Northwestern Syria offensive (December 2019 – March 2020)

{{Main|Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019)|Northwestern Syria offensive (April–August 2019)}}

Following Syrian government victories in 2018 during the siege of Eastern Ghouta, the Southern Damascus offensive, and the completion of rebel evacuations from eastern Qalamoun—which partially concluded the government's Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign—parts of northwestern Syria in the Idlib and Aleppo Governorates became the only significant opposition-controlled territory. Fighters of the Syrian National Army loyal to the Syrian Interim Government (concentrated in Aleppo) and some 20,000 fighters aligned with the internationally-proscribed terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and loyal to the Syrian Salvation Government (concentrated in Idlib) held out against Bashar al-Assad's government and its allies, with a civilian population of three million living in the area.{{cite web | website=Financial Times | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/73666354-5320-11ea-8841-482eed0038b1 | title=A shameful response to the tragedy in Idlib|access-date=2020-02-28}}{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043844/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 March 2019|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|date=31 August 2018|via=uk.reuters.com|newspaper=Reuters}}

According to a Reuters analysis, the January 2019 takeover of Idlib by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ended any realistic prospect of fulfilling the requirements of the 2018 Turko-Russian Agreement, which called for the disarming of the jihadist faction and reopening of the strategic M4 and M5 highways.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043844/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-turkey-idUKKCN1LG1XU|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 March 2019|title=Turkey designates Syria's Tahrir al-Sham as terrorist group|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 August 2018|via=uk.reuters.com}} The offensive that began in December 2019 was aimed at reopening the highways to civilian traffic, as well as the final elimination of rebel control over the territory.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/full-text-turkey-russia-agreement-northeast-syria-191022180033274.html|title=Full text of Turkey, Russia agreement on northeast Syria|website=www.aljazeera.com}}

On 20 November 2019, Qah was struck by a ground-to-ground missile from the Syrian government with Russian and Iranian support.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/syria-idlib-idp-camp-hit-deadly-missile-attack-191121065039126.html |title=Syria: Idlib IDP camp hit by deadly missile attack |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |newspaper=Al Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network}} It killed at least 16 people.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/syrian-regime-targets-hospital-and-refugee-camp-killing-at-least-22 |title=Syrian regime targets hospital and refugee camp, killing at least 22 |first=Bethan |last=McKernan |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited}} The United States strongly condemned the attack.{{cite news |url=https://www.state.gov/attack-on-al-qah-idp-camp-in-northern-syria/ |title=Attack on al-Qah IDP Camp in Northern Syria |first=Morgan |last=Ortagus |author-link=Morgan Ortagus |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |work=U.S. Department of State |publisher=United States Government}}

On 24 November 2019, pro-Syrian government forces, supported by Russian airstrikes, entered the villages of Umm Elkhalayel, Zarzur, al-Sayeer and Msheirfeh, causing dozens of casualties on both sides.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/c6155df260cc452781b2823e59977bad|title=Syrian troops capture village from insurgents in Idlib|date=24 November 2019|website=AP NEWS}}{{cite web | title=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2019-11-25 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2007431/monitor-syrian-regime-captures-strategic-town-idlib | access-date=2020-03-25}} The next day, a second advance was attempted by government forces targeting the village of al-Farjah, which Syrian state media reported as being under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).{{cite web|url=http://www.alo.rs/vesti/svet/teroristi-se-razbezali-raspao-se-front-asadove-snage-nezaustavljivo-jure-na-marat-al-numan-mapa/268138/vest|title=Teroristi se razbežali, raspao se front, Asadove snage nezaustavljivo jure na Marat al Numan! (MAPA)|website=Alo!}}{{better source needed|tabloid|date=February 2020}}

On 26 November, opposition media reported that the rebel Al-Fatah al-Mubin Operations Room repelled another attempted government advance on the Sahel village in Idlib's southeastern countryside.{{cite web|url=https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/breakingnews/details/35662/بلدي_فصائل_الفتح_المبين_تصد_محاولة_تقدم_لقوات_النظام_على_قرية_سحال_بريف_إدلب_الشرقيسوريا|title=شبكة بلدي الإعلامية |website=baladi-news.com}}{{Dead link|date=February 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 28 November, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced repelling a joint Iranian militia-Syrian advance on Kabani in northeastern Latakia Governorate, with pro-government forces withdrawing after hours of clashes. Russian warplanes were also reportedly seen during the assault, according to opposition sources.{{cite web|url=https://eldorar.com/node/144454|title="تحرير الشام" تحبط هجومين لقوات الأسد وميليشيات إيران على محور الكبينة باللاذقية خلال 24 ساعة|first=محرر الدرر|last=الشامية|date=29 November 2019|website=الدرر الشامية}}

On 30 November, HTS and other rebel groups reportedly captured several villages near the Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase, according to pro-government sources.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-score-big-advance-in-southeast-idlib-after-launching-new-offensive/|title=Jihadist rebels score big advance in southeast Idlib after launching new offensive|first=News|last=Desk|date=30 November 2019|website=Al-Masdar News|access-date=1 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227191044/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-score-big-advance-in-southeast-idlib-after-launching-new-offensive/|url-status=dead}}

On 1 December, according to government sources,{{which|date=March 2020}} HTS, the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation (NFL), Ajnad al-Kavkaz, and Ansar al-Tawhid attacked government-controlled villages, with fierce clashes occurring in the towns of Establat and Rassem Wared in which two tanks and five transport vehicles were reportedly destroyed; during the rebel advance, the Syrian military said it destroyed two SVBIEDs (suicide car bombs) near the town of Kafriya. The joint rebel offensive was ultimately repelled.{{cite web|url=http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=49511&SEO=syrian-army-rejects-terrorist-offensive-southeast-of-idleb|title=Syrian army rejects terrorist offensive southeast of Idleb|website=Prensa Latina, Cuba}}

On 4 December, clashes occurred{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=149566|title=As clashes continue in Idlib fronts .. 5 members of the regime forces killed including an officer • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=4 December 2019}} as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) seized a military base east of Umm al-Tinah village.{{cite web|url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2019/4-december-saa-control-military-base-east-of-umm-altinah|title=SAA control military base east of Umm Al-Tinah Idlib Governorate|website=Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news and incidents today - syria.liveuamap.com}}{{better source needed|source is a now-deleted tweet, need RS|date=March 2020}}

On 9 December, pro-government sources reported that the military bombarded rebel-held areas in the southern Idlib countryside, as well as portions of the western Aleppo countryside and parts of Aleppo city's outskirts.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-heavy-attack-across-southern-idlib/|title=Syrian Army launches heavy attack across southern Idlib|first=News|last=Desk|date=9 December 2019|publisher=al-Masdar|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211155201/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-heavy-attack-across-southern-idlib/|url-status=dead}}

Pro-government airstrikes in the region began to intensify on 15 December 2019.[https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/A_HRC_43_57_AEV.pdf Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic], 28 January 2020 Meanwhile, on 17 December, Russian intelligence reported that 300 fighters from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) arrived in Idlib from Afrin in preparation for renewed fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-forces-launched-large-attack-against-syrian-army-troops-russian-military/|title=Jihadist forces launched large attack against Syrian Army troops: Russian military|work=Al-Masdar News|date=18 December 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417023954/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-forces-launched-large-attack-against-syrian-army-troops-russian-military/|url-status=dead}}

Following the air bombing campaign and after the 14th round of negotiations in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan ended a few days prior without any definitive ceasefire agreement, ground fighting resumed on 18 December, reportedly due to the opposition's refusal to accept new Russian terms regarding control of Idlib.{{cite news|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/18/russia-bombing-idlib-is-response-to-opposition-rejecting-land-grab|work=The New Arab|date=18 December 2019|title=Deadly Russian bombardment of Idlib is response to 'opposition rejection of land-grab proposal'}} As many as 200 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Guardians of Religion Organization fighters jointly attacked Syrian government forces in the Umm al Khalakhil and Zarzur fronts. The Syrian military said they had repelled all attacks and that 12 pro-government fighters were injured and hospitalized.

On 19 December, pro-government media reported that the Syrian government had initiated the "second phase" of Operation Dawn of Idlib, the prior government offensive in summer 2019, with pro-government forces led by the 25th Special Mission Forces Division (formerly known as the Tiger Forces) attacking several villages in southeastern Idlib Governorate, particularly along the Umm Jalal axis. A Syrian military source said the objective of the operation was to capture territory south of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, a key rebel stronghold on the M5 highway.{{cite web | title=As Syria's army advances into Idlib, a mass exodus is underway | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2019-12-26 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-26/as-syrias-army-advances-into-idlib-a-mass-exodus-is-underway | access-date=2020-03-03}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-of-idlib-offensive/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 December 2019|title=Breaking: Syrian Army kicks off 2nd phase of Idlib offensive|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209142837/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-of-idlib-offensive/|url-status=dead}} There were Russian airstrikes on Tal Mardikh in the eastern Idlib countryside and the village of Marshamarin in southern Idlib, and government helicopter barrel bomb attacks on Jarjnaz and al-Ghadfah, as well as bombing of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.{{cite web | author=The New Arab & | title=Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes continue to hit Idlib | website=alaraby | date=2019-12-19 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/19/russian-and-syrian-regime-airstrikes-continue-to-hit-idlib | access-date=2020-03-03}} 80 people were reported killed on both sides on 20–21 December, including in heavy air strikes on Ma'arrat al-Nu'man and Saraqib.{{cite web | title=Tens of thousands of civilians flee renewed Syria violence | website=News24 | date=2019-12-21 | url=https://www.news24.com/World/News/tens-of-thousands-of-civilians-flee-renewed-syria-violence-20191221 | access-date=2020-03-03}} Russia reported that 17 Syrian soldiers were killed.{{cite web | title=24 members of Syrian government forces including colonel were killed in Idlib – Enab Baladi | website=Enab Baladi | date=2019-12-29 | url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/12/24-members-of-syrian-government-forces-including-colonel-were-killed-in-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-03}}

On 21 December, according to pro-government sources, several pro-government fighters were killed in an ambush by the National Front for Liberation (NFL) in Latakia, with several light weapons also captured.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-turkish-backed-militants-in-northeast-latakia/|title=Several Syrian soldiers killed in ambush by Turkish-backed militants in northeast Latakia|work=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019|access-date=24 December 2019|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224142051/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-turkish-backed-militants-in-northeast-latakia/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, HTS claimed a suicide attack in the village of al-Furqa, southeast of Idlib, which reportedly killed 30 Syrian troops.

By 22 December, government forces spearheaded by the 5th Corps and the 25th Special Mission Forces Division had made notable advances in the southeastern Idlib countryside, battling rebel units in the area and reportedly capturing over 15 towns and villages within a 48-hour period. According to front line reports, the SAA death toll had risen to 40, with over 50 wounded. An SAA source said the rebels had suffered 70–80 dead.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|title=Syrian Army's death toll after two-days of battle in southeast Idlib rises to 40|work=Al-Masdar News|date=21 December 2019|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223105540/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-armys-death-toll-after-two-days-of-battle-in-southeast-idlib-rises-to-40/|url-status=dead}} During its advance, the Syrian army began encircling the Turkish observation point near Sarman.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151172|title=After besieging the Turkish point in Morek months ago, the regime forces almost besiege the Turkish point in "al-Sarman" and control areas in the Maarrat al-Nu'man countryside|work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=22 December 2019}} Government sources reported the death of Colonel Basil Ali Khaddour, the commander of the sixth regiment of the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, while opposition media reported several of the Division's members killed.

On 23 December, the Syrian army advanced further, completely surrounding the Turkish observation point near Sarman{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20191223-syria-regime-forces-surround-turkish-army-post-idlib|title=Syria regime forces surround Turkish army post in Idlib |work=France 24|date=23 December 2019}} and capturing Jarjnaz, considered the largest town in the eastern countryside of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151286|title=Regime forces go deep in Jarjanaz town's neighborhoods and get closer to Maarrat al-Nu'man city, less than 9 km away of it |work=The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=23 December 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUKKBN1YS184|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224195117/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUKKBN1YS184|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2019|title=Russian-backed Syrian forces close in on major city in rebel-held Idlib |work=Reuters|date=24 December 2019}}

On 24 December, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposition elements launched a morning counterattack to retake Jarjnaz, recapturing the villages of Tell Mannas, al-Barsah, Farwan, and al-Ghadfah in the process, according to SOHR; an SVBIED was deployed and attacked pro-government forces in Jarjnaz.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151322|title=Opposition factions and jihadis continue counterattack in Maarrat Al-Nu'man countryside recovering more areas hours after regime had advanced into them|website=SOHR|date=24 December 2019}} By 24 December, 30,000 people had fled from the areas around Ma'arrat al-Nu'man while airstrikes on the M5 highway reportedly targeted civilians fleeing north from the front lines.{{cite web | last1=McKernan | first1=Bethan | last2=Akoush | first2=Hussein | title=Thousands flee north-west Syria amid fierce assault by Assad | website=the Guardian | date=2019-12-24 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/24/thousands-flee-north-west-syria-amid-airstrikes | access-date=2020-03-03}} Pro-government media reported that HTS withdrew from its defensive positions in and around Ma'arat Al-Nu'man as well as other defensive positions in the southern Idlib countryside, handing control over to Ansar al-Tawhid, part of the Rouse the Believers Operations Room.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/al-qaeda-linked-jihadist-group-enters-battle-in-southeast-idlib/|title=Al-Qaeda linked jihadist group enters battle in southeast Idlib|work=Al-Masdar News|date=24 December 2019|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210203558/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/al-qaeda-linked-jihadist-group-enters-battle-in-southeast-idlib/|url-status=dead}} The Deputy Defense Minister of the Syrian Interim Government said that HTS had blocked reinforcements sent by the SNA from areas in northern Aleppo such as Afrin and further alleged that the only SNA factions allowed into Idlib by HTS were the Levant Front, Ahrar al-Sharqiya and the Lions of the East Army. HTS denied the claims.

On 25 December, the Russian Air Force reportedly bombed a military convoy of Ahrar al-Sham moving near the town of Kafr Nabl in southern Idlib, killing an unknown number of its field commanders and fighters.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

On 26 December, ground advancements largely halted and both sides began shelling each other's positions around Ma'arrat Al-Nu'man, with casualties reported on both sides. Pro-government forces began shelling the rebel-held towns of Bernan, Farwan, Barissa, and Halban.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151475|title=Regime forces unleash new attack on Bernan and Farawan renewing the fierce battles in both eastern and south-eastern countryside • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=26 December 2019}} Both government and opposition factions later reported that they paused their field operations in the Idlib region due to poor weather conditions. According to a Syrian army source, the air force was temporarily grounded because of limited visibility.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pauses-idlib-offensive-as-poor-weather-conditions-ground-air-force/|title=Syrian Army pauses Idlib offensive as poor weather conditions ground air force|first=News|last=Desk|date=31 December 2019|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211140716/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pauses-idlib-offensive-as-poor-weather-conditions-ground-air-force/|url-status=dead}} The NFL reportedly planned to launch a counterattack, but it was also called off due to poor weather conditions. Instead, they brought reinforcements to their positions.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/27/more-than-235000-people-have-fled-idlib-region-in-syria-says-un|title=More than 235,000 people have fled Idlib region in Syria, says UN|first1=Emma|last1=Graham-Harrison|first2=Hussein|last2=Akoush|date=27 December 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian}}

By the end of the month, hundreds of SNA fighters (two brigades) were transferred to Idlib as a result of an agreement with HTS, which had previously blocked the entry of SNA combatants.{{cite web | author=The New Arab | title=Hundreds of Turkish-backed Syrian fighters arrive in Idlib to halt regime advance | website=alaraby | date=2019-12-31 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/12/31/hundreds-of-turkish-backed-syrian-fighters-arrive-in-idlib | access-date=2020-03-04}}

The Syrian Army offensive was condemned by world leaders, including United States president Donald Trump, who tweeted that "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib province." By this stage, United Nations agencies were reporting that "mass evacuations" of pro-opposition families from front line areas "have left behind a landscape of ghost towns".

According to a Russian major-general, a ceasefire was agreed with Turkey, which supported many of the rebel factions in the area, between late December 2019 and early January 2020; the ceasefire was introduced in the Idlib de-escalation zone on 9 January 2020. Turkey had sent a delegation to Moscow to establish a new ceasefire in the region.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-russia-ceasefir-idUSKBN1Z82FA|title=Russia says ceasefire established in Syria's Idlib: TASS|date=9 January 2020 |newspaper=Reuters}} Turkey's defense ministry announced that the ceasefire would take effect on 12 January and said that Syrian and Russian land and air attacks would halt at one minute past midnight.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/turkey-russia-idlib-1.5422193 |title = Turkey, Russia agree to ceasefire in war-torn Idlib, Syria {{pipe}} CBC News}} The ceasefire was set to stem the flow of refugees from Idlib and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/russian-army-announces-ceasefire-syria-idlib-200109214536381.html|title=Russia announces ceasefire deal with Turkey in Syria's Idlib|website=aljazeera.com}}

On 11 January 2020, a day before the brokered ceasefire went into effect, Ansar al-Tawhid released a video of a mechanized attack against government positions in southeastern Idlib using heavy machine guns previously captured from the Syrian army. The group also reportedly ambushed a vehicle carrying government officers and successfully captured a position from government forces, seizing some small arms in the process.

Late on 15 January, post-ceasefire, the Syrian Arab Army and its allies resumed offensive actions in southern Idlib in response to a prior series of apparent ceasefire violations by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other militant groups. The Syrian Army captured the villages of Barsah and Nouhiya, located west of the Abu al-Duhur Military Airbase.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

On 16 January, the Syrian army captured three towns in southeast Idlib after troops stormed the towns of Talkhatra, Abu Jurayf and Khirbat Dawud in the morning. The three towns were secured following several hours of clashes that killed 22 militants, including 16 jihadists, according to SOHR. HTS and its allies claimed to recapture Abu Jurayf in a counterattack that killed more than ten Syrian troops, due to the SAA failing to secure the town after initially storming it. On 17 January, the rebels captured Tal Musaytif from government forces, according to SOHR.{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153160|title=Opposition factions and jihadis attack regime positions east of Saraqib capturing a new village|date=17 January 2020|work=SOHR}}

Russia's defense ministry stated that a major clash had occurred on the evening of 22 January between Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) forces—backed by 20 cars, tanks and two armored vehicles—and Syrian government forces. The ministry and Syrian state media added that the militants also used attack drones and car bombs and that the assault pushed the SAA out of two settlements in Idlib. The clashes reportedly left up to 50 fighters killed and 90 wounded while government forces lost 40 dead and 80 wounded. An NFL spokesman said the assault had taken place earlier in the week. A Syrian military source was cited as saying army units were redeployed to the area and eventually repelled the attacks "with high efficiency".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51221225|title=Syria war: Jihadist assault 'kills dozens of soldiers'|work=BBC|date=23 January 2020}} However, a "field source" in Hama quoted by pro-government media said he was not aware of any significant attack near the front lines and that rebels were mostly using artillery and rockets to strike the SAA's positions in the de-escalation zone.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-claims-40-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-jihadist-attack/|title=Russia claims 40 Syrian soldiers killed in jihadist attack|date=23 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228200705/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russia-claims-40-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-jihadist-attack/|url-status=dead}} On the same day the Rouse the Believers Operations Room rebel coalition released photos of captured equipment and also released a photo of a pro-government fighter's German identification card. The coalition also released video footage of mortar attacks against Syrian troops.

After a short lull, and after the Russia-Turkey ceasefire failed to materialize, the Syrian Arab Army renewed its ground offensive towards Ma'arrat al-Nu'man on 24 January, assisted by massive airstrikes. Ma'arrat al-Nu'man was of both strategic and symbolic importance due to its location on the strategic Aleppo-Damascus highway/motorway (M5)—one of Syria's economic arteries—and that it was a major center for anti-government protests against Assad's rule since the civil war began in 2011.

Led by the 4th Armored Division, the Syrian army also launched new ground operations on the Aleppo axis on 25 January, opening with a massive artillery barrage on rebel defenses in the western Aleppo outskirts, spanning from the Al-Zahra'a Association Quarter to Rashiddeen 3 and 4 suburbs. The 4th Division conducted an armored assault on rebel defense lines near the Great Prophet Mosque, the local scientific research building, and Rashidden 3 suburb, but did not make any significant gains.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kicks-off-long-awaited-offensive-in-western-aleppo/|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian Army kicks off long-awaited offensive in western Aleppo|date=26 January 2020|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129042319/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kicks-off-long-awaited-offensive-in-western-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

Between 24 and 26 January, the Syrian army captured eight towns and villages in the Ma'arrat al-Nu'man countryside, including Tell Mannas, Al-Ghadfa, and Maar Shamshah, and captured a section of the M5 highway north of the stronghold, cutting a major rebel communication and supply line from Idlib. According to SOHR, by 26 January, Russia had conducted 78 airstrikes targeting front lines around Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, south of Aleppo, and in the western countryside while Syrian helicopters reportedly deployed 52 barrel bombs in rural areas.{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153801|title=Regime forces block the international highway M5, capturing eight towns in less than 48 hours, and nearly 190 airstrikes on "Putin-Erdogan" area|work=SOHR|date=26 January 2020}} According to opposition activists and paramedics, Ma'arrat al-Nu'man was almost empty of its 110,000 civilian residents as a result of the intense government bombardment in prior weeks which displaced hundreds of thousands, many of which fled north towards the border with Turkey. By the end of 26 January, the SAA was less than a kilometer from the city.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/056d7bb89bbd4246a59c52e64ea9d119|title=Syrian troops reach outskirts of key rebel-held town|date=26 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|work=Associated Press}}

On 27 January, heavy clashes continued as government forces reached the eastern, northern and southern outskirts of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, nearly encircling it. The 25th Special Mission Forces Division reportedly overran rebel defenses on the city's southern flank, capturing several towns and villages, including Sahyan, Kafr Basin, and Muqah, and capturing the majority of the M5 highway located south of the metro, except for the Turkish observation post at Maar Hattat. According to SOHR, pro-government forces were besieging Ma'arrat al-Nu'man from three sides and had captured 22 areas since 24 January; SOHR recorded 91 deaths among pro-government forces and 112 among the rebels, including 89 jihadists, since 24 January.{{cite news|url=https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/articles/56333/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%B1|title=The regime continues to advance in Idlib and casualties of the "Fatimiyoun" militia in Deir Ezzor|work=Baladi News|date=27 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-idlib/|title=Syrian Army seizes 3 more towns in Idlib|date=27 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127223743/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-idlib/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153858|title=In less than 72 hours: Regime forces capture 22 areas southeast of Idlib, besieging Ma'rat al-Numan from three sides, and more than 200 people killed from warring sides|date=27 January 2020|work=SOHR}} On the Aleppo front, there were reports in pro-government media of an ongoing battle near Khan Tuman between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian army, assisted by the National Defence Forces (NDF). The army attempted to capture the village after they seized several hills to its northeast.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-capture-strategic-town-along-aleppo-idlib-highway/|title=Syrian Army attempts to capture strategic town along Aleppo-Idlib Highway|work=Al-Masdar News|date=27 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023234117/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-capture-strategic-town-along-aleppo-idlib-highway/|url-status=dead}}

File:Syrian Military Statement on the capture of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.ogv' official statement on the capture of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man]]

On 28 January, the Syrian Arab Army and allies captured Kafr Rumah and the Wadi Deif military base following token rebel resistance. Pro-government forces subsequently stormed Ma'arrat al-Nu'man from three fronts, entering the city and capturing most of its districts after short clashes, according to Syrian state media. A Syrian military source said HTS and allied rebels mostly withdrew from the stronghold the day before, neglecting to defend the city proper, besides a small garrison. It was the first time Syrian government forces had control of the city since losing it on 10 October 2012. Rebel units subsequently counterattacked pro-government forces in the vicinity of the stronghold. SOHR said that at least 147 pro-government fighters and 151 opposition fighters were killed in the battle.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security/syrian-government-forces-enter-town-south-of-idlib-city-idUSKBN1ZR1PV|work=Reuters|title=Syrian government forces enter town south of Idlib city|date=28 January 2020}}{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Assad regime captures town in Syria's last rebel-held territory | website=the Guardian | date=2020-01-28 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/syrian-regime-captures-maarat-al-numan-in-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Syrian army 'recaptures' key town from opposition | website=BBC News | date=2020-01-29 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51293327 | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-maarat-al-numan-and-wadi-al-deif-base/|title=Syrian Army captures Ma'arat Al-Nu'man and Wadi Al-Deif Base|date=28 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022021/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-maarat-al-numan-and-wadi-al-deif-base/|url-status=dead}}

The SAA continued to push west of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, reportedly capturing Hantutin.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-advancing-in-idlib-after-seizing-maarat-al-numan/|date=28 January 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|title=Syrian Army keeps advancing in Idlib after seizing Ma'arat Al-Nu'man|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022022/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-advancing-in-idlib-after-seizing-maarat-al-numan/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, the SAA reported it had reached the outskirts of Khan Tuman after capturing the last hills to its east during repeated assaults spearheaded by the Republican Guard's 30th Division.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-in-southern-aleppo-amid-push-towards-khan-touman/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in southern Aleppo amid push towards Khan Touman|work=Al-Masdar News|date=28 January 2020|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129022040/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-in-southern-aleppo-amid-push-towards-khan-touman/|url-status=dead}}

On 29 January, following the latest army advances, the SOHR reported that 57% of the Idlib Governorate remained under rebel control, while the other 43% was controlled by government forces. It stated that the Syrian Army had managed to capture over 40 kilometers of the M5 highway and only a 25-kilometer stretch held by rebel forces was preventing it from controlling the highway in its entirety. It also reported a government advance on the outskirts of Aleppo, but stated that it did not hold strategic significance.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=153952&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=238ae51a8ab640da77bcbf0caca31d86f9820825-1580300932-0-AY6poVlvggDWV4Ga_Qnf31jaCmNYpRFiU5KqZ28jwBnAumUkH0yr-cu3qAhgD5WQgkekgQEEZ7M9jrLzNKhpZ7jR0mvHeExFgQ4enSdp_tvUY_pSHceIdFnSbj6W-XFAntljIRq5Hzrc3rz3sPzlVhjb3kav3VNqmhLllAVitfTtXdkDX8nddZRGPanYz14dI783s–4xcI_1RamARmyrLyRS0cU2Y2TNxNkv4HAUx_WaBpf0mjfjCHOehcWsejkL_72m2DXk18KIYg374NFhi0M|title=100 hours of military operations in Aleppo and Idlib: nearly 6,000 air and ground strikes, 26 areas fall to regime forces, and over 60,000 civilians displaced|date=29 January 2019|website=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights}} Al-Masdar News reported that the Syrian Army had secured Ma'arrat al-Nu'man's flanks and further captured the town of al-Harradah.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-in-idlib-seizes-new-town/|title=Syrian Army continues advance in Idlib, seizes new town|author=News Desk|date=29 January 2020|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129124322/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-in-idlib-seizes-new-town/|url-status=dead}} An armed rebel group reportedly stormed Idlib Central Hospital, occupying it for military purposes for a few hours while Al-Shami Hospital in Ariha was reportedly struck by multiple airstrikes.{{cite web | title=Advancing front lines, mass exodus and hospitals targeted in Idlib – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/advancing-front-lines-mass-exodus-and-hospitals-targeted-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}}

Government forces also advanced towards Aleppo's western suburbs to push rebels away from the city. The army reported a breakthrough in the Rashideen 5 suburb of Aleppo and advanced toward Rashideen 4, stating this advance was the first major SAA breakthrough on the previously deadlocked Aleppo front.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cracks-jihadist-lines-for-first-major-advance-in-southwest-aleppo/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army cracks jihadist lines for first major advance in southwest Aleppo|author=News Desk|date=29 January 2020|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129125050/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cracks-jihadist-lines-for-first-major-advance-in-southwest-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

A number of Hezbollah fighters were reported killed in this stage of the offensive. On 24 January, Jaafar al Sadiq, a Hezbollah commander, was reported killed; on 27 January, three more fighters' deaths in the Aleppo countryside were announced; a fifth Hezbollah death, in al-Zahraa, was subsequently announced.{{cite web | last=Truzman | first=Joe | title=Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias suffer heavy losses fighting in Syria | website=FDD's Long War Journal | date=2020-02-05 | url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/02/hezbollah-and-i.php | access-date=2020-02-29}}

On 30 January, the Syrian Army reached the outskirts of the opposition stronghold of Saraqib, north of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, after capturing the towns of Kafr Battikh, Tell Mardikh, Jobas, Qomhane, Hatamiyeh and Tell Dibs, pushing the front line to just three kilometers away from Saraqib's city center.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Later in the day, the army advanced further in the southeastern Idlib countryside, capturing the al-Suater hilltop from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies. Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to take direct military action in Idlib unless the government-led offensive ceased. On the Aleppo front, HTS detonated a remote control car bomb and deployed SVBIEDs followed by rocket and mortar attacks into the northwestern Aleppo outskirts against Syrian government positions, opening a new front. The HTS-linked Ebaa News Agency released footage of HTS inghimasi fighters pledging to wage jihad until death before deploying for Aleppo to attack pro-government positions. Syrian state media claimed government forces destroyed four SVBIEDs before they reached their destination. HTS also claimed to have killed a number of Iranian-linked militia fighters in west Aleppo.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idUSKBN1ZV3I1|title=Jihadist car bomb attacks target Syrian pro-government forces in Aleppo|date=1 February 2020|newspaper=Reuters}} Meanwhile, according to pro-government sources, the remnant Nour al-Din al-Zenki rebel group, operating from Turkish-backed opposition-held areas in northern Aleppo, sent reinforcements to the western Aleppo countryside to help bolster area defenses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nouriddeen-al-zinki-sends-reinforcements-to-help-jihadists-in-west-aleppo/|title=Nouriddeen Al-Zinki sends reinforcements to help jihadists in west Aleppo|first=News|last=Desk|date=30 January 2020|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=6 February 2020|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201185907/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nouriddeen-al-zinki-sends-reinforcements-to-help-jihadists-in-west-aleppo/|url-status=dead}}

29–31 January saw sustained bombardments as the government and its allies carried out 200 strikes throughout Idlib; Russian airstrikes on Ariha reportedly struck a bakery and a medical facility. Civilians displaced from Saraqib and other towns were also reportedly targeted as they fled the war zone.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Syria: pro-Assad forces batter Idlib and spark fears of fresh crisis | website=the Guardian | date=2020-01-31 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/31/syria-pro-assad-forces-batter-idlib-spark-fears-fresh-crisis | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Syria's Idlib 'hit by 200 strikes in three days' | website=BBC News | date=2020-01-30 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51317720 | access-date=2020-02-20}}

On 1 February, in response to government gains on the ground, the Turkish military established three new observation posts around Saraqib.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2020/02/01/turkish-military-sets-3rd-observation-point-near-syrias-saraqib|title=Turkish military sets 3rd observation point near Syria's Saraqib|website=DailySabah|date=February 2020}} On the same day, pro-government warplanes reportedly targeted al-Huda Hospital in the town of Hoor in the western countryside of Aleppo, destroying large parts of the building.{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Syrian shelling in Idlib knocks out dozens of medical facilities | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-regime-russia-airstrikes-target-idlib-hospitals.html | date=16 February 2020| access-date=2020-02-20}} There was an HTS counter-offensive in Al-Zahraa in Aleppo governorate, in which several Local Defense Force (LDF) pro-government militia fighters were reported killed. Four Russian FSB officers were reported killed the same day, also in the Aleppo countryside.{{cite web | title=Four FSB special forces officers reportedly killed in Syria | website=Meduza | date=2020-02-03 | url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2020/02/03/four-fsb-special-forces-officers-reportedly-killed-in-syria | language=la | access-date=2020-02-29}}

On 2 February, fighting was reported between HTS and the LDF-affiliated and Iranian-backed Baqir Brigade in the Aleppo countryside, in which a Brigade commander, Juma al Ahmad, was reported killed. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander, Asghar Pashapour, was killed the same day in the Aleppo countryside.{{cite web | last=Malley | first=JP O' | title=Senior commander in Iran's Quds Force reported killed in Aleppo battle | website=The Times of Israel | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/senior-commander-in-irans-quds-force-reported-killed-in-aleppo-battle/ | access-date=2020-02-29}}{{cite web | series=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2020-02-04 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2114676/iran-announces-death-soleimanis-guard-southern-aleppo |title=Iran Announces Death of Soleimani's Guard in Southern Aleppo| access-date=2020-02-29}}{{cite web | title=Iranian military officer killed in Syria's Aleppo: TV – English.news.cn | website=Xinhua | date=2017-03-21 | url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/03/c_138753423.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205115751/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/03/c_138753423.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 February 2020 | language=la | access-date=2020-02-29}}

