The ongoing assault on rebel-held territory in northwestern Syria by forces loyal to Bashar Assad has brought them to within 16 miles of the border with Turkey. According to Reuters, the gain in territory was made possible by heavy and continuous airstrikes carried out by Russia, as well as material support from Iran. As a result, the rebel groups in Syria are losing access to supply lines from Turkey, and are in danger of being defeated entirely. Turkey has claimed that the activity near its border represents a threat to its security, but the Turkish government has not indicated what it will do in response.
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