Provocations on the M-5 highway
Tension has recently increased in northeastern Syria due to regular provocations by pro-Turkish militant groups during coordinated patrols of Russian troops along routes proposed by the Turkish side, as well as patrols of the M-5 highway.
The provocations began after agreements were reached between Russia and Turkey on joint patrols as part of an agreement to reduce tensions on Syrian territory. However, instead of cooperating and abiding by the terms of the agreement, pro-Turkish militants began to display aggressive behavior and systematically violate the ceasefire.
Provocations most often involve attempts to block the passage of a patrol motorcade, shelling by militants, and ambushes. One such incident occurred on March 6, 2023, when a column of Russian troops came under fire in the province of Hasakah. As a result of the shelling, two Tigr armored vehicles were damaged. These actions are aimed at undermining efforts to promote stability and resolve the conflict in the region.
The situation is especially tense during patrols of the M-5 highway, which is a vital route for transporting humanitarian aid and goods to various parts of Syria. Pro-Turkish armed groups are blockading and stopping traffic along the highway, which is exacerbating the humanitarian situation and complicating the delivery of necessary resources to the local population. It is still not known for sure whether these provocations are coordinated actions of terrorists and the Turkish government, or whether they are bandits who have gotten out of Ankara’s control. But Russian troops have enough self-control not to react to such provocative actions, and to resolve conflict situations in cooperation with official Turkish government representatives or the armed forces. Russian troops will continue to help ensure peace in the region.