On 3 February, Syrian and Turkish forces exchanged fire in Idlib, Latakia and the northern Aleppo countryside. Turkey and the SOHR reported seven Turkish soldiers, one civilian contractor, and 13 Syrian soldiers were killed.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Turkish soldiers killed as battle for control of Idlib escalates | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-03 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/03/turkish-soldiers-killed-battle-syria-idlib-assad | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154347|title=The number of Turkish soldiers killed by regime fire on "Tarnabeh" military post rises to eight|date=3 February 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/3d67f5af98809d06e47600ea3568c8be|title=8 Turkish personnel, 13 Syrian troops killed in north Syria|date=3 February 2020|website=AP NEWS}} Turkey said it had carried out retaliation strikes south of Saraqib, and witnesses reported artillery shelling and one F16 entering Syrian airspace. According to SOHR, at least 13 Syrian soldiers were killed (with other monitors giving similar numbers), while according to the Turkish president 30–35 were killed and according to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar 76 Syrian soldiers were "neutralized" and 57 Syrian military sites were bombed. Russia denied that any airstrikes had occurred at all{{cite web | title=Turkey targets Syria troops in deadly counterattack – 03.02.2020 | website=DW.COM | url=https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-targets-syria-troops-in-deadly-counterattack/a-52238424 | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=Turkey Launches Deadly Airstrikes Against Syrian Forces | website=The New York Times | date=2020-02-03 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/03/world/middleeast/turkey-syria-idlib.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | last=Akar | first=Hulusi | title=Turkey's Claim of Killing 76 Syrian Troops Has Scant Evidence | website=POLYGRAPH.info | date=2020-02-05 | url=https://www.polygraph.info/a/turkey-claims-it-killed-76-syrian-soldiers-russia-denies/30419032.html | access-date=2020-03-04}} and the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria and Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) denied Turkish claims of casualties among Syrian troops.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/syrian-government-shelling-kills-turkish-soldiers-idlib-200203050515309.html|title=Turkey hits back after soldiers killed in Syrian gov't shelling|website=aljazeera.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2020/02/14/centr-po-primireniiu-storon-oproverg-dannye-o-poteriah-sirijskih-vojsk.html|title=Центр по примирению сторон опроверг данные о потерях сирийских войск|website=rg.ru|date=14 February 2020 }} Turkey's president Erdogan described the attack on Turkish forces a "turning point in Syria for Turkey". He gave the Syrian government a deadline of the end of February to withdraw from the de-escalation zone and demanded that Russian forces in Idlib "stand aside"; he nevertheless dismissed the possibility of direct conflict with Russia saying Turkey and Russia would talk about the issue "without anger".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/02/05/world/middleeast/04reuters-syria-security-turkey.html|title=Turkey, Russia Can Tackle Syria Escalation 'Without Anger': Erdogan|date=5 February 2020|newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cite web | title=Erdogan says Syrian forces must pull back from Idlib posts | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-05 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/erdogan-syrian-forces-pull-idlib-posts-200205114643965.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}

Despite the Turkish operations, Syrian government forces continued its offensive in the southeastern part of Idlib Governorate and captured the villages of Ballisa, Tell Elaghar, an abandoned Air Defense base, Jadida Tal Khatra, Msheirfeh, Mardikh and Tell Mardikh on the same day.{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/10952/breaking-syrian-army-captured-villages-of-balisah-tal-aghar-abandoned-air-defense-base-jadida-tal-khatra-mushrifa-in-idlib-province/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captured villages of Balisah, Tal Aghar, Abandoned Air Defense base, Jadida Tal Khatra, Mushrifa in Idlib province |website=iswnews.com |date=5 February 2020}}{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}} With this advance, the Syrian Army had captured 22 villages and towns including 110 square kilometers of territory.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the same day, according to medics and the SOHR, government airstrikes targeted civilian IDPs on the road near the village of Kafr Naya in the Aleppo countryside. The next day, Russian warplanes reportedly struck the Sarmin Health Center, leading to the almost complete destruction of the building.

On 5 February, government forces captured around 20 settlements, including Resafah and several nearby villages, advancing east and north of Saraqib, isolating it from three directions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/154460/|title=Regime forces encircle the strategic town of Saraqeb from three directions • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=5 February 2020}}

On 6 February, a pro-government blog reported that pro-government forces seized the area of Duwayr, cutting off the M5 highway north of Saraqib and leaving only the road through Sarmin open, which itself was under constant fire from the army.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Later in the day, the 25th Special Mission Forces Division captured the town of Afs,{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} fully encircling Saraqib and all rebel and Turkish forces stationed there, including the four recently established Turkish observation posts, and entered the city.{{cite web | title=Saraqib falls out of opposition control... What will happen to Turkey's military observation post? – Enab Baladi | website=Enab Baladi | date=2020-02-07 | url=https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2020/02/saraqib-falls-out-of-opposition-control-what-will-happen-to-turkeys-military-observation-post/ | access-date=2020-03-03}} By 7 February, after two days of siege, government forces captured most of the city, opening the road towards the city of Idlib.{{cite web | title=Syrian army enters key Idlib town Saraqeb | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-07 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51413260 | access-date=2020-02-20}} Enab Baladi reported that seven Turkish soldiers were killed, meanwhile Turkey repeated its end-of-February deadline for the Syrian government to withdraw from the de-escalation zone.

Meanwhile, prominent rebel commander Obada Abu Jafar and eight other militants of an elite Ansar al-Tawhid unit were killed in fierce clashes with the Syrian Army while defending their positions in southern Idlib, according to a pro-government blog.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the same day, Israeli warplanes fired missiles near Damascus while targeting Iranian elements in the area. The Syrian government said Israel intended to "save the armed terrorist organisations which ha[d] been collapsing in Idlib and western Aleppo Governorate in front of the strikes of the Syrian Army".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51397357|title=Israel 'hits Iran-backed fighters in Syria'|date=6 February 2020 |work=BBC News}}

On 7 February, the Syrian army, spearheaded by the 25th Special Forces Division and assisted by the Republican Guard and Hezbollah, made further advances, reportedly capturing the towns of Zaytan, Birnah, Makhalah and Huwayyir al-Eis in the southwestern Aleppo countryside and the towns of Maharim, Khawari, Tall al-Nabariz, Ijaz, Rasm al-Ward and Abbad in southeast Idlib.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} The 25th Special Forces Division also captured the towns of Karrathin, al-Dahiriyah and al-Thuriyah as well as the Ebla University complex on the administrative border between southeast Idlib and southwest Aleppo by the end of the day.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

On 8 February, the army reportedly captured several sites along the strategic M5 highway as it advanced north of Saraqib. Government forces also reportedly crossed the M5 highway and entered the southwestern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate, the first time since 2013, from the southern approach.{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-crosses-aleppo-damascus-highway-after-capturing-new-areas/ |title=Breaking: Syrian Army crosses Aleppo-Damascus Highway after capturing new areas |website=almasdarnews.com |date=8 February 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 |archive-date=9 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209142036/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-crosses-aleppo-damascus-highway-after-capturing-new-areas/ |url-status=dead }} On the northern approach, the army advanced on the town of Al-Eiss, capturing the towns of Maryudah, Tell Bajir, Kusiniya, al-Shiekh Ahmad, Abu Kannseh, Umm Atabah, Rasm al-Eis, Rasm al-Saharij and Jub Kas in the process.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} According to pro-government activists, Al-Eiss also hosted a Turkish observation post. The army subsequently captured Al-Eiss and the nearby hilltop.{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/world/1118063 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=tass.com |title=Syrian troops advancing from Idlib and Aleppo meet in Tal al-Eiss — TV }}{{Cite web |date=2020-02-09 |title=Map: Al-Eis region completely secured – Islamic World News |url=https://english.iswnews.com/11189/map-al-eis-region-completely-secured/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=al-Sabbagh |first=Hazem |date=2020-02-08 |title=Army units advancing from Aleppo countryside meet units advancing from Idleb southeastern countryside at al-Eiss hill – PHOTOS |url=https://sana.sy/en/?p=184742 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Syrian Arab News Agency |language=en-US}} Pro-government forces later captured the town of Tell Hadiyah in the area while, on the Idlib front, continued their northern advance along the M5, capturing the town of Talhiyah.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} Meanwhile, Russian-Turkish talks in Ankara concluded after three hours with no progress made.{{cite web | title=Syrian Attacks Draw Turkey Deeper Into Syrian War | website=The New York Times | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/12/world/middleeast/syria-turkey-russia-war.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}

On 9 February, in Idlib, pro-government sources said the army captured the towns of Buwaybiyah and al-Kusaybiyah as well as the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) research center.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mideastdiscourse.com/2020/02/09/syrian-army-secures-icarda-center-and-two-towns-along-m5-highway/|title=Syrian Army Secures ICARDA Center and Two Towns Along M5 Highway|date=6 June 2023 }}{{better source needed|not RS|date=March 2020}} Army units stormed and captured the towns of Barqum, al-Zarbah and al-Salehiyah along the M5.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}} On the Aleppo front, pro-government forces captured the areas of Tal Kalariyah and Kalariyah and advanced on rebel positions in the Rashideen 4 district in west Aleppo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/154718/|title=Regime rapid advancement in rural Aleppo: only two km separate Syrian regime from controlling the strategic M5 • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=9 February 2020}}

On 10 February, Syrian government forces shelled a recently built Turkish observation post at Taftanaz Military Airbase, killing five Turkish soldiers, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51447114|title=Syrian shellfire kills Turkish soldiers in Idlib|date=10 February 2020 |work=BBC News}} According to the SOHR and other sources, six Turkish soldiers and four Syrian rebels were killed in the attack.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=154769|title=Rocket attack on Taftanaz military airport leaves ten people dead among Turkish troops and proxies factions|date=10 February 2020}} The attack destroyed military hardware and supplies including trucks, APCs and a main battle tank.{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/item.php?id=22249|title=Lostarmour ID: 22249|website=lostarmour.info}}{{Cite web|url=https://muraselon.com/2020/02/رتل-الجيش-التركي-يحترق-في-إدلب-صور/|title=رتل الجيش التركي يحترق في إدلب ( صور )|date=10 February 2020}} The Turkish Ministry of Defense said, but did not provide evidence, that 115 Syrian army sites and positions were targeted in retaliation, including destroying three tanks and two mortar positions, and that 101 Syrian soldiers were "neutralized".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-idlib-idUSKBN20421S|title=Turkey says it hit 115 Syrian government targets, destroyed 101 after attacks on soldiers|date=10 February 2020 |newspaper=Reuters}} Meanwhile, the Syrian Army advanced west from the M5 highway towards the Turkish border, led by the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, and captured the towns of Kafr Halab, Meznaz, and another town from HTS and the NFL northeast of the ICARDA center, according to pro-government media,{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-militant-stronghold-in-southwest-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army captures militant stronghold in southwest Aleppo|date=10 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214032710/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-militant-stronghold-in-southwest-aleppo/|url-status=dead}} in an attempt to split the northern and southern parts of Idlib into separate pockets. On the night of 10–11 February, there were pro-government airstrikes on several towns in Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 13 civilians while a maternity hospital in Atarib was narrowly missed by government bombs and a health facility in Maret al-Nasan was destroyed in shelling,{{cite web | title=Syria Relief Healthworker Killed In Airstrike – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-relief-healthworker-killed-airstrike | access-date=2020-02-20}} according to NGOs. An IDP camp in Kafr Aruq was also struck, killing a child, according to the United Nations.

On 11 February, after asserting control over the Rashideen 4 district in western Aleppo and virtually converging the northern and southern front lines in the countryside,{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/assad-forces-retake-key-syrian-highway/a-52334336|title=Assad forces retake key Syrian highway|website=DW|date=11 February 2020}} it was widely reported that government forces controlled the entirety of the M5 highway for the first time since 2012; however, this was not claimed by government media and opposition sources said fighting continued in some northern areas.{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-rebels-push-back-against-regime-forces-chopper-shot-down|title=Syrian government retakes strategic highway as helicopter shot down|website=middleeasteye.net|date=11 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security/government-troops-seize-highway-in-northwest-syria-as-turkey-russia-talks-end-inconclusively-idUSKBN2051EH|title=Government troops seize highway in northwest Syria as Turkey-Russia talks end inconclusively|website=Reuters|date=11 February 2020}}{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Turkey says 51 Syrian soldiers killed as rebels hit back in Idlib | website=U.K. | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN2050QN | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212103320/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN2050QN | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-20}} A report on a Russian TV channel showed 25th Special Mission Forces Division troops, apparently wearing UNICEF backpacks distributed as relief supplies, entering Kafr Halab;{{cite web | title=Syrian regime forces carrying backpacks with UNICEF logo | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-19 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/19/syrian-regime-forces-carrying-backpacks-unicef-logo-raid-kafr-halab-village-aleppo/ | language=la | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Daily Telegraph reported the troops were deliberately shooting elderly civilians there.{{cite news | last=Ensor | first=Josie | title=Exclusive: Syrian forces deliberately shot elderly women | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=2020-02-21 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/21/exclusive-syrian-forces-deliberately-shot-elderly-women-near/ | access-date=2020-03-04}} On the same day, rebel groups launched a counteroffensive on the town of Nayrab, located west of Saraqib and south of Sarmin. Turkey claimed that 51 government fighters were killed in the rebel counteroffensive, and Turkish-backed rebel forces shot down a Syrian Mil Mi-17 helicopter, killing all on board.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-backed-rebels-down-syrian-army-helicopter-report-says-1.8523125|title=Turkey-backed Rebels Down Syrian Army Helicopter as Fighting Escalates|agency=Associated Press|date=11 February 2020|newspaper=Haaretz}} Rebels were also reported to retake the town of Sheikh Dames, 20 miles south of Idlib city.{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Syrian army makes gains in Idlib, opposition blames Turkey | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syrian-regime-offensive-turkey-army.html | date=19 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-20}} Later that day, the SAA captured Khan al-Asal, a key location on the M5 highway.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=The highway that determines the future for Syria and its citizens | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-20 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/the-highway-that-determines-the-future-for-syria-and-its-citizens | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=AP Explains: Why Syria's M5 is Assad's highway to victory | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://apnews.com/9f6d1f6ea8866e2d82e41b9bf08e67a5 | access-date=2020-03-04}} That night, the NGO Action on Armed Violence reported that airstrikes on Idlib city left 12 civilians (half of them children) dead and 32 injured;{{cite web | title=Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/12-killed-regime-airstrikes-syria-s-idlib | access-date=2020-02-20}} government airstrikes on Darat Izza narrowly missed a hospital according to another NGO. By this point, according to Reuters, the government had taken 600 square kilometers (230 square miles) of territory in the offensive, and 700,000 people, mostly women and children, had been displaced—the largest number in a single period since fighting began in 2012 according to the UN—while 200 had been killed.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=700,000 displaced by Idlib fighting as Syria-Turkey tensions rise | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-11 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/11/700000-displaced-by-idlib-fighting-as-syria-turkey-tensions-rise | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title='No place to go': Syrian doctor says more than 700,000 Idlib residents stranded – CBC Radio | website=CBC | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.5460922/no-place-to-go-syrian-doctor-says-more-than-700-000-idlib-residents-stranded-1.5461104 | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Idlib's humanitarian crisis: Plight of Syrian children left suffering and dying during attacks | website=ITV News | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://www.itv.com/news/2020-02-12/idlib-s-humanitarian-crisis-plight-of-syrian-children-left-suffering-and-dying-during-attacks/ | access-date=2020-02-20}}

On 12 February, Turkey's president Erdogan announced: "I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the [2018] deal if any tiny bit of harm is dealt to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere."{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/12/erdogan-threatens-assad-with-retaliation-if-more-troops-harmed-syria-turkey|title=Erdoğan threatens Assad with retaliation if more troops harmed|first=Bethan McKernan Middle East|last=correspondent|date=12 February 2020 |website=theguardian.com}} By this stage, Turkey had stationed 30,000 troops at the Syrian border, and sent 5,000 reinforcements to Idlib, bringing the total to 9,000, as well as establishing new defensive positions around Idlib city.{{cite news | title=Syria Hears the Death Rattle of the Arab Spring as Assad and Putin Forces Advance | newspaper=The Daily Beast | date=2020-02-11 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/as-assad-and-putin-forces-advance-in-syria-its-the-death-rattle-of-the-arab-spring | access-date=2020-03-04| last1=Hodge | first1=Jeremy }}

On 13 February, heavy bombardment and ground clashes forced the World Food Programme to pause their on-going relief efforts in Idlib, with Atareb especially severely affected.{{cite web | title=Vital Idlib aid deliveries resume after 'heavy bombing' – WFP | website=UN News | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1057401 | access-date=2020-02-20}} The town of Takad was shelled by government forces for the first of many times, causing residents to flee, according to MSF. The SAA, alongside the auxiliary Local Defense Forces and Liwa al-Quds, advanced north of Az Zarbah and captured Rif Muhandiseen and Kafr Jum along with several surrounding tactical points on the approach to the strategic Regiment 46 base, also known as Base 46, which fell to rebel forces in November 2012. Another army unit reportedly made a push on a separate axis in Aleppo.{{cite web | author=AFP| title=Syria government forces chip away at rebel enclave | website=Yahoo News UK | date=2018-08-26 | url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/syria-government-forces-chip-away-rebel-enclave-102109809.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-new-ground-in-southwest-aleppo-after-failed-jihadist-offensive/|title=Syrian Army captures new ground in southwest Aleppo after failed jihadist offensive|date=13 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214034236/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-new-ground-in-southwest-aleppo-after-failed-jihadist-offensive/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-presses-forward-in-west-aleppo-as-they-approach-key-base/|title=Syrian Army presses forward in west Aleppo as they approach key base|date=13 February 2020|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214032658/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-presses-forward-in-west-aleppo-as-they-approach-key-base/|url-status=dead}}

On 14 February, a second Syrian Mil Mi-17 helicopter was shot down with a guided missile near Qubtan al-Jabal, killing its crew. According to an activist, the helicopter was shot down after dropping two barrel bombs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/syrian-rebels-shoot-down-second-government-helicopter-one-week|title=Syrian rebels shoot down second government helicopter in a week|website=Middle East Eye|language=en|access-date=2020-02-14}} Between 14–15 February, pro-government shelling struck IDP camps located around the town of Sarmada, according to the UN and MSF.{{cite web | title=People in Idlib race to flee airstrikes as safe area shrinks in Syria | website=Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International | url=https://www.msf.org/people-idlib-race-flee-airstrikes-safe-area-shrinks-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock: Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Northwest Syria, 19 February 2020 – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-100 | access-date=2020-02-21}} During 13–16 February, the UN reported that 160,000 people fled from advancing front lines, mostly from Atareb and Darat Izza sub-districts. The UN said a total of 100 civilians had been killed in the first two weeks of February by both air and ground-based strikes.

