Syria agrees to buffer zone along Turkish border

Syria has agreed to keep its forces six miles (10km) from the Turkish border in the wake of this week's deadly shelling incident, the Guardian  cites Turkish media as saying.

Such a move would amount to a buffer zone, fulfilling a long-standing request by Syrian opposition groups that would allow rebels to operate freely and civilians to seek refuge.

Syria has not confirmed the claim and Ankara has made no official announcement. However, several Turkish media outlets, citing well-placed sources, claimed that a deal had been struck.

Opposition groups have implored Turkey and the international community to establish an area in which they can move without fear of jets and helicopters, claiming it would be a significant step in their 19-month battle to oust the regime of Bashar al-Assad.