|
| caption = The situation after the ceasefire. {{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Turkish-backed rebel control}}{{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Syrian Army control}}{{leftlegend|#e2d974|SDF control}}{{leftlegend|#F5B678|Joint Syrian Army and SDF control}}For a more detailed, up-to-date, interactive map, see [[Template:Syrian Civil War detailed map|here]].
| date = 27 February – 6 March 2020<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=02|day1=27|year1=2020|month2=03|day2=06|year2=2020}})
| place = Northwestern[[Idlib Governorate|Idlib]], [[Syria]]
* [[Aleppo Governorate]]
* [[Idlib Governorate]]
* [[Hama Governorate]]
| coordinates =
| map_type =
| territory =
| combatants_header =
| combatant1 = '''{{flag|Turkey}} '''
| combatant2 = '''{{flag|Syria}} ''' <br /> {{flag|Iran}}<br />[[File:InfoboxHez.PNG|22px|border]] [[Hezbollah]]<ref>[https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/israel-learned-from-hezbollahs-defeat-at-the-hands-of-turkey-628836 Israel learned from Hezbollah's defeat at the hands of Turkey], Jerusalem Post, May 21, 2020. Accessed May 22, 2020.</ref><br>Supported by:<br>{{flag|Russia}}
| strength1 =
| strength2 =
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Hulusi Akar]]<br />(Minister of [[Ministry of National Defense (Turkey)|National Defense]])<br />{{flagicon|Turkey}} Gen. [[Yaşar Güler]]<br />([[Chief of the Turkish General Staff]])<br />{{flagicon|Turkey}} Lt. Gen Sinan Yayla<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yeniakit.com.tr/haber/bahar-kalkani-harekatini-yoneten-komutan-sinan-yayla-kimdir-nerelidir-1096903.html|title= Bahar Kalkanı Harekatı'nı yöneten komutan Sinan Yayla kimdir nerelidir?|language=Turkish|date=2020-03-02|publisher=Yeni Akit}}</ref><br />([[Second Army (Turkey)|2nd Army]] commander)
| commander2 = {{flagicon|Syria}} [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<br>{{flagicon|Syria}} [[Maher al-Assad]]
| commander2 = {{flagicon|Syria}} [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<br>{{flagicon|Syria}} [[Maher al-Assad]]<br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Burhan Rahmun{{KIA}}<br><small>(commander of 124 Brigade of Republican Guard)</small><ref name=Brig>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/280220202|title=Syrian regime commander reportedly killed in Turkish drone strike in Aleppo|work=Rudaw|author=|date=28 February 2020|accessdate=29 February 2020}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Ismael Ali{{KIA}}<ref name=3Gen>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/turkish-combat-drones-kill-3-assad-regime-generals-in-idlib/news|title=Turkish combat drones kill 3 Assad regime generals in Idlib|work=Daily Sabah|author=|date=1 March 2020|accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Col. Mazar Farwati{{KIA}}<ref name=3Gen/><br>
| units1 =
| units2 =
| units1 = {{flagdeco|Turkey}} [[Turkish Armed Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Land Forces Command.svg}} [[Turkish Land Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Turkish Air Force Command.svg}} [[Turkish Air Force]]
| units2 = {{flagdeco|Syria}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Army]]
** 5th Corps<ref name="unit1">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|title=Syrian Army's death toll after two-days of battle in southeast Idlib rises to 40|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019}}</ref>
**{{flagicon image|Syrian Republican Guard SSI.svg}} [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]<ref name=nightmare>{{Cite news|url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2020/01/aleppo-is-living-nightmare-of-future-battle/ |title=Aleppo is living nightmare of future battle |work=Enab Baladi |author=Mais Hamad |date=29 January 2020 |accessdate=5 February 2020 }}</ref>
**{{flagicon image|Syrian commando.png}} [[25th Special Mission Forces Division]]<ref name="unit1"/>
**[[4th Armoured Division (Syria)|4th Armoured Division]]<ref name=nightmare/>
*{{flagicon image|Syrian Air Force Flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Syrian Air Force|Syrian Arab Air Force]]
*[[Syrian Air Defense Force]]