Following the complete capture of the strategic M5 highway, the Syrian Army shifted its momentum towards securing Greater Aleppo, particularly the city's western outskirts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/f132ca3a-380a-48dc-b758-e8a34e9e6c4e|title=SDF denies supporting Syrian government offensive against rebels in northwest Syria |website=kurdistan24.net | access-date=2020-02-16}} Among opposition settlements targeted by airstrikes in this period were Turmanin, al-Dana, Kabtan al Jabal, al-Abzimo and Darat Izza.

On 15 February, the army attacked opposition forces in the northern Aleppo countryside in Sheikh Aqil near Darat Izza from Bashmara, territory under joint Rojava and SAA control.{{Cite web|url=https://soha.vn/big-story/chien-dau-co-su-34-nga-don-dap-oanh-kich-sat-bien-gioi-tho-phien-quan-syria-chet-nhu-nga-ra-20200215064457642.htm|title=Su-34 Nga lập kỳ tích chặn đứng quân Thổ – QĐ Syria bất ngờ mở hướng tiến công mới, phiến quân trở tay không kịp|website=soha.vn|date=15 February 2020 }}

On 16 February, pro-government forces achieved a major breakthrough on the Aleppo front by capturing more than 30 villages, towns and suburbs in the west Aleppo countryside in a single day amidst a sudden collapse in rebel defense lines.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/b7132a6044a40d68934f693836b3a767|title=Assad vows to defeat rebels, as forces capture new ground|date=2020-02-16|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2020-02-16}} By the evening, government forces, backed by continued Russian airstrikes, had managed to capture the last remaining rebel-held areas in Aleppo's western periphery, including towns and cities such as Haritan and Anadan, effectively concluding the period of intermittent clashes in the area that began with the Battle of Aleppo over seven years prior.{{cite web | title=Syrian forces seize most of Aleppo province, on eve of Turkey-Russia talks | website=NBC News | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syrian-forces-seize-most-aleppo-province-eve-turkey-russia-talks-n1137631 | access-date=2020-03-04}} Pro-government media reported that after having many of their supply lines cut off, rebel forces fled west to avoid being encircled by the SAA, thus leaving the army in control of the Greater Aleppo area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-takes-control-of-greater-aleppo-area-as-all-militants-withdraw-west/|title=Syrian Army officially takes control of Greater Aleppo area as all militants withdraw west|author=News Desk|date=2020-02-16|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-16|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216175304/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-takes-control-of-greater-aleppo-area-as-all-militants-withdraw-west/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that a 100-vehicle convoy of reinforcements, including troops, tanks and other military vehicles and equipment, had been deployed to the Idlib area.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/syrian-forces-seize-most-aleppo-province-eve-turkey-russia-talks-n1137631|work=NBC News|date=17 February 2020|title=Syrian forces seize most of Aleppo province, on eve of Turkey-Russia talks}} HTS claimed a suicide attack on Russian positions in Kafr Halab.

On 17 February, President Bashar al-Assad addressed the nation in a rare televised speech, saying the military operations in Aleppo and Idlib governorates would continue regardless of Turkey's threats, and that the war was not yet over "but it means that we rubbed their noses in the dirt as a prelude for complete victory".{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/assad-pledges-continue-onslaught-displaced-900000-200217184909079.html|title=Assad pledges to continue onslaught that has displaced 900,000|website=aljazeera.com}}{{cite news | last=Ensor | first=Josie | title=Assad says Syrian regime will see victory 'sooner or later' as hospitals and refugee camp targeted | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/18/assad-says-syrian-regime-will-see-victory-sooner-later-hospitals/ | access-date=2020-02-20}} Syrian state media also shared images of Aleppo residents apparently celebrating the recent advances, which reportedly pushed rebel mortar teams out of adequate firing range of the city for the first time in years and, along with the capture of the M5, was set to facilitate future civilian movement between northern and southern Syria up to pre-war levels.{{cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/syrias-military-hails-advance-against-rebels-in-record-time|title=Syria's military hails advance against rebels in 'record time'|date=17 February 2020|work=PBS}} Meanwhile, according to NGOs, government forces bombed hospitals in Darat Izza.{{cite web | title=Eight health facilities affected by conflict in NW Syria in one week – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/eight-health-facilities-affected-conflict-nw-syria-one-week | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Breaking: 2 Hospitals Bombed in Aleppo, Syria Including Maternity Hospital, Last in Western Aleppo – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/breaking-2-hospitals-bombed-aleppo-syria-including-maternity-hospital | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | last=Knecht | first=Eric | title=Air strikes hit hospitals, camps in northwest Syria, Turkey demands pull-back | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idUSKBN20C1P3 | access-date=2020-02-20}}

File:Changing frontlines Idlib 2020.gif

On 19 February, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that a Turkish intervention in Idlib was just "a matter of time".{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/president-erdogan-threatens-imminent-turkish-operation-syria-200219092248649.html|title=Erdogan threatens 'imminent' Turkish operation in Syria|website=aljazeera.com}} Meanwhile, pro-opposition NGO Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reported a Syrian government airstrike on an IDP camp near Deir Hassan.{{cite web | title=Syrian regime shelled an IDPs camp near Deir Hassan village in Idlib, on February 19 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-20 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/20/syrian-regime-shelled-idps-camp-near-deir-hassan-village-idlib-february-19/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125159/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/20/syrian-regime-shelled-idps-camp-near-deir-hassan-village-idlib-february-19/ | url-status=dead }}

On 20 February, Turkish-backed rebels launched another counteroffensive on Nayrab with Turkish artillery support.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155453 Turkish forces and opposition factions storm Al-Nayrab amid fierce battles with regime forces], SOHR Turkish commandos were also reported to have been operating alongside rebels in the assault on the town.{{cite web | title=Two Turkish soldiers killed as Syrian rebels stage assault on Idlib's Neirab | author=Harun al-Aswad, Ragip Soylu| website=Middle East Eye | url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/two-turkish-soldiers-killed-syrian-rebels-stage-assault-idlibs-neirab | date=20 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-21}} Russian planes provided air support to the pro-government forces and struck positions of the advancing rebels.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Shelling on nearby towns on both the government-controlled and opposition-controlled sides of the frontline were reported, with both Russian and Turkish forces involved in air and artillery support roles respectively.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155457 Fierce battles continue in Al-Nayrab and Turkish forces shell Saraqeb and surrounding villages intensively], SOHR During the battle, rebel fighters attempted to shoot down a Russian Su-24 using MANPADS while also claiming to have downed two Russian UAVs with MANPADS.{{cite web | author=The New Arab | title=Turkey launches 'limited' operation to retake Idlib towns | website=alaraby | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/2/20/turkey-launches-limited-operation-to-retake-idlib-towns | access-date=2020-02-21}}[https://eurasiantimes.com/russian-su-24-bomber-almost-shot-down-by-turkish-forces-watch-now/ Russian Su-24 Bomber almost shot down], Eurasian Times, 28 February 2020[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-attempt-to-shoot-down-russian-aircraft-over-idlib-video/ Turkish-backed militants attempt to shoot down Russian aircraft over Idlib: video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220152125/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-attempt-to-shoot-down-russian-aircraft-over-idlib-video/ |date=20 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar After heavy fighting, the rebels managed to briefly seize Nayrab. However, Russian air support allowed pro-government forces to eventually repel rebel ground elements and recapture the town.[https://apnews.com/a245ab41546b6dd77be773137da8e0c4 Turkish soldiers killed in Syria amid threats of escalation], AP, 20 February 2020[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2020/Feb-20/501499-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-kill-27-fighters-monitor.ashx Clashes in Syria's Idlib kill 27 fighters: monitor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302180407/https://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2020/Feb-20/501499-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-kill-27-fighters-monitor.ashx |date=2 March 2020 }}, Daily Star Lebanon, 20 February 2020

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said that the Russian Ministry of Defence contacted Turkish forces and asked them to end artillery support to the rebels and that Turkish troops agreed to do so.[https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-51575995 Rusya'dan İdlib açıklaması: Ankara'yla temas kurduk, Türkiye Suriye ordusuna yönelik topçu ateşini durduruldu], BBC Turkish The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that two Turkish soldiers had been killed and five wounded due to an airstrike during the assault,[https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-idlibden-aci-haber-2-sehit-5-yarali-6149365 Son dakika haberleri... İdlib'den acı haber! 2 şehit, 5 yaralı], Milliyet while also claiming the Turkish-backed rebels killed 50 Syrian government forces during the overall battle for the town.[https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-more-than-50-syrian-government-forces-killed-near-syria-s-idlib-1.8561003 Turkey Claims 'More Than 50' Syrian Forces Killed After Two Turkish Soldiers Killed in Airstrike], Ha'aretz The Russian Defence Ministry said Russian elements destroyed one tank, six armored vehicles, and five other vehicles all belonging to the rebels.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-destroys-10-turkish-backed-militant-vehicles-in-northern-syria/ Breaking: Russia destroys 10 Turkish-backed militant vehicles in northern Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923004747/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russia-destroys-10-turkish-backed-militant-vehicles-in-northern-syria/ |date=23 September 2020 }}, Al-Masdar As well as the two confirmed Turkish deaths,{{cite web | title=Turkey suffers casualties as Syrian government continues advance on Idlib | website=haaretz.com | date=2020-02-22 | url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-suffers-casualties-as-syrian-government-continues-advance-on-idlib-1.8564747 | access-date=2020-02-28}} the SOHR said that about 28 rebels and 14 pro-government soldiers were killed and that some captured Syrian soldiers were beheaded by jihadist fighters.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155503 Nearly 45 regime and Turkish soldiers and rebels killed in shelling and violent battles on Al-Nayrab frontline, east of Idlib], SOHR

Before the clashes, Turkey reportedly asked the United States to deploy two Patriot surface-to-air missile systems on the Syria–Turkey border to deter Russian forces.[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turkey-asks-us-for-patriot-missiles-to-deter-russia-in-syria/ar-BB10cAxI Turkey Asks U.S. for Patriot Missiles to Deter Russia in Syria], MSN.com[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/20/turkey-asks-us-patriot-missiles-two-turkish-soldiers-killed/ Turkey asks US for Patriot missiles as two Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib airstrike], Telegraph However, the Russian state news agency reported that the Turkish Ministry of Defence had denied this.[https://ria.ru/20200220/1565026130.html В Турции опровергли сообщения о просьбе к США поставить ЗРК Patriot], RIA Reuters also reported on-going talks between Turkey and Russia about Syrian airspace.{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkey, Russia discussing use of Syrian air space in Idlib: minister | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-minister-idUSKBN20E2KU | access-date=2020-02-28}} The same evening, Syrian government airstrikes were reported by SNHR on Hazarin—striking two schools—and nearby Ma'aret Harma, where a mosque was struck.{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed several vital facilities in Hazarin village in Idlib, on February 20 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-22 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-several-vital-facilities-hazarin-village-idlib-february-20/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125732/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-several-vital-facilities-hazarin-village-idlib-february-20/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed a mosque in Ma'aret Harma village in Idlib, on February 20 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-22 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-mosque-maaret-harma-village-idlib-february-20/ | access-date=2020-02-28 | archive-date=28 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228125735/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/22/syrian-regime-bombed-mosque-maaret-harma-village-idlib-february-20/ | url-status=dead }}

On 22 February, Turkey reported that a Turkish soldier was killed (the sixteenth such casualty in the month) in a bomb attack by pro-Syrian government forces, and said it retaliated by destroying 21 government targets. Turkey said it would meet with Russian and European leaders in March to discuss the situation.

The Syrian Army and allies continued their main ground advance on 23 February in the Zawiya mountains (Jabal al-Zawiya) and al-Ghab plain region near the southern Idlib-northwestern Hama administrative border. During operations, Syrian artillery reportedly targeted a Turkish Army column near Bara in which several Turkish soldiers and rebel fighters were injured and forced to withdraw.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155680 Regime artillery fire injures many Turkish soldiers in Jabal Al-Zawiya forcing Turkish troops to retreat], SOHR

On 24 February, the Syrian Army reported advances in southern Idlib, capturing the towns of al-Naqayar, Araynabiyah, and Sitouh Al-Dayr, south of Kafrsajna, along with nearby Ma'ar Taseen, Jabla and Maar Tamater, as rebels retreated westwards.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-southeast-idlib-as-jihadists-retreat-west/ Syrian Army seizes 3 more towns in southeast Idlib as jihadists retreat west] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224131223/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-3-more-towns-in-southeast-idlib-as-jihadists-retreat-west/ |date=24 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-defenses-collapse-in-southern-idlib-as-syrian-army-advances-across-jabal-al-zawiya/ Jihadist defenses collapse in southern Idlib as Syrian Army advances across Jabal Al-Zawiya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225021104/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-defenses-collapse-in-southern-idlib-as-syrian-army-advances-across-jabal-al-zawiya/ |date=25 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar There were reports of ten Turkish soldiers killed and wounded by Russian and Syrian jet strikes on the Turkish post in Kansafra. According to the SOHR, several Turkish vehicles were destroyed and damaged as well.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155734 Regime and Russian jets target Turkish post south of Idlib, killing and injuring ten soldiers], SOHR[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-turkish-soldiers-allegedly-killed-in-new-syrian-russian-air-attack-in-idlib/ Several Turkish soldiers allegedly killed in new Syrian-Russian air attack in Idlib] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224131225/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/several-turkish-soldiers-allegedly-killed-in-new-syrian-russian-air-attack-in-idlib/ |date=24 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar Turkish forces responded with rocket shelling on government positions.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155726 Turkish troops respond to regime aerial bombardment on Turkish post in Kansafra, while Russian raids kill five civilians in Jabal Al-Zawiya], SOHR Meanwhile, Turkish-backed rebels continued their push towards Saraqib. SOHR and al-Masdar reported that National Front for Liberation and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces, backed by the Turkish military, recaptured Nayrab from the SAA after eight hours and three waves of attacks[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-retake-key-town-in-eastern-idlib-after-costly-battle/ Turkish-backed militants retake key town in eastern Idlib after costly battle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225021106/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-retake-key-town-in-eastern-idlib-after-costly-battle/ |date=25 February 2020 }}, Al-Masdar{{cite web |title=Factions control Neirab town, nine members of the regime forces were killed in Turkish ground shelling on rural Idlib, and 37 dead of the regime forces and the factions in Neirab town |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155803 |website=SOHR |date = 24 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}} while Turkish sources attributed the recapture to NFL, saying that the Iranian-backed militias and government forces defending the town took "many" casualties.{{cite web | title=Moderate opposition takes key village in northern Syria | website=Anadolu Ajansı | date=2020-02-24 | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/moderate-opposition-takes-key-village-in-northern-syria/1743744 | access-date=2020-03-10}} SOHR said that 11 government and loyalist militia fighters and 26 rebels were killed, while al-Masdar claimed 150 rebels were killed.

