Turkmens seize Kızıldağ in Bayırbucak in fight with Syrian government

HATAY - Doğan News Agency

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Turkmen forces in northwestern Syria have seized back control of Kızıldağ Hill on Jabal al-Turkmen (Turkmen Mountain) while also pushing back military units affiliated to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, capturing two tanks in the process.While tension continues in the region after the downing of a Russian jet by Turkish F-16s in Syria on Nov. 24, Kızıldağ, where the Russian SU-24 crashed, has become the subject of a power struggle between Turkmens and al-Assad forces.Recent reports said the mountain was seized back by Turkmen units at 6 a.m. on Nov. 27 after they launched an attack late at night against al-Assad forces.Units under the second coastal command have been fighting ongoing clashes with government forces.The Çümenerek village, located in the upper region of the Yamadi tent camp, where Turkmen women and children are also staying, was bombed throughout the night, said local reports.According to Turkish military officials, the Turkish border has been opened to Turkmens, but only 80 people entered due to the blocking of roads from rural areas.Infrastructure has also been improved in the tent city located in the Güveççi neighborhood of Yayladağı district, said officials.