*Local Defence Forces
**[[Baqir Brigade]]<ref name=nightmare/>
**313 Force<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/02/the-life-of-farid-khattab-of-the-313-force|title=The Life of Farid Khattab of the 313 Force|first=Aymenn Jawad|last=Al-Tamimi|website=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi}}</ref>
**Special Assignments Battalion<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aymennjawad.org/2020/02/the-special-assignments-battalion-local-defence |title=The Special Assignments Battalion: Local Defence Forces Unit |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |date=9 February 2020 |accessdate=3 March 2020 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces]]
*Palestinian Syrian militias
**{{flagicon image|Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg}} [[Liwa al-Quds]]<ref name=nightmare/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.muraselon.com/2019/12/map-militant-forces-in-idlib-buckle-under-huge-syrian-army-assault/|title=Map: Militant forces in Idlib buckle under huge Syrian Army assault ||date=20 December 2019}}</ref>
**[[Free Palestine Movement|FPM]]<ref name=Palestinian>{{Cite news|url=http://www.actionpal.org.uk/en/post/9544/action-group-for-palestinians-of-syria/palestinian-group-engaged-in-pro-govt-battles-in-syria-s-idlib-province |title= Palestinian Group Engaged in Pro-Govt Battles in Syria's Idlib Province |work=Action Group for Palestinians of Syria |date=30 December 2019 |accessdate=6 February 2020 }}</ref>
**{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine.svg}} [[Al-Quds Brigades]]<ref name=Palestinian/>
*[[Military Intelligence Directorate (Syria)|Military Intelligence Directorate]]
**[[Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes]]{{efn|As can be seen in a photo collection of [https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/hezbollah-and-i.php this article] by the ''[[Long War Journal]]'', one of pro-government fighters killed during this offensive belonged to the ''Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes''. The militia's emblem can be seen on his photo. }}
{{flag|Iran}}
* [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|IRGC]]<ref name=nightmare/>
** [[Quds Force]]
* Iranian-affiliated militias
{{flag|Hezbollah}}
*[[Hezbollah armed strength|Lebanese Hezbollah]]
*Syrian Hezbollah
| casualties1 =
Per Turkey:
Per Turkey:<ref>[https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-shelling/one-turkish-soldier-killed-two-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-ministry-idUKKCN20M354 One Turkish soldier killed, two wounded in Syria's Idlib - ministry], [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-shelling/turkey-says-one-soldier-killed-in-syrian-government-shelling-in-idlib-idUSKBN20P344 Turkey says one soldier killed in Syrian government shelling in Idlib], [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-military/one-turkish-soldier-killed-and-nine-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-ministry-idUSKBN20Q2R4 One Turkish soldier killed and nine wounded in Syria's Idlib: ministry]</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-toll/two-turkish-soldiers-killed-six-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-ministry-idUSKBN20R0YU Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib - ministry], [https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-military/turkish-defence-ministry-says-two-soldiers-died-in-syrias-idlib-idUKKBN20S2LI Turkish defence ministry says two soldiers died in Syria's Idlib]</ref>
* 7 killed, 21 wounded (33–34 killed in [[2020 Balyun airstrikes|Balyun attack]])
* 3 [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]]
| casualties2 = Per [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|SOHR]]: 19774 killed<ref>[httphttps://www.syriahr.com/en%d9%85%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%84-26-%d8%b9%d9%86%d8%b5%d8%b1%d8%a7-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%82%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%82%d8%b5%d9%81-%d8%b7%d8%a7%d8%a6%d8%b1%d8%a7/366157/?p=156424 Militaryمقتل escalation26 inعنصرا “De-escalationمن zone”قوات 51النظام daysفي on:قصف طائرات مسيرة تركية.. وارتفاع عدد قتلى قوات النظام 1,200,000والموالين peopleلها displaced…2,640إلى killed…27674 areasفي fallأقل toمن regime48 forcesساعة]</ref>