On 25 February, pro-government forces captured Kafr Nabl, a symbolically important stronghold for the Syrian opposition,{{cite web | last=Salahi | first=Amr | title=Kafranbel: Iconic revolutionary town falls to the Assad regime | website=alaraby | date=2020-02-26 | url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/2/26/kafranbel-iconic-revolutionary-town-falls-to-the-assad-regime | access-date=2020-02-28}} while SOHR reported that the Syrian army also took control of Sheikh Dames and Sheikh Mustafa.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155781 Over 15 areas fall to regime forces in south Idlib countryside in less than 36 hours, and 16 regime soldiers, rebels and jihaids killed in Al-Nayrab battles], SOHR In turn, rebel fighters reportedly recaptured the villages of San and Ma'arat Alia west of Saraqib.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155791 Backed by intensive Turkish firepower, rebels advance from Al-Nayrab and capture new area west of saraqeb], SOHR Syrian and Turkish clashes continued as Syrian warplanes targeted Turkish forces in Taftanaz Military Airbase northeast of Idlib city, with no reports of casualties.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155777 Syrian regime jets target Turkish troops at Taftanaz military airport northeast of Idlib, and rocket attacks on Idilb leave four people dead], SOHR A Turkish Anka-S drone was also shot down in Dadekh, east of Idlib; SANA reported the aircraft infiltrated Syrian airspace and was intercepted.[https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html Agency: the Syrian army shot down a Turkish plane marching over Idlib ... video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311103302/https://www.mbs.news/a/2020/02/agency-the-syrian-army-shot-down-a-turkish-plane-marching-over-idlib-video.html |date=11 March 2020 }}, MBS SNHR reported 25 civilians killed by government forces and its allies,{{cite web | title=February 25, 2020, 25 civilians killed in Syria | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-26 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/february-25-2020-25-civilians-killed-syria/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=8 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608150729/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/february-25-2020-25-civilians-killed-syria/ | url-status=dead }} and 185 civilians were reportedly injured as airstrikes targeted eight schools and two nurseries in rebel-held areas throughout Idlib Governorate while two MSF hospitals in Idlib city and Maarrat Misrin sustained damage.{{cite web | title=Syria: footage shows rescue mission after airstrikes target schools in Idlib – video | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/feb/27/syria-footage-shows-rescue-mission-after-airstrikes-target-schools-in-idlib-video | access-date=2020-02-28}}[https://www.newsweek.com/overwhelmed-doctors-syria-idlib-russia-1489515 'WE ARE OVERWHELMED': DOCTORS IN SYRIA'S IDLIB ARE 'POWERLESS' IN THE FACE OF RUSSIAN-BACKED OFFENSIVE, MSF SAYS], Newsweek, 27 February 2020{{cite web | title=Syria: Indiscriminate attacks on civilians must stop | website=MSF UK | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.msf.org.uk/article/syria-indiscriminate-attacks-civilians-must-stop | access-date=2020-02-28}}{{cite web | title=Fresh Syria strikes 'target schools and hospitals' | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-25 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51638381 | access-date=2020-06-29}}

On 26 February, Syrian government forces were reported to have captured 33 towns and villages in Idlib and Hama in the previous 60 hours, while a SOHR report said that a Turkish military column on the Bara–Kansafra road was targeted by government rockets, leaving a vehicle destroyed.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155825 Regime forces target Turkish military column in Jabal Al-Zawiyah destroying at least one vehicle], SOHR Two Turkish soldiers were killed, according to the Turkish foreign ministry.[https://ahvalnews.com/idlib/two-turkish-troops-killed-state-media-intensifies-attack-russia Two Turkish troops killed as state media intensifies attack on Russia], Ahval News SNHR reported that government artillery struck a hospital in Idlib city,{{cite web | title=Syrian regime bombed a hospital in Idlib city, on February 26 | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/27/syrian-regime-bombed-hospital-idlib-city-february-26/ | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and that a total of 126 civilians had been killed by Russian and government forces in the 44 days since the end of the ceasefire on 12 January.{{cite web | title=Toll of civilian victims killed by Syrian- Russian alliance in northwest Syria during 44 days | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-02-26 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/02/26/toll-civilian-victims-killed-syrian-russian-alliance-northwest-syria-44-days/ | language=la | access-date=2020-03-04 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

While government forces made territorial gains in southern Idlib and northern Hama, opposition factions with support from Turkish elements had counterattacked on a separate front towards Saraqib and, on the dawn of 27 February, fully recaptured the strategic city and cut the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway once again.{{cite web | last=al-Khateb | first=Khaled | title=Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-south-idlib-regime-advances-rebels-lose-russia-turkey.html | date=27 February 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web |title=Turkish forces and proxy factions capture Saraqeb city, cutting off Damascus-Aleppo international highway |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155889 |website=SOHR |date = 27 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}} The counterattack also lifted the encirclement of the four Turkish observation posts established around the city's perimeter.{{cite web |title=Turkish forces break siege imposed on military posts in Saraqeb, while regime forces advance further into Sahl Al-Ghab |url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155907 |website=SOHR |date = 27 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}} Frontlines continued to shift as the Syrian army's southern Idlib assault continued; pro-government forces captured 20 additional villages in the al-Ghab plain and Zawiya mountain region, establishing control over southern al-Ghab and regaining control of the entirety of Hama Governorate.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Syrian rebels retake key town in Idlib from Assad forces | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-27 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/syrian-rebels-retake-key-town-idlib-from-assad-forces-saraqeb | access-date=2020-02-28}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=155987 Regime forces advance further in Sahl Al-Ghab and ten villages separate them from having full control over Hama province, and rebels carry out new offensive far east of Idlib backed by Turkish firepower], SOHR

{{Main|Operation Spring Shield|2020 Balyun airstrikes}}

On 27 February, in a major escalation, at around 5:00 p.m. local, pro-government airstrikes targeted a Turkish mechanized infantry battalion, composed of about 400 soldiers, near a post in Balyun in the Zawiya mountains,{{cite web | last=Gurcan | first=Metin | title=Deciphering Turkey's darkest night in Syria | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/turkey-syria-russia-deciphering-attack-on-turkish-troops.html | date=28 February 2020| access-date=2020-03-09}} leaving at least 34 soldiers killed and others wounded, some seriously.{{cite web | last1=Tuysuz | first1=Gul | last2=Sariyuce | first2=Isil | title=At least 33 Turkish soldiers killed in an air attack by Syrian regime, Turkish governor says | website=CNN | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/middleeast/turkish-soldiers-killed-syria/index.html | access-date=2020-02-28}}{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Attack in Syria's Idlib killed 33 Turkish soldiers: Hatay governor | website=U.S. | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-military-attack-idUSKCN20M030 | access-date=2020-02-28}} Other Turkish and rebel sources indicated 55 to 70 Turkish soldiers killed,[https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/idlib-tuerkische-soldaten-sterben-durch-luftangriffe-in-syrien-a-f42bf8b4-e061-4a7c-a697-7fc97fe37c3a Turkish soldiers die from airstrikes in Idlib], Der Spiegel[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kz Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229213920/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria/ar-BB10uvmc?li=BBnb7Kz |date=29 February 2020 }}, The Guardian/MSN with some local reports as high as 100.Simon Tisdall, [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad? Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria], Guardian Comment Several military vehicles were also reported destroyed.[https://www.arabnews.com/node/1634221/middle-east At least 34 Turkish soldiers killed during airstrikes in Idlib], Arab News While sources in Idlib and unverified footage of the strike suggested it had been conducted by the Russian air force, Russia denied responsibility and Turkey's leadership nevertheless held Syrian government forces responsible.{{cite web | last=Tisdall | first=Simon | title=Erdoğan is reaping what he sowed: Turkey is on the brink of disaster in Syria | website=The Guardian | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/02/erdogan-turkey-syria-assad | access-date=2020-03-06}}{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria | website=The Guardian | date=2020-02-28 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/dozens-of-turkish-soldiers-killed-in-strike-in-idlib-in-syria-reports-say | access-date=2020-02-28}}{{cite web | title=The Strike: Did Russia Knowingly Target Turkish Troops? | website=POLYGRAPH.info | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.polygraph.info/a/turkey-russia-syria-fact-check/30460458.html | access-date=2020-03-09}} Meanwhile, Reuters cited witnesses as saying the government resumed airstrikes on residential areas of Idlib city the same evening.{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Battle rages over strategic Syrian town of Saraqeb as humanitarian catastrophe unfolds | website=U.K. | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib-idUKKCN20L0GW | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227143843/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idlib-idUKKCN20L0GW | url-status=dead | archive-date=27 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-28}}

On 28 February, Turkey said it retaliated for the Balyun strikes by striking 200 Syrian government targets and "neutralizing" 309 soldiers in a dedicated operation throughout Greater Idlib.{{cite web | title=Alarm after Syrian attack kills Turkish soldiers | website=BBC News | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51667717 | access-date=2020-02-28}} Turkish drone and artillery strikes on Syrian army positions in the east and south of the governorate were reported to have targeted helicopters, tanks, armoured vehicles, howitzers, ammunition trucks and ammunition depots.{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Turkey Strikes Back And Calls For No-Fly-Zone After Its Troops Die In Syria Airstrikes (Updated) |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32394/turkey-strikes-back-and-calls-for-no-fly-zone-after-its-troops-die-in-syria-airstrikes |website=The Drive |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020}} In contrast to Turkish numbers, the SOHR reported that 34 Syrian soldiers and 14 Hezbollah fighters (10 Lebanese nationals and four of other nationalities, including at least one Iranian) and an officer of the IRGC were killed by the Turkish counterattack. Hezbollah later confirmed eight of the deaths, including an Iranian cleric identified as Sayyed Ali Zengani, while pro-government media also reported Hezbollah deaths.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/156015/|title=Regime and Turkish forces exchange fire, while Russian airstrikes renew on Aleppo and Idlib • The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=29 February 2020}}{{cite web |title=مقتل 26 عنصرا من قوات النظام في قصف طائرات مسيرة تركية.. وارتفاع عدد قتلى قوات النظام والموالين لها إلى 74 في أقل من 48 ساعة |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366157 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}{{cite web |title=خلال 24 ساعة.. القصف البري والجوي التركي يقتل نحو 50 عنصراً وضابطاً من "قوات النظام" في إدلب وحلب ويدمر 13 آلية عسكرية |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366034 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}}{{cite web | title=Eight fighters with Lebanon's Hezbollah killed in Syria | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-29 | url=https://apnews.com/21190f4721ee413268a0bd7bdb49353f | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=Turkish airstrike hits Syrian military, Hezbollah positions in Aleppo | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{pipe}} المصدر نيوز | date=2020-02-29 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-airstrike-hits-syrian-military-hezbollah-positions-in-aleppo/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=29 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229113804/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-airstrike-hits-syrian-military-hezbollah-positions-in-aleppo/ | url-status=dead }} Iranian media also reported the deaths of 21 members of Liwa Fatemiyoun and Liwa Zainebiyoun brigades—Afghan and Pakistani Shiite forces supported by Iran—in the Turkish operation.{{cite web | last=Azizi | first=Hamidreza | title=Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/iran-confrontation-turkey-idlib-syria.html | date=4 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}} Turkish forces also bombed defense and scientific research laboratories in the as-Safira area of the eastern Aleppo countryside with SAMs{{cite web |title=45 قتيلا من قوات النظام بقصف طائرات مسيرة وحربية وقصف مدفعي تركي.. وصواريخ أرض-أرض تستهدف ريف حلب |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366030 |website=SOHR |date = 28 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}} and claimed to have targeted the Kuweires and Abu al-Duhur military airbases in Aleppo Governorate.{{cite web |title=5 helikopter, 1 Pantsir hava savunma sistemi... Rejimin hava üssü yerle bir edildi |url=https://www.star.com.tr/savunma/rejimin-hava-ussu-yerle-bir-edildi-haber-1518907/ |website=Star |date=29 February 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020}} Russian media reported Turkish ground troops using MANPADS while attempting to shoot down Russian and Syrian warplanes.{{cite web | title=33 Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian air raid in Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-27 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/turkish-soldiers-killed-air-raid-syria-idlib-200227211119672.html | access-date=2020-02-28}} Overnight retaliatory Syrian government attacks killed a Turkish soldier and injured six more.{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/amp/45-قتيلا-من-قوات-النظام-بقصف-طائرات-مسير/366030/|title=45 قتيلا من قوات النظام بقصف طائرات مسيرة وحربية وقصف مدفعي تركي.. وصواريخ أرض-أرض تستهدف ريف حلب|date=28 February 2020}}

Amid the sudden escalation, the United States expressed support for Turkey and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told media following the North Atlantic Council meeting—requested by Turkey to hold consultations under Article 4 of NATO's founding Washington Treaty—that NATO continued to support Turkey with a range of measures, "including by augmenting its air defences".{{cite web | title=Press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the North Atlantic Council meeting at Turkey's request for Article 4 consultations on the situation in Syria | website= nato.int | url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_173931.htm |date=28 February 2020}} Stoltenberg also urged Russia and the Syrian government "to stop the indiscriminate air attacks" and to engage with UN-led peace efforts, while the UN expressed concern at the developments. Turkey further escalated regional tensions when it threatened to open its borders with Europe to allow Syrian refugees to leave, prompting Greece and Bulgaria to tighten border security.{{cite news | title=Turkey Threatens to 'Loosen' Refugee Stance: Syria Update |author1=Firat Kozok |author2=Taylan Bilgic |author3=Stepan Kravchenko |newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-28/turkey-disputes-russian-account-of-deadly-strike-syria-update | access-date=2020-02-28}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-tightens-control-on-turkey-border-to-prevent-migrant-inflow/30460012.html|title=Bulgaria Tightens Control On Turkey Border To Prevent Migrant Inflow|date=28 February 2020|work=Radio Free Europe|access-date=1 March 2020}} The UN Secretary-General called for an immediate ceasefire and was backed by 13 UN Security Council members, but Russia and China vetoed the measure.{{cite web | title=UN chief urges Syria cease-fire but Russia and China oppose | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://apnews.com/894f82404c257d8cf6c6d2da8485f3b4 | access-date=2020-03-04}} Russia increased naval and airborne deliveries to Syria, concerned that Turkey may shut the Bosporus to Russian shipping and Turkish airspace to Russian supply flights.{{cite web | last=Tsvetkova | first=Maria | title=Russia reinforces Syria before Putin-Erdogan talks – flight and shipping data | website=Reuters. | date=2020-03-04 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-russia-idUSKBN20R2QP | access-date=2020-03-05}}

On 29 February, Turkish-backed rebels recaptured several villages in al-Ghab plain, reversing recent government gains.{{cite web |title=معارك كر وفر في جبل الزاوية وسهل الغاب.. وشهداء وجرحى في قصف بري على ريف إدلب |url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366291 |website=SOHR |date = 29 February 2020|access-date=1 March 2020}} Meanwhile, according to SOHR, the number of Syrian army soldiers killed by the Turkish retaliation in the past 48 hours rose to 74. In addition, at least eight more Hezbollah fighters were killed on 29 February.

By the end of February, Reuters put the total figure of Turkish soldiers killed at 55.{{cite web | title=Syrian government plane downed in Idlib: Turkey's Anadolu agency| date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-airplane-govern-idUSKBN20O1K5 | website=Reuters | access-date=2020-03-04}}

On 1 March, Turkey's defence minister Hulusi Akar announced the continuation of Operation Spring Shield, which was launched on 27 February.[https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-launches-military-operation-against-syrian-regime-defense-minister-152574 Turkey launches military operation against Syrian regime, defense minister says], Hurriyet Daily News{{cite web | last=Kucukgocmen | first=Ali | title=Turkey strikes Syrian planes and airports, escalating Idlib fight | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20O1KP | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301141058/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20O1KP | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-04}} Turkish F-16Cs shot down two Syrian Su-24M2 jets in the western Idlib countryside;{{cite web | last=Roblin | first=Sebastien | title=Turkish Drones and Artillery Are Devastating Assad's Forces In Idlib Province-Here's Why | website=Forbes | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2020/03/02/idlib-onslaught-turkish-drones-artillery-and-f-16s-just-destroyed-over-100-armored-vehicles-in-syria-and-downed-two-jets/ | access-date=2020-03-09}} Syrian state-run media said that both pilots parachuted and survived.{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=Turkey shoots down two Syrian fighter jets over Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/syria-closes-airspace-idlib-plane-shot-200301094353040.html | access-date=2020-03-04}} On the same day, according to Turkey's state-owned Anadolu Agency, Turkish forces targeted the Nayrab military airport and allegedly rendered it unusable.[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/01/world/middleeast/01reuters-syria-security-turkey-airport.html?searchResultPosition=6 Turkish Military Strikes Airport in Syria's Aleppo: Anadolu], NY Times With increased Turkish operations, front line ground momentum in the southern Idlib countryside shifted in favor of the Syrian opposition. Pro-government media reported that rebel forces supported by Turkish elements retook the town of al-Amiqiyah with the aim of reversing government gains.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-capture-town-in-southwest-idlib/|title=Turkish-backed militants capture town in southwest Idlib|first=News|last=Desk|date=1 March 2020|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301141047/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/turkish-backed-militants-capture-town-in-southwest-idlib/|url-status=dead}} Pro-opposition sources said Turkish-backed rebels captured a further seven towns on the Zawiya mountain front{{cite web | title=19 Soldiers Killed in Turkish Drone Strikes, Opposition Forces Take 7 Towns | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56408/19-soldiers-killed-in-turkish-drone-strikes-opposition-forces-take-7-towns.html | access-date=2020-03-04}} while Turkish media reported that nine villages were recaptured by the Syrian National Army in the first 24 hours of the new phase of the operation, naming Anqawi, al-Qahira, Al-Manara and Tal Zajran villages in the Hama countryside and Al-Halluba, Qoqfin, Kafr Avid, Sfuhan and Fattara in southern Idlib, destroying at least three SAA tanks and killing at least 46 government soldiers.{{cite web | title=Syrian opposition recaptures 9 villages from Assad regime in Idlib | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/syrian-crisis/syrian-opposition-recaptures-9-villages-from-assad-regime-in-idlib | access-date=2020-03-10}}

