Speaking after the government meeting, Erdogan said that “Turkey intends to complete the process of creating a security zone on its southern borders with a depth of 30 km.” Actions will begin after the relevant work. The decision will be made at a meeting of the National Security Council. A Turkish newspaper noted that Russia had withdrawn its units located in 8 districts of Syria (Al-Hasakah, Idlib, Hama, Latakia, Aleppo, Manbij, Tel Rifat, Ain Al-Arab). 

The spokesman of the Syrian National Army, Yusuf Hamoud, said that Iranian-backed Shiite militants are trying to fill the territories liberated by Russia, especially in Latakia, Aleppo and Idlib. The Syrian National Army has begun preparations for the start of hostilities. It is reported that 35,000 soldiers are ready for possible actions. The strategic objective of the operation will be to close the western border, which will be controlled by Jarablus and Tel Abyad.