Hundreds of black-clad pro-democracy demonstrators chanted "Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times" outside the High Court on Wednesday as a leading activist appeared to appeal a six-year jail sentence for rioting in 2016.

The court's walls were scrawled with graffiti reading: "History will absolve us", "If we burn you burn with us" and "No turn back 4HK".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activist-appeals-against-sentence-as-more-protests-loom-254677">The Chinese-ruled financial hub is struggling to recover from a weekend of violent clashes between police and tens of thousands of protesters</a>, with parts virtually cut off due to a paralysed metro that was a target of vandalism amid four months of often violent unrest.

Scores of shops were boarded up after also being trashed or torched, and more protests are expected in the coming days. Some streets were littered with broken glass and twisted metal debris.

On Wednesday night, some 200 protesters staged a shopping mall demonstration in the New Territories district of Ma On Shan. The peaceful rally saw protesters sitting or standing and chanting "Stand with Hong Kong, fight for freedom".

The protests began in opposition to a now withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to China, but have broadened into a pro-democracy movement amid fear that Beijing is undermining Hong Kong's freedoms.

Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, which gives it wide-ranging autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

The unrest is the worst political crisis in 1997 and the biggest challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came into power in 2012.

Edward Leung, 27, one of the leaders of a movement advocating independence from China, and two other activists in 2016 received the harshest sentences handed down to pro-democracy leaders since 1997.

In his appeal, Leung's lawyer argued his sentence was disproportionate to his offence, citing other more violent protesters receiving lighter sentences. His case was adjourned on Wednesday ahead of the judgment.

Outside the court, hundreds of protesters wore black masks in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws banning face coverings, which were brought in on Friday to quell the unrest but which have incited more violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-wont-rule-out-chinese-help-over-protests-leader-carrie-lam-254393">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday did not rule out asking China</a>, which has troops in barracks in Hong Kong, for help to end the unrest, with Hong Kong's economy hit hard and facing its first recession in a decade. 
 
Shopping mall protest

Many malls closed early to prevent protesters from gaining entry.

Inside the mall in Ma On Shan seven protesters, one in a wheelchair held up signs reading: "Support security guards who are dedicated to their job, strongly condemn police abusing power and arresting people randomly."

A night earlier, security guards in the same mall tried to stop police entering to chase a protester. Media said the guards were arrested.

A slew of international events and conferences due to be held in the city have been cancelled, with the organisers of the Hong Kong Squash Open the latest, stating they were postponing the event "in view of the current situation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-metro-still-partially-functioning-hong-kong-opens-for-business-after-violent-clashes-254366">More than 200 shops and public utilities had been damaged in the weekend's violent clashes</a>. More than 100 restaurants have closed in the past month, putting around 2,000 people out of work, a representative from an association of catering professionals told public broadcaster RTHK.

Authorities have described protesters as "militant activists", but many Hong Kong residents are also angry at the emergency powers, fearing their civil rights could be eroded.

More than 2,300 people have been arrested since June, while two teenagers have been shot and wounded in skirmishes with police. Scores of people, including police, have been injured.

Hong Kong's unrest has started to affect global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller Tiffany &amp; Co and US&nbsp;sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters.

China has cancelled broadcasting NBA basketball games after an executive of the US&nbsp;National Basketball Association team the Houston Rockets backed protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA.

The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes.

"Every American has the right to voice their support for democracy and human rights for Hong Kong. Full stop," said one-time US&nbsp;presidential candidate and former First Lady Hillary Clinton on her official Twitter account on Wednesday.

In a separate case, a top online gamer from Hong Kong who showed support for the protests was removed from an international tournament he won, forcing him to forgo prize money that media reports put at $10,000.

Blizzard Entertainment, via their brand Hearthstone, said the gamer, identified as "Blitzchung", had violated rules and would not be allowed to play in any Hearthstone e-sports games for the next 12 months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-member-floats-internet-curbs-to-contain-unrest-254254">China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an "internal affair"</a> and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Pakistan on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to Hong's Kong's "one country, two systems", said China's foreign ministry after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.

"The Pakistan side reiterated that affairs of Hong Kong were China's internal matter and all countries should uphold international law and basic norms of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries," the ministry said in a statement.

Hundreds of black-clad pro-democracy demonstrators chanted "Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times" outside the High Court on Wednesday as a leading activist appeared to appeal a six-year jail sentence for rioting in 2016.

