Russia: We will not allow clashes between Turkish, Syrian forces

This would simply be unacceptable and therefore we will not allow it” said Moscow's special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev.

The withdrawal of American troops from the region, announced last week, gave Turkey “green framework”, critics say.

Russia is a leading military ally of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

He said Turkish and Syrian officials were in contact to avoid any conflict.

Also, the Russian Defence Ministry said its forces, which have been deployed in Syria since 2015, were patrolling along the <x0-line contact” between Syrian and Turkish forces.