Reportedly dozens of Turkish ANKA-S and Bayraktar-TB2 drones attacked government targets, and destroyed{{Cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/3/battle-for-idlib-turkeys-drones-and-a-new-way-of-war|title=Battle for Idlib: Turkey's drones and a new way of war|first=Alex|last=Gatopoulos|website=www.aljazeera.com}} several Russian-made air defence systems; and according to Turkey, targets included chemical weapons depots, although SOHR rejected that claim.{{cite news | title=Turkey's Killer Drone Swarm Poses Syria Air Challenge to Putin | author=Selcan Hacaoglu | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-01/turkey-s-killer-drone-swarm-poses-syria-air-challenge-to-putin | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=What Happened Over the Weekend | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56394/what-happened-over-the-weekend-63.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite news | title=Amid Escalating Syrian Carnage, Turkey Shoots Down Assad's Planes | website=The Daily Beast | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/refugees-turkey-the-eu-assad-russia-the-us-amid-syrian-carnage-everybodys-back-is-to-the-wall | access-date=2020-03-05| last1=Hodge | first1=Jeremy }} In response, Syria said it had shot down three Turkish drones. Images on social media showed a Turkish TAI Anka drone shot down by Syrian Air Defenses,[https://theaviationist.com/2020/03/01/two-syrian-su-24-fencer-jets-and-a-turkish-drone-shot-down-over-idlib-region-syria/ Two Syrian Su-24 Fencer Jets And A Turkish Drone Shot Down Over Idlib Region, Syria], The Aviationist and Turkey confirmed one drone was hit. On the same day, Syria said it was closing its northwestern airspace and warned it would target any hostile aircraft.[https://web.archive.org/web/20200302012829/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/01/c_138832740.htm Syrian army imposes no-fly zone over Idlib], Xinhua agency The Chief of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria said that the Russian task force in Syria could not guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft's flights over Syria.[https://tass.com/defense/1125381 Russia cannot guarantee safety of Turkish aircraft's flights over Syria], TASS

Despite this, Turkey claimed to have attacked Nayrab airport, west of Aleppo city, and bombed Kuweires airport, east of Nayrab, "marking a significant expansion of Ankara's targets", according to Reuters.{{cite web | title=Turkey targets Syrian planes, airports in escalating Idlib fight | website=France 24 | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200302-turkey-targets-syrian-planes-airports-in-escalating-idlib-fight | access-date=2020-03-04}} SOHR reported 19 pro-government fighters were killed in strikes on a military convoy in the Zawiya mountain area and a base near Ma'arrat al-Nu'man.{{cite web | title=Several Syrian soldiers killed in Turkish drone strikes, war monitor says | website=France 24 | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200301-turkey-continues-military-operation-against-syria-syria-says-2-warplanes-downed | access-date=2020-03-04}} Turkey claimed that 2,212 pro-government combatants had been "neutralized", i.e. killed, wounded or captured, since the resumption of Operation Spring Shield, while SOHR said that 74 Syrian army troops and pro-government fighters had been killed since 27 February; other monitors put the figure at around 150.{{cite web | last=Chulov | first=Martin | title=Turkey downs two Syrian fighter jets as it intensifies Idlib attacks | website=the Guardian | date=2020-03-01 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/01/turkey-destroys-syrian-army-targets-says-defence-minister | access-date=2020-03-04}}

Meanwhile, in Beirut, thousands of mourners attended the burial of five of the Hezbollah fighters killed in Idlib on 28 February{{cite web | title=Thousands bury Hezbollah fighters killed in Syria's Idlib | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://apnews.com/ff901586325b714206e51ce06f99ae0a | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=Hezbollah deaths highlight the group's active role in north-west Syria | author=Lizzie Porter|website=The National | url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/hezbollah-deaths-highlight-the-group-s-active-role-in-north-west-syria-1.987137 | date=2 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-04}} while pro-government sources reported that Hezbollah was reinforcing Syrian troops on the Saraqib front and was reportedly approaching Nayrab.{{cite web | title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah score new advance in Saraqib after resuming operation | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{pipe}} المصدر نيوز | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-score-new-advance-in-saraqib-after-resuming-operation/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=2 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302131711/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-score-new-advance-in-saraqib-after-resuming-operation/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah crack militant lines to seize several towns in east Idlib | website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{pipe}} المصدر نيوز | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-crack-militant-lines-to-seize-several-towns-in-east-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=2 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302131626/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-crack-militant-lines-to-seize-several-towns-in-east-idlib/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Middle East Arab News & Opinion | website=Asharq AL-awsat | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2158736/syria-regime-forces-re-enter-saraqeb | access-date=2020-03-05}}

On 2 March, opposition factions continued their counterattack in the strategically important al-Ghab-Zawiya mountain front while government forces simultaneously counterattacked on the Saraqib front further north; SOHR and the Syrian government reported that, backed by continued Russian air strikes, the SAA had recaptured parts of Saraqib.{{cite web | title=Syrian troops retake key northwestern town from rebel forces | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-02/syrian-troops-retake-key-northwestern-town-from-rebel-forces | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | last1=Christou | first1=Will | last2=Hamou | first2=Ammar | title=Turkey and Syria go to war in Idlib as Russia and NATO watch | website=Syria Direct | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://syriadirect.org/news/turkey-and-syria-go-to-war-in-idlib-as-russia-and-nato-watch-2/ | access-date=2020-03-04 | archive-date=28 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328215853/https://syriadirect.org/news/turkey-and-syria-go-to-war-in-idlib-as-russia-and-nato-watch-2/ | url-status=dead }}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156173 Opposition factions capture more areas in south Idlib as regime forces advance into Saraqeb], SOHR In the late afternoon, Russia's Reconciliation Centre in Syria announced that Russian Military Police had been deployed to Saraqib{{cite web | last=Suchkov | first=Maxim A. | title=Intel: What is Russia's next move after Turkish attack on Syrian forces? | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/03/intel-russia-turkey-syria-next-move-saraqeb.html | date=2 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-05}} while the SNA claimed that Russian regular forces and mercenaries were part of the operation in the eastern part of the town.{{cite web | last=Petkova | first=Mariya | title=Turkish drones – a 'game changer' in Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/turkish-drones-game-changer-idlib-200302182621318.html | access-date=2020-03-09}} Russia claimed the military police's task was to establish effectively a humanitarian corridor for civilians by securing safe passage of vehicles and civilians traveling along the M4 and M5 highways; this was notable since Russia had reduced its overall activities in Syria (apart from defending its own assets) after Erdogan and Vladimir Putin contacted each other on 28 February.{{cite web | title=Turkey's Erdogan hopes to broker Syria truce in Moscow | website=AP NEWS | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://apnews.com/75cfdf548c889c4d946027eda1e23fdb | access-date=2020-03-04}} However, opposition sources told Reuters that clashes continued in western parts of the town and the SNA said it had prevented Russian Military Police from entering; SOHR said rebels were trying to regain control while Al Jazeera reported that rebels were in control of the western part of the city while government control was limited to the eastern (industrial) zone.{{cite web | last=Coskun | first=Orhan | title=Syrian government forces re-enter strategic town, Turkey vows to keep up strikes | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20P16Q | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303010226/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20P16Q | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=Saraqeb situation fluid as Syrian gov't, rebel groups fight on | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/saraqeb-situation-flux-syrian-forces-rebel-groups-battle-200302182528360.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | title=Russia announces deployment of military police in Saraqib amid clashes | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/world/syrian-crisis/russian-military-police-enter-key-syrian-town-of-saraqeb-as-idlib-tensions-increase | access-date=2020-03-05}}

The same day, SOHR and Al-Masdar reported that the Syrian Army launched a counterattack against the rebel advance in southern Idlib, recapturing the town of Hazarin and several other locations in the Zawiya mountains, which overlooks the M4 highway,{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366595|title=قوات النظام تواصل هجماتها المضادة على حساب الفصائل والجهاديين بريفي إدلب وحماة.. وعشرات القتلى من الطرفين خلال اليوم|date=2 March 2020|website=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|language=ar}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-turns-the-table-in-southern-idlib-retakes-ground-in-jabal-al-zawiya/|title=Syrian Army turns the table in southern Idlib, retakes ground in Jabal Al-Zawiya|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-02|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-02|archive-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302153312/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-turns-the-table-in-southern-idlib-retakes-ground-in-jabal-al-zawiya/|url-status=dead}} but Turkish sources said the towns were captured by the SNA from government troops and Iranian-backed militias and that fighting continued in Saraqib.{{cite web | last=Agency | first=Anadolu | title=Search for diplomatic solution resumes as Turkey-Syrian regime tension escalates | website=Daily Sabah | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/search-for-diplomatic-solution-resumes-as-turkey-syrian-regime-tension-escalates/news | access-date=2020-03-04}}[https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/moderate-opposition-controls-zawiya-mountain-in-syria-3513116 Moderate opposition controls Zawiya Mountain in Syria], Yenis Safak, 2 March 2020 Heavy fighting involving the SNA and pro-government forces was also reported in Kafr Nabl.{{cite web | title=The Opposition at the Gates of Kafranbel and Heavy Clashes in Saraqeb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56427/the-opposition-at-the-gates-of-kafranbel-and-heavy-clashes-in-saraqeb.html | access-date=2020-03-04}} Turkish sources reported that three more villages were retaken by the opposition in Idlib, making a total of 12 in the Turkish-backed offensive.{{cite web | title=Turkey: 12 villages in Idlib reclaimed from regime forces | website=TRTWorld | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.trtworld.com/video/newsfeed/turkey-12-villages-in-idlib-reclaimed-from-regime-forces/5e5d43056c3540001591dd1a | access-date=2020-03-11}} The SOHR reported fatalities in the ranks of Turkish soldiers as a result of Syrian government shelling on Turkish positions in Sarmin. Ambulances were reported to have been moving towards the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156236 Regime forces renew counter-attacks in Idlib and Hama, and dozens of fatalities among rebels and regime forces], SOHR A Bulgarian defense blog BulgarianMilitary.com, citing Israeli and Russian online sources, reported that a Turkish rejection of an Iranian demand to cease operations in Syria led to Iranian-backed forces on the front lines launching a ballistic missile at Turkish troops on the country's border, which was destroyed by Turkish air defenses.{{Cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/03/02/iranian-backed-forces-launched-a-missile-strike-on-turkish-troops-on-syria/|title=Iranian-backed forces launched a missile strike on Turkish troops on Syria|date=2020-03-02|language=en-US|website=BulgarianMilitary.comaccess-date=2020-03-02}} Turkish forces also asserted that the missile had been intercepted.{{Cite web|url=http://uawire.org/pro-iranian-militants-fire-ballistic-missile-at-turkish-troops-in-syria|title=Pro-Iranian militants fire ballistic missile at Turkish troops in Syria|date=2 March 2020|website=UAWire}} Meanwhile, the U.S. government continued to express some support for Turkey, saying it would provide ammunition and aid and was examining a request for air defenses.{{cite web | title=U.S. Says May Increase Flow of Humanitarian Aid to Syria | website=The New York Times | date=2020-03-02 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/02/world/europe/02reuters-syria-security-usa-aid.html | access-date=2020-03-04}}{{cite web | last=Gumrukcu | first=Tuvan | title=U.S. willing to give Turkey ammunition for Syria's Idlib | website=U.S. | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-usa-idUSKBN20Q1WZ | access-date=2020-03-04}}

On 3 March, Syrian forces launched artillery strikes on Turkish forces located at Taftanaz airport, killing one Turkish soldier and leaving three wounded, according to the SOHR.[http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366756 Dead and wounded in the ranks of the Turkish forces with artillery shelling of the regime forces in Idlib countryside (In Arabic)], SOHR A Turkish fighter jet downed a Syrian Aero L-39 Albatros over Idlib; the pilot of the aircraft managed to eject and Syrian Army units immediately began a ground search to rescue him. Rebel forces stated that they had found the pilot's dead body,{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/?p=366802|title=بعد إسقاط تركيا لطائرته.. الفصائل تعثر على جثة الطيار في منطقة جبل الزاوية|date=3 March 2020|website=SOHR|language=ar}} while the Syrian Army later stated that they had recovered the pilot in good health after conducting a CSAR operation 2 kilometers behind rebel lines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-went-behind-enemy-lines-to-save-pilot-in-idlib/|title=Syrian Army went behind enemy lines to save pilot in Idlib|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-03|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303170928/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-went-behind-enemy-lines-to-save-pilot-in-idlib/|url-status=dead}} In turn, SANA released footage of a crashed Turkish Bayraktar drone{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/item.php?id=22488|title=Lostarmour ID: 22488|website=lostarmour.info}} that they said had been shot down that day by government forces.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1126131|title=Syrian Army takes down Turkish drone in Idlib|website=TASS|access-date=2020-03-03}}

On the ground, the Syrian Army secured Saraqib{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200302-syria-army-retakes-saraqib-city-in-idlib-from-opposition/|title=Syria army retakes Saraqib city in Idlib from opposition|date=2 March 2020|website=Middle East Monitor}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/75cfdf548c889c4d946027eda1e23fdb|title=Turkey's Erdogan hopes to broker Syria truce in Moscow|date=2 March 2020|website=AP NEWS}} and captured several surrounding villages after pushing back rebel forces that were being supported by Turkish artillery and air power. The previous day's clashes led to the deaths of 75 rebel and 40 pro-government fighters, according to SOHR and Al-Masdar, while Turkish airstrikes on government targets had reduced significantly amidst a further government advance toward the town of Afis.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156267|title=115 regime soldiers, rebels and jihadists killed in 24 hours, while regime forces recapture Saraqeb and surrounding villages|date=3 March 2020|website=SOHR}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-eastern-idlib-after-seizing-saraqib-city/|title=Syrian Army attempts to advance in eastern Idlib after seizing Saraqib city|author=News Desk|date=2020-03-03|website=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130081107/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attempts-to-advance-in-eastern-idlib-after-seizing-saraqib-city/|url-status=dead}} Turkish sources, however, reported continued fighting on the M4/M5 intersection near Saraqib.{{cite web | title=Syria opposition recapture Jabal Al-Zawiya in Idlib | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200303-syria-opposition-recapture-jabal-al-zawiya-in-idlib/ | access-date=2020-03-11}} Turkish sources also reported opposition advances in the Zawiya mountains. BulgarianMilitary.com cited pro-government social media reports of a Turkish attack on Syrian Army positions in retaliation for pro-government forces bombing Turkish positions in rebel-held al-Tarnaba and al-Mastumah near Nayrab, west of Saraqib, with over 60 missiles, including OTR-21 Tochka TBMs.{{Cite web|url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/03/03/syrian-large-scale-missile-attack-on-a-group-of-turkish-soldiers/|title=Syrian large-scale missile attack on a group of Turkish soldiers|date=2020-03-03|language=en-US|website=BulgarianMilitary.com|access-date=2020-03-03}} According to SOHR, four Turkish soldiers were killed and seven wounded,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156343 Turkish forces resume bombarding regime positions, while regime forces attempt to advance further northwest of Saraqeb], SOHR while BulgarianMilitary.com reported that the attack killed 12 and injured eight Turkish soldiers.

