely from the zone. HTS initially said it would comply on a “de facto” basis, but the zone is being implemented despite the fact that a deadline has been missed for withdrawal of all its fighters. Bashar Assad insisted that the so-called “demilitarized zone” is temporary. Addressing the central committee of his Baath Party, Assad reiterated his pledge to retake “every inch” of Syrian territory: “This province and other Syrian territory remaining under the control of terrorists will return to the Syrian state.” (Photo: EA Worldview)