Soldiers from a Russian-Turkish patrol were injured on Tuesday (July 14th) in a bomb explosion when their vehicles passed through in northwestern Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
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The device exploded at 08:50 (0550 GMT) when the convoy passed on the M4 motorway, in the south of a de-escalation zone located in the province of Idleb. Two armored vehicles, one Russian, the other Turkish, were hit. Three Russians were " slightly injured, " according to the ministry. He also reported injuries among Turkish forces, but did not provide further details.
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Russia and Turkey launched these joint patrols in March after a ceasefire agreement to end fighting in and around Idleb, the last bastion of anti-government forces in Syria. Russia supports President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports various rebel groups. Moscow and Ankara have nevertheless signed agreements to reduce hostilities.