Per Turkey:<ref>[https://www.mepanews.com/service/amp/milli-savunma-bakanligi-idlib-harekatinda-3138-rejim-unsuru-etkisiz-hale-getirildi-34425h.htm Milli Savunma Bakanlığı: İdlib harekatında 3138 rejim unsuru etkisiz hale getirildi]<br>[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-neutralizes-3-000-regime-elements-in-idlib-syria/1754130 Turkey neutralizes 3,000+ regime elements in Idlib, Syria]<br>[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-spring-shield/turkish-drones-neutralize-21-syrian-regime-troops/1756474 Turkish drones neutralize 21 Syrian regime troops]</ref>
* 3,159 killed or woundedneutralized
* 8 helicopters
* 2 [[SU-24]] type aircraft
* 1 [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39]] type aircraft<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26450/Turkish_F_16_Shoots_Down_Syria___s_L_39_Warplane |title= Turkish F-16 Shoots Down Syria’s L-39 Warplane|author=Our Bureau|language=|publisher=Defense World|date=2020-03-03}}</ref>
* 3 [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]]
* 151155 [[Main battle tank|tanks]]
* 51 other [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armored vehicles]]
* 54 [[Multiple Launch Rocket System|MLRS]]
* 49 [[ArtillerySelf-propelled artillery|artillery]]
* 4 [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortars]]
* 34 [[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]]
* 60 other [[Military vehicle|military vehicles]]
* 8 air defense systems (1 [[Buk missile system|SA-17]], 2 [[Pantsir missile system|SA-22]])
* 12 [[Anti-tank guided missile|ATGMs]]
{{See|Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019–March 2020)#Operation Spring Shield}}
'''Operation Spring Shield''' ({{lang-tr|Bahar Kalkanı Harekâtı}}) was a cross-border military operation conducted by the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] (TSK) against the [[Syrian Armed Forces]] in the [[Idlib District]] of northwest [[Syria]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/turkey-launches-operation-spring-shield-in-syrias-idlib/news |title= Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against regime aggression in Syria |location=Istanbul|language=|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=2020-03-01}}</ref> A cross-border military operation was commenced by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on 27 February 2020 in Idlib. The operation was launched in response to the [[2020 Balyun airstrikes|Balyun airstrikesattack]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/operation-spring-shield-clash-turkey-syrian-arab-army-idlib.html |title= Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces|author=[[Amberin Zaman]]|language=|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=2020-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/03/turkeys-operation-spring-shield-delivers-blow-to-hezbollah.php|title= Turkey’s Operation “Spring Shield” delivers blow to Hezbollah|publisher=Longwarjournal.org|date=2020-03-05|author=Joe Truzman}}</ref> TurkishTurkey's National Defense Minister [[Hulusi Akar]] said that the purpose of the operation had been within the framework of the [[Syrian_peace_process#Initiation_of_Astana_talks%2C_and_ceasefire_(December_2016)|Astana talks]], to ensure a ceasefire agreement in the [[Second Northern Syria Buffer Zone|Sochi]] and to prevent migration from Idlib towards the Turkish border. On 5 March, Turkey and [[Russia]] signed a ceasefire agreement in Moscow.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/rusyadan-idlib-aciklamasi-ateskes-duzenlemesine-genel-olarak-uyuluyor-6164473|title=Rusya'dan İdlib açıklaması: Ateşkes düzenlemesine genel olarak uyuluyor|date=2020-03-12|location=Ankara|publisher=Milliyet|language=Turkish}}</ref>
== Background ==
{{Further|2020 Balyun airstrikes}}
