Araz News: The Syrian regime intensified and expanded its ground operations on Thursday in the Bayırbucak Turkmen area, which began three days ago in Latakia.

Regime forces expanded their operations with the support of Russian airstrikes and conducted simultaneous attacks on the Fırınlık, Acısı, and Avanlı regions in the Turkmen Mountain area, which are under the control of moderate opposition forces,Daily Sabah reported.

The attacks reportedly targeted Turkmen villages and Turkmen positions. Bombs were also seen from areas close to the Turkish side of the border.

There have been reports of many casualties from the attacks, while the sound of explosions coming from the region were heard in the border town of Yayladağı in Turkey’s Hatay province.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu condemned the attacks on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Ankara, “Bayırbucak Turkmens have been living in that region for many centuries. We condemn the attacks. No one can legitimize the attacks against the Arab and Turkmen populations in the region,” Davutoğlu said. He also said that the Russian ambassador was summoned over the attacks on Turkmen areas in Syria.

Russia began air operations in Syria on Sept. 30 after receiving parliamentary approval. The Kremlin claimed the airstrikes, which followed a military buildup in Syria, aimed to support the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad, a long-standing Russian ally, against DAESH. However, Turkey and the West have accused Russia of targeting moderate fighters opposed to Assad, many of which are supported by Turkey and the U.S.

By H.A