The convoy was then directed to observation points in Idlib under extensive security measures.

12 Turkish military personnel and 1 civilian contractor were killed by Syrian army artillery fire in this month.

Turkish army responded to the attacks, hitting Syrian government targets in Idlib.

"63 Syrian regime troops were neutralized after Turkish Armed Forces hit regime positions in retaliation for attacks on Turkish troops in Idlib, northwest Syria," Turkey's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned Syrian regime to pull back behind Turkish observation post lines by the end of February or face consequences. (ILKHA)