On 27 February 2020, during the peak of Operation Dawn of Idlib 2, the Syrian Air Force and allegedly the Russian Air force conducted airstrikes against Turkish Army positions in Balyun, Idlib Governorate. The strikes resulted in the deaths of 33 or 34 Turkish soldiers. <ref>[https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/syrian-turkish-armies-engage-in-new-deadly-clashes-in-idlib-1.621238 Syrian, Turkish armies engage in new deadly clashes in Idlib]<br>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/05/erdogan-putin-talks-secure-syria-ceasefire Putin and Erdoğan in last-ditch talks to secure Syria ceasefire]<br>[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/15-displaced-syrians-killed-idlib-air-attack-200305104007673.html At least 15 displaced Syrians killed in Idlib air attack]</ref><ref name="sozcu">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2020/gundem/erdogan-idlibde-59-sehit-verdik-5667724/|title=Erdoğan: İdlib’de 59 şehit verdik|website=www.sozcu.com.tr}}</ref> The following day, Russia denied it carried out airstrikes in the area and stated it made attempts to ensure the Syrian military ceased firing to allow the evacuation of the Turkish troops, but noted the Turkish forces should not have been in the area, where "counter-terror operations" were taking place, and that Turkey failed to notify it about the soldiers' presence in advance. Turkey noted that Russia was aware of Turkish troop locations, the two countries having regularly liaised about this.<ref name="Ministry 2020">{{cite web | title=The Strike: Did Russia Knowingly Target Turkish Troops? | website=POLYGRAPH.info | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.polygraph.info/a/turkey-russia-syria-fact-check/30460458.html | access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref>
== Operation timeline ==
=== 27-28 February 2020===
After the deadly attacks in Balyun, Turkey formalized its military intervention and announced the beginning of [[Operation Spring Shield]], aimed at halting the advance of the Syrian government forces towards Idlib and pushing them back to pre-offensive frontlines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/serkan-demirtas/turkey-launches-operation-spring-shield-152580|title=Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield|website=Hürriyet Daily News|language=en|access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> On 28 February, the Turkish [[Ministry of National Defense (Turkey)|Ministry of National Defense]] announced that the Turkish armed forces had responded to the airstrikes and "neutralized" 329 [[Syrian government]] troops and destroyed five [[Military helicopter|helicopters]], 23 [[tank]]s, 10 [[Armored fighting vehicle|armored vehicles]] 23 [[artillery]] and [[howitzer]]s, five ammunition trucks, one [[Buk missile system|SA-17]] and one [[Pantsir missile system|SA-22]] air defense systems, three ammunition depots, two inventory depots and one headquarter building belonging to the Syrian government,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bakan Akar: 200'ü aşkın rejim hedefi ağır ateş altına alındı |url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/bakan-akardan-idlib-aciklamasi-200u-askin-rejim-hedefi-agir-ates-altina-alindi,awStSE9uBkygl8uGfj5JKQ |website=NTV |accessdate=28 February 2020}}</ref> which could not be corroborated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/turkish-soldiers-killed-air-raid-syria-idlib-200227211119672.html|title=33 Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> A Syrian military official acknowledged their armored and technical vehicles were heavily targeted and that their northwestern Syria arsenal suffered significant destruction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-military-carries-out-massive-attack-against-syrian-army/|title=Turkish military carries out massive attack against Syrian Army|first=News|last=Desk|date=February 28, 2020}}</ref>
=== 1 March 2020 ===
Two Russian-made Su-24 jets of the Syrian airforce that allegedly attacked attack Turkish planes were shot down. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that Turkish forces had destroyed so far two Syrian Su-24 fighter jets, two drones, 135 tanks, and five air defence systems.<ref>[https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26447/Ten_Hezbollah__Syrian_Army_Commanders_Killed_in_Turkish_Drone_Strikes#.Xu0MU-RcIlQ Ten Hezbollah, Syrian Army Commanders Killed in Turkish Drone Strikes]</ref>
