The Turkish and Russian reports have begun joint patrol operations in the Idlib province of Syria, the last stand for rebels in a deal to protect more than 3 million civilians.

Russia, which supports the Syrian government, is expected to patrol the outskirts of the province, and Turkey, which backs Syrian rebels, will defend the unarmed territories negotiating around, according to UPI. That province.

Turkey and Russia last year agreed to create a safe zone hoping to maintain regional peace, so civilians will not be forced to flee into Turkey and other parts of Europe.