An air strike on 27 February killed 33 Turkish troops deployed in northwestern Syria, marking Turkey’s deadliest day in the Syrian conflict at that point.
What happened
The soldiers were operating in Idlib, where Syrian government forces backed by Russia were advancing against opposition-held territory. Ankara responded with attacks on Syrian military targets and called urgent consultations with NATO allies.
Why it mattered
The deaths brought Turkey and Russia close to direct confrontation despite their diplomatic coordination. They also intensified concern for civilians displaced toward the Turkish border by the offensive.
Consequences
Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin later negotiated a ceasefire in Moscow. The incident demonstrated how quickly competing military deployments in Idlib could trigger a wider crisis.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