"Turkish F-16 intruded Syrian airspace twice. The jets attacked and downed two planes of the Syrian Air Forces over Idlib. The pilots managed to eject safely," the Syrian defense ministry official said.<ref>[https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26437/Syria_Destroys_6_Turkish_Combat_Drones__Turkish_F_16s_Down_2_Syrian_Su_24_Jets#.Xu0JUuRcIlQ Syria Destroys 6 Turkish Combat Drones, Turkish F-16s Down 2 Syrian Su-24 Jets]</ref>
=== 5 March 2020 ===
On March 5, the Turkish armed forces claimed to have neutralized 21 Syrian regime troops following a Syrian attack which resulted in the death of a Turkish soldier. It also reported to have destroyed 2 howitzers and 2 MLRS of the Syrian army. <ref>[https://www.aa.com.tr/en/operation-spring-shield/turkish-drones-neutralize-21-syrian-regime-troops/1756474]</ref>
The [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] reported that 170 Syrian soldiers and 27 other allied foreign fighters were killed by Turkish drone and artillery attacks between 28 February and 5 March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200303-syrian-pilot-killed-as-turkey-downs-warplane-monitor|title=Syrian pilot killed as Turkey downs warplane: monitor|date=March 3, 2020|website=France 24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=367176|title=خلال أقل من 50 يوم.. مليون و150 ألف نازح.. و2640 شخص استشهدوا وقضوا وقتلوا في حلب وحماة وإدلب.. و276 منطقة باتت بيد “النظام السوري”}}</ref>
Through out the operation, [[fighter aircraft]], [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|combat drones]] and ground fire were used in the retaliation according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.<ref>{{cite news |title=329 rejim askeri etkisiz hale getirildi |url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/329-rejim-askeri-etkisiz-hale-getirildi-463736.html |accessdate=28 February 2020 |agency=Anadolu Agency |publisher=TRT Haber |date=28 February 2020}}</ref> According to Turkish sources, Turkish combat drones entered Syrian airspace while [[Turkish Air Force]] [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 fighter jets]] launched long range [[precision-guided munition]]s without entering Syrian airspace.<ref>{{cite news |title=Son dakika İdlib'de rejim unsurlarına ağır darbe! Türk savaş uçakları hava sahası engelini böyle aştı... |url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-idlibde-rejim-unsurlarina-agir-darbe-turk-savas-ucaklari-hava-sahasi-engelini-boyle-asti-6155064 |accessdate=28 February 2020 |publisher=Milliyet}}</ref>
== Ceasefire ==
On 5 March 2020, the presidents of Turkey and Russia, Erdoğan and Putin, met in Moscow for high-level talks.<ref name="Marcus 2020 Putin">{{cite web | last=Marcus | first=Jonathan | title=How Russia's Putin became the go-to man on Syria | website=BBC News | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51733595 | access-date=2020-03-05}}</ref> According to the statements made by the Turkish and Russian leaders following their one-on-one meeting, a ceasefire in the area of Idlib was to come into force from 00:00 hrs on 6 March. The terms of the ceasefire included a secure corridor 6 kilometers either side of the M4 highway, to be patrolled jointly by Russia and Turkey beginning on 15 March.<ref name="TRTWorld 2020 ceasefire">{{cite web | author=TRTWorld | title=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | website=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/joint-turkish-russian-patrols-to-begin-on-march-15-latest-updates-34168 | access-date=2020-03-12}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Syrian–Turkish border clashes during the Syrian Civil War]]
* [[Turco-Russian confrontation|Turkish-Russian aerial incidents]]
* [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|Operation Peace Spring]]
* [[Operation Olive Branch]]
* [[Operation Euphrates Shield]]
* [[List of wars involving Turkey]]
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Syrian Civil War}}
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Syrian government]]
[[Category:Major phases of Syrian Civil War]]
{{Turkey-mil-stub}}
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