Turkish post in Idlib hit 'deliberately' by Syrian attack

ISTANBUL – Turkey says Syrian government forces have "deliberately" attacked a Turkish military observation post in northwestern Syria.

In a statement Sunday, the defense ministry said Turkish troops responded with "heavy weapons" after the artillery attack in Idlib province.

Turkey set up the posts in Idlib as part of a de-escalation zone agreement struck with Russia and Iran in September 2017.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday that the country would not tolerate Syrian military attacks on its troops. "We'll put you in your place. Everyone should know their place," he was quoted as saying by official Anadolu news agency.

Syrian forces launched an offensive to take the last rebel-held territory in Idlib late April. At least five Turkish soldiers have been wounded in attacks on observation posts since May.