On 4 March, opposition sources reported that Turkish-backed rebels launched a renewed attack on Saraqib and that Turkish drone strikes in support of the operation killed at least nine pro-government fighters.{{cite web | title=Opposition Forces Launch Major Attack to Retake Strategic Saraqeb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56481/opposition-forces-launch-major-attack-to-retake-strategic-saraqeb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}{{cite web | title=Opposition Forces Make Gains West of Aleppo | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56521/opposition-forces-make-gains-west-of-aleppo.html | access-date=2020-03-11}} In turn, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that two Turkish soldiers were killed and six others were wounded by attacks from Syrian forces.{{Cite web|url=https://halktv.com.tr/gundem/idlibde-sehit-olan-askerlerin-olum-haberleri-ailelerine-verildi-420475h|title=İdlib'de şehit olan askerlerin ölüm haberleri ailelerine verildi|website=Halk TV|date=4 March 2020 }}[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-toll/two-turkish-soldiers-killed-six-wounded-in-syrias-idlib-ministry-idUSKBN20R0YU Two Turkish soldiers killed, six wounded in Syria's Idlib – ministry], Halk TV Turkish media reported Iran sent reinforcements to front lines: 2,000 members of its proxy militias and IRGC-Quds Force elements to Saraqib and 200 Liwa Fatemiyoun Brigade vehicles to Ma'arrat al-Nu'man, supported by Russian aerial cover.{{cite web | title=Iran deploys new military reinforcements in Syria's Saraqib | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200305-iran-deploys-new-military-reinforcements-in-syrias-saraqib/ | access-date=2020-03-05}} Opposition sources also reported SNA gains in Western Aleppo. Meanwhile, Russia claimed opposition elements injured themselves while attempting to deploy chemical weapons in Saraqib.{{cite web | title=Russia says Syrian militants hurt while preparing chemical attack – agencies | website=Yahoo News | date=4 March 2020 | url=https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-syrian-militants-hurt-104507263.html | access-date=2020-03-05}}

On the morning of 5 March, opposition sources and The Independent reported a major Russian airstrike on an IDP camp near Maarrat Misrin, killing at least 15.{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title=At least 15 displaced Syrians killed in Idlib air attack | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/15-displaced-syrians-killed-idlib-air-attack-200305104007673.html | access-date=2020-03-05}}{{cite web | title=March 5, 2020, 17 civilians killed in Syria | website=Syrian Network for Human Rights | date=2020-03-06 | url=http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/03/06/march-5-2020-17-civilians-killed-syria/ | access-date=2020-03-11 | archive-date=8 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308070953/http://sn4hr.org/sites/news/2020/03/06/march-5-2020-17-civilians-killed-syria/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | title=Russian Airstrike Kills 16 Displaced in Idleb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56514/russian-airstrike-kills-16-displaced-in-idleb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}} Opposition sources reported government and Iranian militia artillery strikes on Saraqib, Kafr Nabl, al-Futayra and Kafr Oweid and Russian air raids on villages in the Zawiya mountains; the sources also reported that NFL fighters inflicted casualties on pro-government fighters in southern Idlib and western Hama.{{cite web | title=While Putin and Erogan Meet, This Is What's Happening in Idleb | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56534/while-putin-and-erogan-meet-this-is-whats-happening-in-idleb.html | access-date=2020-03-11}}

Turkey's coordinated counterattack with electronic warfare and drones halted the Syrian Army and its allies' advances toward Idlib, destroyed the Syrian Army's offensive capabilities, and locked the front line parallel to the M4 highway.{{cite news | last=Tanchum| first=Michaël | title= Turkey's In-between State of War and Peace with Russia | website=The Turkey Analyst| date=2020-03-25 | url=https://www.turkeyanalyst.org/publications/turkey-analyst-articles/item/636-turkeys-in-between-state-of-war-and-peace-with-russia.html | access-date=2024-12-25| quote= Employing its domestically-produced KORAL land-based transportable electronic warfare system that can create ghost images on enemy radar, Turkey was able to inflict an impressive amount of damage to Syrian as well as Russian military assets using its Bayraktar TB2 and Anka combat drones...Turkey's overriding interest to entrench its influence northern Syria compel Ankara to yield to Moscow and seek a new equilibrium somewhere between war and peace in Idlib. }}{{cite news | title= An uncertain future for Idlib as Assad is welcomed back to the international stage| website=The New Arab| date=2023-06-05 | url=https://www.newarab.com/analysis/uncertain-future-idlib-assad-normalised | access-date=2024-12-25| quote= The Syrian regime has expressed its desire to reclaim the (Idlib) province, but ever since a March 2020 offensive ended in a disastrous defeat at the hands of Turkey, the territory has not changed hands}}{{cite news | title=Turkey Commits to Idlib| website=The Institute for the Study of War | date=2020-03-18 | url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/turkey-commits-idlib | access-date=2024-12-25 | quote= Turkey's intervention in Idlib Province changed the military balance in northwest Syria... Turkey has compelled Russia to enter a new de-escalation agreement, but that agreement is unlikely to hold... Russia opted to de-escalate in Idlib in September 2018 after attempting but failing to compel Turkish-backed opposition groups to surrender...Turkey's response indirectly but significantly weakened Russia's military position in Idlib. The casualties and equipment losses badly depleted the ability of pro-regime forces to launch further offensives...Turkey's targeting of regime aircraft and airbases also forced Russia to face even greater material and manpower costs to sustain an air campaign, either by expanding its own air campaign or offsetting the regime's losses. Finally, Turkey's targeting of the regime's air force also delivered a significant morale victory for the Syrian opposition and the displaced Syrian populations who have suffered years of unmitigated aerial bombardment. }} Many strategists and military experts including Francis Fukuyama stated that thanks to this revolutionary new generation military tactic developed by Turkey, the Turkish Army was able to bypass Syrian and Russian air defense systems and destroy enemy targets without being seen on radar.{{cite web | title=Turkey drone success has 'elevated' it in the world, says Fukuyama | website=Middle Eeast Monitor | date=2021-04-13 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210413-turkey-drone-success-has-elevated-it-in-the-world-says-fukuyama/ | access-date=2024-12-30}}{{cite web | title=Rewind and Reconnoiter: Turkey's Drone Technology with Aaron Stein | website=War On The Rock | date=2024-01-04 | url=https://warontherocks.com/2024/01/rewind-and-reconnoiter-turkeys-drone-technology-with-aaron-stein/ | access-date=2024-12-30}}{{cite web | title=Turkey Declares Major Offensive Against Syrian Government | website=New York Times | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/01/world/middleeast/turkey-syria-assault.html | access-date=2024-12-30}}

The Turkish military updated its figures for Syrian Army losses due to Turkish operations to 3,138 soldiers and militia killed or wounded, plus the following materiel losses: 3 fighter jets, 8 helicopters, 3 UAVs, 151 tanks, 47 howitzers, 52 launchers, 12 antitank weapons, 4 mortars, 10 arsenal depots and 145 military, technical and combat vehicles.[https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/eu-countries-welcome-syria-ceasefire-urge-aid-access-latest-updates-34168 EU countries welcome Syria ceasefire, urge aid access – latest updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306152755/https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/eu-countries-welcome-syria-ceasefire-urge-aid-access-latest-updates-34168 |date=6 March 2020 }}. By 8 March, Lost Armor's database had posted images of 65 destroyed armored vehicles belonging to the SAA since 14 January 2019. These included 17 self-propelled guns, 15 infantry fighting vehicles, 13 main battle tanks, 2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, 1 MRAP, and 17 others. In turn Turkish losses included 3 M60 main battle tanks and 2 APCs destroyed, rebels lost 4 main battle tanks, 7 IFVs, 3 APCs and 1 self-propelled gun.{{Cite web|url=https://lostarmour.info/syria/|title=Losses of armored vehicles and aviation in Syria|website=lostarmour.info}}

The Middle East Institute reported that the Syrian Army lost 405 soldiers between February 28 and March 6, 129 of whom died on March 5 alone. This week was the bloodiest week the regime had seen in Syria in recent times. Thirty of those killed were high-ranking officers and among the dead was the operations commander. The institute's report also noted that the Syrian Army and its allies suffered heavy losses in terms of equipment, losing 73 tanks and armored vehicles, as well as a large amount of equipment.{{cite news | last=Waters | first=Gregory | title=The Syrian Regime's Combat Losses in Spring 2020, and What Lies Ahead| website=Middle East Institute | date=2020-06-18 | url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/syrian-regimes-combat-losses-spring-2020-and-what-lies-ahead | access-date=2024-12-25 | quote= This cease-fire capped off the deadliest week for Syrian regime forces in recent years. Turkish drone and artillery strikes, alongside rebel fighters, killed at least 405 pro-regime fighters between February 27 and March 5. Damascus also lost at least 73 armored vehicles to drone strikes and rebel anti-tank guided missile operators during the Turkish operation...These internal crises coupled with Turkey's recent massive show of force and the continued influx of Turkish military hardware into Idlib make a new regime offensive to seize the remainder of the greater Idlib pocket in the near future unlikely...At least 41 pro-government officers above the rank of first lieutenant were killed in combat during this period. An additional 33 first lieutenants were also reportedly killed. The vast majority of these deaths (51) occurred in March, and of those, 39 were killed during the Turkish campaign between March 1 and March 5...In one week, this Turkish offensive, supporting a rebel ground offensive, killed at least 405 pro-regime fighters, including 30 high-ranking officers, and led to the destruction or capture of 73 armored vehicles. Among the dead was an entire Republican Guards operations room consisting of the commander of the 124th Brigade, his battalion commander, and a lt. colonel and major from the brigade; a Syrian Hezbollah commander; and the operations commander and three field commanders of the Tiger Force's Taha Regiment. }}

Military researcher Oryx Blog, in its research, found 37 tanks of the T-55, T-62 and T-72 models, 9 BMP-1 armored combat vehicles, 16 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers, 1 122 mm howitzer 2A18 (D-30) gun, 3 M-46 guns, 1 152-mm howitzer M1943 (D-1) gun, 6 2S3 Akatsiya howitzers, 8 BM-21 Grad MLRS, 1 122mm HM-20 MLRS, 2 x 122mm MRL MLRS ,2 160mm M160 mortars, 1 240mm M240 mortar, 4 ZSU-23-4 armored anti-aircraft vehicles, 2 ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, 1 S-75 Dvina surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile system, 2 Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air anti-aircraft and artillery systems, 1 SNR-125 air defense radar, 2 Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets, 1 Aero L-39 Albatros fighter jet, 2 Mil Mi-8 combat helicopters and 21 different types of trucks were destroyed in the TSK attack.{{Web source |url= https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/02/the-idlib-turkey-shoot-destruction-and.html/ |title= The Idlib Turkey Shoot: The Destruction and Capture of Vehicles and Equipment by Turkish and Rebel Forces| website=Oryx|date=2 March 2020 |accessdate= December 27, 2024 }}

On 5 March 2020, the presidents of Turkey and Russia, Erdoğan and Putin, met in Moscow for high-level talks.{{cite web | last=Marcus | first=Jonathan | title=How Russia's Putin became the go-to man on Syria | website=BBC News | date=2020-03-05 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51733595 | access-date=2020-03-05}} According to the statements made by the Turkish and Russian leaders following their one-on-one meeting, a ceasefire in the area of Idlib was to come into force from 00:00 hrs on 6 March. The terms of the ceasefire included a secure corridor 6 kilometers either side of the M4 highway, to be patrolled jointly by Russia and Turkey beginning on 15 March.{{cite web | author=TRTWorld | title=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | website=Joint Turkish-Russian patrols to begin on March 15 – latest updates | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/joint-turkish-russian-patrols-to-begin-on-march-15-latest-updates-34168 | access-date=2020-03-12}}

There were reports of Russian and Syrian bombardments continuing after the ceasefire came into effect, with activists noting artillery shelling from the government military camp at Jurin targeting Al-Ziyarah, from Ma'arrat al-Nu'man targeting Bara, and from Saraqib targeting Sarmin. Turkish media reported a total of 15 violations in the first day. However, the next day the ceasefire was reported to have largely held, apart from engagements between Syrian government forces and non-Turkish-backed rebel jihadists taking place in the Zawiya mountain area which left nine fighters of the Turkistan Islamic Party and six government troops dead.{{cite web | title=Turkey says no ceasefire violations in Syria's Idlib | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/tense-calm-prevails-syria-idlib-ceasefire-holds-200306100457396.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title=Assad regime forces violate ceasefire in Idlib | website=Anadolu Ajansı | date=2020-03-09 | url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/assad-regime-forces-violate-ceasefire-in-idlib/1759017 | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title=Syria's Assad regime forces violate ceasefire mins after it goes into effect | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200306-syrias-assad-regime-forces-violate-ceasefire-mins-after-it-goes-into-effect/ | access-date=2020-03-11}}[https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-clashes/fifteen-killed-in-clashes-in-syrias-idlib-despite-ceasefire-monitor-idUKKBN20T19X Fifteen killed in clashes in Syria's Idlib despite ceasefire – monitor]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156458 15 regime soldiers and rebels killed in clashes on Jabal al-Zawiya frontlines since ceasefire came into effect], SOHR{{cite web | last=Al-Khalidi | first=Suleiman | title=Russia-Turkey ceasefire broadly holds despite clashes in Syria's Idlib | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20T0UM | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306212201/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-idUKKBN20T0UM | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-11}} On 7 March, the fragile truce remained largely in force. Turkey said there were no ceasefire violations, although Russia reported several cases of militant gunfire in Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia governorates.{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkey says ceasefire holds in Syria's Idlib, Russia reports some shootings | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-07 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20U08R | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308233942/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN20U08R | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title=Cease-Fire Holds In Syria's Idlib | website=NPR.org | date=2020-03-08 | url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/08/813486528/ceasefire-holds-in-syria-s-idlib | access-date=2020-03-12}}

On 8 March, after heavy shelling in violation of the ceasefire, Syrian Army forces captured the villages of Ma'arat Muqas and al-Burayi, near Kafr Nabl, in an uncontested attack, but later retreated—apparently under pressure from Russia.{{cite news | last=Williams | first=Sara Elizabeth | title=Fragile Idlib ceasefire holding after Syrian regime forces withdraw from villages | website=The Telegraph | date=2020-03-08 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/08/fragile-idlib-ceasefire-holding-syrian-regime-forces-withdraw/ | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/amp/خلال-الـ-48-ساعة-الأولى-قوات-النظام-تخرق/367737/|title=خلال الـ 48 ساعة الأولى.. قوات النظام تخرق وقف إطلاق النار وتستهدف منطقة "بوتين-أردوغان" بـ25 قذيفة وتتقدم بدون مقاومة|date=7 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156584|title=SOHR 8 March 2020|website=SOHR|date=8 March 2020}} Opposition sources reported hundreds of Turkish reinforcements with 100 tanks entering Idlib the same day.{{cite web | title=Turkey Sends Heavy Military Reinforcements to Idleb Despite Ceasefire | website=The Syrian Observer | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://syrianobserver.com/EN/news/56588/turkey-sends-heavy-military-reinforcements-to-idleb-despite-ceasefire.html | access-date=2020-03-12}} Opposition activists reported that the Syrian military shelled the village of al-Mastouma near a Turkish observation point on 9 March.{{cite web | title=Assad forces violate ceasefire in Idlib | website=SYRIA NEWS | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/article/52812/ | access-date=2020-03-12}} Turkey described this as a "small violation" of the ceasefire.{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkish, Russian forces to patrol either side of new Syrian corridor | website=Reuters | date=2020-03-10 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-russia-idUSKBN20X13S | access-date=2020-03-12}}

A Russian military delegation visited Ankara on 10 March to discuss implementation of the security corridor. By 11 March, Turkey was reporting multiple small violations of the ceasefire, and vowed to respond heavily if their military posts in Idlib came under attack.{{cite web | title=Turkey threatens 'heavy' retaliation if Idlib ceasefire is broken | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-11 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/turkey-threatens-heavy-retaliation-idlib-ceasefire-broken-200311093653110.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}

On 12 March, in an apparent ceasefire violation, SOHR reported that the SAA and allies entered the settlements of Maarrat Mukhas and al-Burayj in southern Idlib without any resistance. Government forces reportedly advanced into the same areas on 7 March before withdrawing due to heavy shelling by opposition factions.{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=156866&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=6bb342bc1482958260e8046e5868653adf62a686-1584946974-0-Ad8rMa1LGNwobn17MU8jQVwA6pRCN4Fn1MiY2AYEbKXKISXyC5MvVwytZAJCKnVhNm7kkh94nicDGWAQ5tl6V4acOjZrEqEst3s5WVM-h62IN98sHotUXGHJNTfAmLVYC-5pBTirfuAF1jU8q5NkPwl1XwBQuNhXsTLJ-YKs5ytDE7c1fjPHOLIdR8kzGIKls3u_QqTf727mmq2p0nfJvn0pH7F_EZyFzKsC1iwXh4uEjbO9nKMqThcYrwHqLiw2hh8ZIgcVNqVN3ZD0VyH5R8K1dAMcYT-1NieIWO96Wi7F|date=12 March 2020|work=SOHR|title=Ceasefire violations: regime forces advance into areas around Kafr Nubl without resistance}}

{{Further|Insurgency in Idlib|2020 Kafr Takharim airstrike}}

On 15 March 2020, Turkish and Russian troops began joint patrols on the M4 highway as a part of the ceasefire agreement between Turkey and Russia.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/5d8ddf338c10909dcce608fbece5fea7|work=Associated Press|title=Turkey-Russia patrols start amid protests on Syrian highway|date=15 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}

On 18 March, Turkish troops entered the de-escalation zone to reopen the M4 highway previously blocked by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and jihadist factions.{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=157700&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=8bb84c3053d1c85af5c2891a998580f8f13659df-1585881380-0-ATNWbVOtQtaiQPjwFGUxLY9GIHQzrS80uZtN3NAbzlXnVSFdXpQRr9XpPk0dSW7joOpFsbLuGU5BXxkNU8pgOvZSfXxCheTTQKEOViZEH532D4B6rPMjlTybmbSBTFAdh82UvktITJ0Ckf5s4BOV7x9RelqNaBGyrGb2QA945P9uY_kTB1-WyuslZL7Xu_cE0Fw0VMI1YtGIOT8RXiqh5s1T08uP_aKkqtvGj4MNpd_Ti_o9MsKxSalIjbX8PMQ_tRwnpwt5I3wqRyOp7tnJ1bvaQNwuL_XqalG2JF776FR5|work=Syrian Observatory of Human Rights|title=Under HTS's supervision, Turkish forces set up guard posts and conduct patrol on their own|date=19 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}

On 19 March, two Turkish soldiers were killed and a third was wounded by an attack carried out by radical groups in Idlib, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/rocket-attack-northwest-syria-kills-turkish-soldiers-200320041200347.html|work=Al-Jazeera|title=Rocket attack in northwest Syria kills two Turkish soldiers|date=19 March 2020|access-date=26 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-retaliates-after-attack-kills-troops-in-idlib-153125|title=Turkey retaliates after attack kills troops in Idlib – Turkey News|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=20 March 2020 }}

On 2 April 2020, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported sporadic clashes in the de-escalation zone and suspended Syrian Government and Russian Air Force activity as part of the ceasefire as it entered the 28th consecutive day.{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=159136|work=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|title=Ceasefire violations: regime forces shell positions in Jabal Al-Zawiyah|date=19 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}}

After a period of calm, the Syrian government and Turkey both sent reinforcements to the area in late May and early June. There were numerous ceasefire violations, and Syrian government ground bombardment recommenced in late May and several Russian airstrikes were conducted on the borders of Hama, Latakia and Idlib provinces on 3 June, reportedly displacing hundreds of people.{{cite web | title=Syria activists: After 3 months, Russian strikes hit Idlib | website=ABC News | date=2020-06-03 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-activists-report-russian-airstrikes-idlib-province-71038826 | access-date=2020-06-29}} A Turkish armoured ambulance was struck by unknown belligerents on 5 June.{{cite web | author=Reuters Editorial | title=Turkish soldier killed, two wounded in Syria's Idlib, defence ministry says | website=Reuters | date=2020-06-05 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN23C2YA | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606145401/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-idUKKBN23C2YA | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-29}} Russian air raids continued on 8 June, targeting Jabal al-Zawiya (Zawiya Mountain), southern Idlib, and towns in Sahl al-Ghab (Al-Ghab Plain), killing two civilians.{{cite web | title=Two killed as Russian jets hit towns in Syria's Idlib after truce | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-06-08 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/killed-russian-jets-hit-towns-syria-idlib-truce-200608185400764.html | access-date=2020-06-29}}

{{See also|Idlib Governorate clashes (June 2020)}}

Hurras al-Din and other al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadi groups formed an operations room, "Be Steadfast", to co-ordinate their efforts against the government and challenge HTS domination of the area.{{cite web | last=Kajjo | first=Sirwan | title=Jihadists in Syria's Idlib Form New 'Operations Room' | website=Voice of America | date=2020-06-15 | url=https://www.voanews.com/a/extremism-watch_jihadists-syrias-idlib-form-new-operations-room/6191167.html | access-date=2020-06-29}}

The offensive was characterised by indiscriminate aerial bombing and shelling of civilian homes, mainly either by Russian planes, taking off from the Russian base in Latakia, or by Syrian government jets flying from Kuweires Military Aviation Institute, 18 miles east of Aleppo.

