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Airstrike kills 3, injures 12 in Idlib, Syria

ANKARA, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- An airstrike killed three civilians and injured 12 others while targeting a Turkish military convoy in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Monday.
"We strongly condemn this attack that violates existing agreements, cooperation and dialogue with Russia," the Ministry said in a statement.
The statement indicated that the warplanes targeted the convoy while transporting troops to ensure safety of observation points, keep supply routes open and prevent civilian casualties in the region.
Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone where acts of aggression are expressly prohibited. The Syrian regime and its allies, however, have consistently broken the terms of the cease-fire, launching frequent attacks inside the de-escalation zone.
Furthermore, Turkey, Russia and Iran announced at a meeting in Astana between 4 and 5 May, 2017, establishment of a de-escalation zone in Idlib and its surroundings, but the regime's forces intensified violations of the Astana agreement.(end) rs.mah