Turkmen forces are continuing to fight a joint force led by commanders loyal to Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad.
The force consisting of Russian and Iranian military as well as Hezbollah militants and the Syrian regime intensified and expanded its ground offensive in the Bayırbucak Turkmen area, which began five days ago in Latakia.
Most of the villages in the Turkmen populated area have begun to fall into the hands of joint forces as Turkmen fighters tried their best to protect certain mountainous areas.
Turkmen fighters said they didn't have enough weapons to fight against the Assad-Russia-Iran-Iraq coalition power.
Russia launched airstrikes and missile attacks from the naval warship while the Syria-Iran-Iraqi joint force conducted ground operations.
“We don't have enough weapons to fight against them. Our bullets don't reach Russian jets,” a Turkmen commander said.
Most parts of Gimam, Derhane, 45 Hill, Zuveyk village, Acısu Intersection and Kızıldağ have been seized by the Assad forces. Many casualties have been reported from the attacks while flames and sounds of explosions coming from the region could be seen and heard in Turkish border town of Yayladağı in Hatay province.
Many villages and towns have been evacuated from the fear of a probable massacre by regime forces. A group of 200 Syrian Turkmen crossed into Turkey yesterday.
Thousands of civilians are expected to come to Turkey as 5,000 people from the area have already abandoned their homes and set off on the road. Turkish NGO's sent food, blankets and tents to the people across the border.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu strongly condemned the bombings as well as grand force attack targeting Turkmen villages. Earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Ankara over the incident.
Turkmen fighters said they are fighting to protect Kızıldağ, a strategic location only 500 meters from the Turkish border and other top hill areas.
“They have tanks, aircraft and missiles. Our bullets can't hit their aircrafts. We don't have enough ammunition to destroy their tanks and cannons. We don't know how long we can withstand under this condition,” the commander of the Turkmen brigade said.
Kirkuk foundation spokesman Mahir Nakip said everyone in the region except Turkey attacked Turkmens both in Syria and Iraq. “If we cannot protect them in Syria and Turkey, Anatolia will be in danger” Nakip said suggesting that Turkey should talk to Russia, Arab countries and the U.S. to establish a safe zone as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the National Coalition for Syrian opposition and the Revolutionary Forces is calling on the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other rebel groups to announce a joint campaign in Latakia following the attacks on Turkmen villages.