On 23 December 2019, the United Nations stated that the renewed fighting that started on 18 December had caused an exodus of 80,000 people across Idlib Governorate.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-idlib/russian-backed-syrian-forces-close-in-on-major-city-in-rebel-held-idlib-idUSKBN1YS14D|work=Reuters|title=Russian-backed Syrian forces close in on major city in rebel-held Idlib|date=23 December 2019|access-date=25 December 2019}} According to SOHR, in the week up to 24 December 100,000 people were displaced because of the fighting as well as Syrian and Russian bombing.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=151320|title=In a week of flare up in Idlib .. about 3500 air and ground strikes kill 78 persons including 30 children and women .. 41000 people displace .. regime forces advance snatching 44 areas from the factions grip in Maarrat Al-Nu'man and 259 casualties documented in ranks of both sides|website=SOHR|date=24 December 2019}} More than 235,000 civilians were displaced as of 27 December 2019 per the United Nations.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191227-more-than-235-000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-un|title=More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up: UN|date=27 December 2019|website=France 24}} By 5 February 2020, 300 civilians had been killed in the fighting, including 49 in the first five days of February, and 520,000 were displaced (80% of the latter women and children), according to the UN and various NGOs.{{cite web | last=McKernan | first=Bethan | title=500,000 flee Syrian regime's deadly offensive in Idlib | website=the Guardian | date=2020-02-05 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/syria-half-a-million-displaced-in-idlib-says-un-body | access-date=2020-02-20}} By 10 February 2020, the number of displaced civilians had reached 689,000.

The humanitarian impact of the fighting was made more severe by extreme cold weather, with Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee and the International Organisation on Migration reporting that many children were dying due to sub-zero temperatures.{{cite web | title=Humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib as thousands of children displaced in sub-zero temperatures – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-13 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/humanitarian-catastrophe-idlib-thousands-children-displaced-sub-zero | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Children dying from the cold in northwest Syria, says IRC – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/children-dying-cold-northwest-syria-says-irc | access-date=2020-02-20}}{{cite web | title=Brutal Winter Temperatures Intensify Desperation for Rising Numbers of Displaced People in Northwest Syria – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/brutal-winter-temperatures-intensify-desperation-rising-numbers | access-date=2020-02-20}} By 14 February, 10 Canadian aid organisations reported that 142,000 people had fled their homes in the past five days alone, including 6,500 children a day, bringing the total number of people displaced to over 800,000 since December.{{cite web | title=Statement of Concern – Situation in northwest Syria – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-14 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/statement-concern-situation-northwest-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}} By 17 February, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that the northwestern Syria offensive since December has displaced 900,000 people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/assad-pledges-continue-onslaught-displaced-900000-200217184909079.html|title=Assad pledges to continue onslaught that has displaced 900,000|date=17 February 2020|website=Al Jazeera.com|access-date=2020-02-18}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200217-a-horrifying-new-level-un-says-900-000-displaced-in-northwest-syria-since-december|title='A horrifying new level': UN says 900,000 displaced in northwest Syria since December|date=2020-02-17|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18}}{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/under-secretary-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-coordinator|title=Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock: Statement on Northwest Syria, 17 February 2020 – Syrian Arab Republic|last=Lowcock|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Lowcock|date=17 February 2020|website=ReliefWeb|publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18}} By late February, estimates had risen to 950,000.{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title='Impossible task': Aid groups in Idlib struggle to help Syrians | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-03-01 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/task-aid-groups-idlib-struggle-syrians-200301053201111.html | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title=UNICEF Whole of Syria – Northwest Syria Situation Report (1 – 26 February 2020) – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-26 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/unicef-whole-syria-northwest-syria-situation-report-1-26-february-2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title='Mayhem' in Syria's Idlib amid ongoing violence, as Guterres urges immediate ceasefire | website=UN News | date=2020-02-28 | url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1058301 | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | last=Inglis | first=Shelley | title=The worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century: 5 questions on Syria answered | website=The Conversation | date=2020-03-02 | url=http://theconversation.com/the-worst-humanitarian-crisis-of-the-21st-century-5-questions-on-syria-answered-132571 | access-date=2020-03-12}} By early March, estimates had risen to 980,000.{{cite web | last=Gumrukcu | first=Tuvan | title=Relief operations in Syria's Idlib overwhelmed – U.N. official | website=U.K. | date=2020-03-03 | url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-migrants-idUKKBN20Q1Q4 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304040944/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-security-turkey-migrants-idUKKBN20Q1Q4 | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cite web | title=4 March 2020 – The Refugee Brief | website=The Refugee Brief | date=2020-03-04 | url=https://www.unhcr.org/refugeebrief/the-refugee-brief-4-march-2020/ | access-date=2020-03-12}}

According to the UN, 82,000 displaced people were living in the freezing open air in February; 36% of newly displaced families are housed by relatives or find rental accommodation, 17% found refuge in camps, over 15% sought shelter in unfinished buildings and 12% are still "looking for shelter".{{cite web | last=Alsaafin | first=Linah | title='Breaking point': Babies freezing to death amid Idlib push | website=Al Jazeera | date=2020-02-17 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/point-babies-dying-freezing-cold-idlib-push-200217094010212.html | access-date=2020-02-20}} Many of the displaced have been forced to move multiple times.{{cite web | last1=Crawford | first1=Alex | last2=Syria | first2=in northwest | title=Idlib: The Syrian province where war crimes are being committed and the world is doing nothing to help | website=Sky News | date=2020-02-19 | url=https://news.sky.com/story/syria-conflict-seventy-hospitals-bombed-out-of-action-as-civilians-flee-idlib-11937970 | access-date=2020-02-20}} Some of the displaced people have escaped to Syrian Democratic Forces controlled Manbij.{{cite web | title=Displaced yet again, Syrians flee Idlib for Manbij | website=Al-Monitor | url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/syria-idlib-displaces-camps-sdf-autonomous-administration.html | date=18 February 2020|access-date=2020-02-20}}

Hospitals were heavily targeted in the fighting.{{cite web | last=Lee | first=Ian | title=Inside Syria's worst humanitarian crisis | website=CBS News | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inside-syria-worst-humanitarian-crisis/ | access-date=2020-03-11}} Some 70 hospitals were bombed out of action.{{cite web | title=Under attack: Hospitals deliberately targeted as Syria's war intensifies | website=Sky News | date=2020-02-20 | url=https://news.sky.com/story/under-attack-hospitals-deliberately-targeted-as-syrias-war-intensifies-11938292 | access-date=2020-02-20}} On 12 February, Islamic Relief reported that 15 medical facilities it supported had been damaged or fully destroyed, at least 55 sites where they distributed food recorded 428 nearby airstrikes near these locations, and 90% of staff in Idlib had been forcibly displaced.{{cite web | title=Islamic Relief calls for immediate ceasefire and protection of aid workers in Idlib as 90% of staff displaced – Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-12 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/islamic-relief-calls-immediate-ceasefire-and-protection-aid-workers | access-date=2020-02-20}}

School buildings were also targeted. On 25 February, Amnesty International condemned the shelling of ten schools in Idlib and Aleppo countryside, describing it as a war crime.{{cite web | title=Syria: Targeting schools being properly used for educational purposes in Idlib is a war crime | website=Amnesty International | date=2020-02-25 | url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/syria-targeting-schools-in-idlib-is-a-war-crime/ | access-date=2020-02-28}} After the 25 February attack, all schools in Idlib were suspended.{{cite web | last=Daragahi | first=Borzou | title=Bombs from all sides and jets overhead: Inside Idlib, Syria's final war frontier | website=The Independent | date=2020-03-06 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-idlib-airstrike-russia-turkey-bombs-missiles-death-toll-a9383036.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-idlib-airstrike-russia-turkey-bombs-missiles-death-toll-a9383036.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | access-date=2020-03-11}} In July, a UN investigation said war crimes and possible crimes against humanity were committed during the campaign. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic said people suffered incomprehensible misery. It recorded assaults by all sides in the conflict that resulted in civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. It found shelled schools, market bombings, and hospitals bombed.{{cite news |title=UN alleges war crimes during Syria's Idlib offensive |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/alleges-war-crimes-syria-idlib-offensive-200707194911993.html |work=Al Jazeera |date=7 July 2020}}

• {{flag|United Nations}} – Spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville, asked if Syria and Russia were deliberately targeting civilians and protected buildings, and said: "The sheer quantity of attacks on hospitals, medical facilities, and schools would suggest they cannot all be accidental." United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said: "Entire families, some who have fled from one corner of Syria to the other over the course of the past decade, are tragically finding that bombs are part of their everyday life. How can anyone justify carrying out such indiscriminate and inhumane attacks?"{{cite news | title=Syrian Arab Republic | website=ReliefWeb | date=2020-02-18 | url=https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/un-human-rights-chief-horrified-escalating-humanitarian-crisis-syria | access-date=2020-02-20}}
• {{flag|European Union}} – The European Union condemned the offensive in Idlib and warned of a looming humanitarian disaster. The EU also urged all sides to adhere to international law, allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need and vowed to deliver aid to civilians in Idlib.{{cite news |title=EU urges halt to Idlib 'humanitarian drama' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eu-urges-halt-to-idlib-humanitarian-drama/a-52457824 |work= DW News |date=21 Feb 2020}}
• {{flag|Arab League}} – The Arab League called for an immediate armistice in Idlib. The regional organization labeled the offensive a blatant violation of international law causing a humanitarian disaster for Syrians.{{cite news |title=Arab League demands immediate cease-fire in NW Syria |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/arab-league-demands-immediate-cease-fire-in-nw-syria/1750403# |work=Anadolu Agency |date=3 January 2020}}

• {{flag|Italy}} – On 25 December 2019, Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio, while speaking about his country's desire to establish a ceasefire in Libya's ongoing civil war, said that the situations in Libya and Syria were similar.{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/italy-intends-promote-eu-ceasefire-mission-libya|title=Italy intends to promote an EU ceasefire mission in Libya {{pipe}} The Libya Observer|website=libyaobserver.ly|date=14 January 2024 }}
• {{flagicon|Libya}}{{flagicon image|Coat of arms of Libya Tobruk Government.svg|70px|border=no}} House of Representatives – On 2 March 2020, the Syrian government announced that the Libyan Embassy in Damascus could be reopened after 8 years shutdown, the interim government based in Libya's Tobruk signed a memorandum of understanding with Syrian Government officials to re-open its diplomatic missions and confront Turkish "interference".{{Cite web|url=http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/82194/Libyan-embassy-in-Syria-to-re-open-March-3-after|title=Libyan embassy in Syria to re-open March 3 after 8-year shutdown|website=EgyptToday|date=2 March 2020}}[Syria to exchange consular missions with Libya's Haftar government in Benghazi]
• {{flag|Turkey}} – On 31 January 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the Syrian government to end its offensive in Idlib, and has threatened military action unless it does so. On 4 March 2020, during a speech by an opposition Parliament member who accused President Erdogan of disrespecting Turkish soldiers who died in Syria and the military intervention, a brawl took place, dozens of parliamentarians traded punches, while others tried to stop the fighting.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/5/brawl-in-turkeys-parliament-after-mp-criticises-erdogan|title=Brawl in Turkey's parliament after MP criticises Erdogan|website=www.aljazeera.com}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-51747282|title=Brawl erupts in Turkish parliament over Syria|work=BBC News}}
• {{flag|United Arab Emirates}} – On the UAE's 48th National Day (2 December 2019), an Emirati official at the UAE embassy in Damascus praised the Syrian government's actions and said that Syria's president Bashar al-Assad was acting wisely.{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/video/uae-official-praises-assad-his-forces-kill-civilians-idlib|title=UAE official praises Assad as his forces kill civilians in Idlib|website=Middle East Eye}}
• {{flag|United States}} – On 26 December 2019, United States president Donald Trump warned via Twitter that "Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Province," and added that "Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage."{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/26/trump-warns-syira-russia-iran-killing-civilians-idlib-province-089795|title=Trump warns Syria, Russia and Iran against killing 'innocent civilians' in Idlib province|date=26 December 2019|access-date=28 December 2019|work=Politico}} US Ambassador to Syria James Jeffrey has warned that the offensive would create a humanitarian crisis. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and the Syrian government's actions in Idlib and said that they were intentionally preventing the implementation of a cease-fire in northern Syria.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pompeo-accuses-syrian-govt-russia-iran-hezbollah-of-preventing-ceasefire-in-syria/|title=Pompeo accuses Syrian gov't Russia, Iran, Hezbollah of preventing ceasefire in Syria|first=News|last=Desk|date=28 January 2020|access-date=6 February 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318221539/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pompeo-accuses-syrian-govt-russia-iran-hezbollah-of-preventing-ceasefire-in-syria/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | author=RFE/RL | title=Pompeo Urges Syrian, Russian, And Iranian Forces To Halt Idlib Offensive | website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty | date=2020-01-28 | url=https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-s-defense-skirts-past-bolton-revelations-on-aid-to-ukraine/30401656.html | access-date=2020-03-09}}
• {{flag|China}} – China's United Nations Ambassador Zhang Jun said on 28 January 2020 that "terrorism is an underlying factor" in the conflict and "eradicating the forces of terror is a necessary requirement for the restoration of peace and stability in Syria and the region. [Terrorists] should be resolutely crushed, and safe havens established by terrorist forces in Syria should be liquidated. At the same time, counter-terrorism operations should be cautious not to harm civilians."

• {{flagicon image|}} Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – In response to 19 December offensive, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani said in a video statement that the offensive would negatively affect regional stability and the lives of people throughout the region, namely the Levant, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and the Persian Gulf. He also said that HTS has achieved many of its goals in Syria, such as weakening the state of the Syrian military and the Syrian economy; he criticized Russia's role in supporting the Syrian government as an attempt to restore the level of influence Russia had during the Soviet-era.{{cite web|url=https://jihadology.net/2019/12/25/new-video-message-from-hayat-ta%E1%B8%A5rir-al-shams-abu-mu%E1%B8%A5ammad-al-jawlani-the-war-of-liberation-and-independence/|title=New video message from Hay'at Taḥrīr al-Shām's Abū Muḥammad al-Jawlānī: "The War of Liberation and Independence"|website=jihadology.net}}

• 2024 Syrian opposition offensives
• Battle of Aleppo (2024)
• Operation Dawn of Freedom

{{notelist}}

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{{Tahrir al-Sham}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Northwestern Syria offensive (2019 12-2020 03)}}

Category:2019 in Syria

Category:Conflicts in 2019

Category:Conflicts in 2020

Category:November 2019 in Syria

Category:2020 in the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2019

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2020

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Iran

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Turkey

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Tahrir al-Sham

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:Aleppo Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Hama Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Idlib Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Latakia Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:December 2019 in Syria

Category:January 2020 in Syria

Category:February 2020 in Syria

Category:March 2020 in Syria

Category:Attacks on hospitals during the Syrian civil war