'Turkey in Idlib in accordance with international law'

ANKARA

The Turkish Armed Forces conduct its activities in northwestern Syrian province of Idlib in accordance with international law, rules and agreements signed, Turkish national defense minister said on Wednesday. 

Hulusi Akar said Operation Spring Shield targeted the Assad regime troops and its elements under legitimate self defense.

Turkey launched the operation on Sunday after at least 34 Turkish soldiers were martyred in an Assad regime airstrike in Idlib.

Idlib, just across Turkey’s southern border, falls within a de-escalation zone laid out in a deal between Turkey and Russia in late 2018. 

But the Syrian regime and its allies have