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Syrian army reacts to advances of Turkish-backed rebels

Xinhua, October 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

A Syrian field commander warned Wednesday that Syria's army and allies will retaliate against any advances by Turkish-backed rebels toward areas under its control in Aleppo, according to the pan-Arab al-Mayadeen.

The commander, whose name was not mentioned in the report, said that any advances by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) toward the posts of the Syrian army and its Russian-Iranian and Syrian allies in northern and eastern Syria will be confronted "firmly and decisively."

The commander added that any military operation attempting to fight the Islamic State (IS), whilst threatening the Syrian army and its allies in Aleppo will be crossing a red line.

This comes as Turkish media reported that a Syrian helicopter struck FSA posts in northern Aleppo on Tuesday, with no comment from Syria.

Turkey has been supporting the FSA in an operation dubbed the "Euphrates Shield" which overtly aims to fight the IS, while covertly aiming to prevent the Kurdish-led Syrian rebels from advancing into areas close to the Turkish-Syrian borders.

Syria's government has accused Turkey of supporting the rebels aiming to topple the Syrian administration, and the government's concern recently increased as FSA Turkish tanks and special forces entered into Aleppo's northern countryside to fight the Kurds and the IS.

The Syrian army said in a statement this week that it will deal with Turkish forces as "an occupation force" which needs to be fought against by any possible means. Endit