In a Syrian village, Turkish forces seen as shield from attack

Internally displaced boys run outside a tent in Idlib province, Syria July 30, 2018. REUTERS/ Khalil Ashawi

AL-SURMAN VILLAGE, Syria (Reuters) - The red Turkish flag fluttering on the outskirts of the Syrian village of al-Surman has been seen by residents as a shield against government attack since Turkish troops arrived in February. But their fears of an offensive are growing.

The village is situated in rebel-held territory near the frontline with government forces in the northwestern Idlib region, one of the last big strongholds of the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad.