N.Syria: 2 Turkish soldiers martyred in rocket attack

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - Two Turkish soldiers were martyred, another was injured in a rocket attack by the radical groups in Idlib de-escalation zone in northwestern Syria, said Turkish Defense Ministry on Thursday.

In a statement, the ministry said the radical groups in the de-escalation zone attacked Turkish soldiers.

Due to the rocket attack, two Turkish soldiers were martyred, another was injured, it said.

"Targets determined in the region immediately were taken under fire and retaliated in proportion," said the ministry.

Meanwhile, in a Twitter post, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and the Turkish nation.

Turkish and Russian presidents on March 5 agreed on a new cease-fire for Idlib.

Under the deal, all military activities are to end in Idlib with the establishment of a security corridor 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the north and south of the key M4 highway.

Turkish soldiers have been in the region to sustain the cease-fire and ensure the security of civilians.

* Writing by Fahri Aksut