The first convoy of Turkey’s new military operation in northwestern Syria is reported to have crossed the border and set up positions in the area.<br /><br />Witnesses say 30 military vehicles escorted by Syrian rebels have entered Idlib province, which is largely controlled by former al-Qaeda militants.<br /><br />The operation carried out late on Thursday (Oct. 12) is part of joint efforts by Turkey, Russia and Iran to set up a de-escalation zone in Idlib and surrounding areas to help bring an end to Syria’s six-year old civil war.<br /><br />Three other such ceasefire zones are already in place in the country: in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus, in central Homs, and in parts of southern Syria.<br /><br />The goal is to contain fighting between Syrian rebels – which include groups backed by Turkey – and Bashar Al Assad’s government, which is supported by both Moscow and Tehran.<br />
