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Syrian troops surround Turkish post in country's northwest

A heavily fortified Turkish observation post in the northwestern village of Morek was surrounded on all sides by Syrian troops who had captured wide swathes of land from insurgents over the past three weeks.

Syrian authorities took a group of journalists Saturday to tour several newly captured villages as well as the town of Khan Sheikhoun that was a major rebel stronghold until it was taken by government forces earlier this week.

A Syrian officer in Morek told The Associated Press that Turkish troops as well as some opposition fighters and their families are inside the sprawling post that is surrounded by blast walls.

The journalists were kept about 2 kilometers (1.2 mile) away from the Turkish post.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had denied any Turkish troops were besieged in Syria.