Turkey-Russia patrols start amid protests on Syrian highway Turkey's Defense Ministry says it's launched joint patrols with Russian troops on a key highway in northwest SyriaANKARA, Turkey -- Turkish and Russian troops began joint patrols Sunday on a key highway in northwestern Syria, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said, while both the Russian government and Syrian opposition activists said the patrols were shortened because of protests. The cease-fire ended an escalation in fighting that saw the Turkish military in rare direct conflict with Syrian government troops. Some sections of the M4 remain under rebel control, unlike the north-south M5 highway, which Syrian forces completely recaptured in the latest offensive. Ankara has been given additional time to ensure the safety of troops taking part in joint patrols, the Russian Defense Ministry said. After four days of talks, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey hoped the deal would prove to be permanent.

Source: ABC News March 15, 2020 12:43 UTC