Turkey, Russia sign memorandum of coordinating strikes in Syria

Representives from the Russian and the Turkish Chief of Staff have signed an agreement to define mechanisms and coordination regarding the flight security and cooperation of both countries during operations against "terrorist targets" in Syria following a meeting in Moscow, the Turkish Armed Forces announced on Jan. 12.

The statement said the interdelegatory meetings were held  between the Russian and Turkish military representatives to ensure the flight security and prevent unwanted incidents during operations in Syria.

The agreement also stated that mechanisms would be determined in terms of coordination and cooperation between the Russian and the Turkish warplanes to provide flight security during offensives against terrorist threats in Syria.

Moscow and Ankara agreed to back a ceasefire last month between the Syrian government and rebel groups which went into effect on Dec. 30 and has been observed in vast parts of the country, though clashes have continued to rock areas near Damascus.

The fighting has notably damaged water infrastructure risking further military escalation, United Nation's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said earlier on Jan. 12, adding that meetings in Moscow and Ankara would be addressing the issue.

Recently, Russia began hitting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) positions near al-Bab Ankara and Moscow jointly brokered a cease-fire between the regime and opposition groups. 

Russian support came after Turkey criticized the U.S.-led international coalition for not backing its military offensive against ISIL.