Two Turkish soldiers lost their lives and another was injured in a rocket attack in Idlib in northwestern Syria, said the Defense Ministry late on Thursday (March 19).

 

In a statement, the ministry said "radical groups" in the de-escalation zone attacked Turkey's troops.

 

"Targets determined in the region immediately were taken under fire and retaliated in proportion," said the ministry.

 

In a Twitter post, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and the Turkish nation.

 

Presidents of Russia and Turkey on March 5 agreed on a new cease-fire for Idlib. Under the deal, all military activities are to end in Idlib with the establishment of a security corridor 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the north and south of the key M4 highway. The two countries have been conducting joint patrols in the area.