Hundreds of black-clad pro-democracy demonstrators chanted "Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times" outside the High Court on Wednesday as a leading activist appeared to appeal a six-year jail sentence for rioting in 2016. The court's walls were scrawled with graffiti reading: "History will absolve us", "If we burn you burn with us" and "No turn back 4HK". The Chinese-ruled financial hub is struggling to recover from a weekend of violent clashes between police and tens of thousands of protesters, with parts virtually cut off due to a paralysed metro that was a target of vandalism amid four months of often violent unrest. Scores of shops were boarded up after also being trashed or torched, and more protests are expected in the coming days. Some streets were littered with broken glass and twisted metal debris. On Wednesday night, some 200 protesters staged a shopping mall demonstration in the New Territories district of Ma On Shan. The peaceful rally saw protesters sitting or standing and chanting "Stand with Hong Kong, fight for freedom". The protests began in opposition to a now withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to China, but have broadened into a pro-democracy movement amid fear that Beijing is undermining Hong Kong's freedoms. Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, which gives it wide-ranging autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. The unrest is the worst political crisis in 1997 and the biggest challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came into power in 2012. Edward Leung, 27, one of the leaders of a movement advocating independence from China, and two other activists in 2016 received the harshest sentences handed down to pro-democracy leaders since 1997. In his appeal, Leung's lawyer argued his sentence was disproportionate to his offence, citing other more violent protesters receiving lighter sentences. His case was adjourned on Wednesday ahead of the judgment. Outside the court, hundreds of protesters wore black masks in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws banning face coverings, which were brought in on Friday to quell the unrest but which have incited more violence. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday did not rule out asking China, which has troops in barracks in Hong Kong, for help to end the unrest, with Hong Kong's economy hit hard and facing its first recession in a decade. Shopping mall protest Many malls closed early to prevent protesters from gaining entry. Inside the mall in Ma On Shan seven protesters, one in a wheelchair held up signs reading: "Support security guards who are dedicated to their job, strongly condemn police abusing power and arresting people randomly." A night earlier, security guards in the same mall tried to stop police entering to chase a protester. Media said the guards were arrested. A slew of international events and conferences due to be held in the city have been cancelled, with the organisers of the Hong Kong Squash Open the latest, stating they were postponing the event "in view of the current situation". More than 200 shops and public utilities had been damaged in the weekend's violent clashes. More than 100 restaurants have closed in the past month, putting around 2,000 people out of work, a representative from an association of catering professionals told public broadcaster RTHK. Authorities have described protesters as "militant activists", but many Hong Kong residents are also angry at the emergency powers, fearing their civil rights could be eroded. More than 2,300 people have been arrested since June, while two teenagers have been shot and wounded in skirmishes with police. Scores of people, including police, have been injured. Hong Kong's unrest has started to affect global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co and US sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters. China has cancelled broadcasting NBA basketball games after an executive of the US National Basketball Association team the Houston Rockets backed protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA. The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes. "Every American has the right to voice their support for democracy and human rights for Hong Kong. Full stop," said one-time US presidential candidate and former First Lady Hillary Clinton on her official Twitter account on Wednesday. In a separate case, a top online gamer from Hong Kong who showed support for the protests was removed from an international tournament he won, forcing him to forgo prize money that media reports put at $10,000. Blizzard Entertainment, via their brand Hearthstone, said the gamer, identified as "Blitzchung", had violated rules and would not be allowed to play in any Hearthstone e-sports games for the next 12 months. China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an "internal affair" and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment. Pakistan on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to Hong's Kong's "one country, two systems", said China's foreign ministry after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. "The Pakistan side reiterated that affairs of Hong Kong were China's internal matter and all countries should uphold international law and basic norms of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries," the ministry said in a statement.

Hong Kong protesters stage peaceful rallies calling for 'liberation'

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-head-appeals-to-turkey-for-restraint-in-syria-254812">Islamic State in Syria</a> as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US&nbsp;officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday.

"The SDF stopped the anti-ISIS operations because it's impossible to carry out any operation while you are being threatened by a large army right on the northern border," the Kurdish military source said.

One of the US&nbsp;officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension also impacted US&nbsp;training of stabilisation forces in Syria.

It was unclear whether the pause affected every aspect of US-partnered operations against Islamic State or whether there might be exceptions. The US&nbsp;military was not immediately available for comment.

But any suspension in such activities would represent a direct setback to the central US&nbsp;goal of helping the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) secure territory seized from Islamic State.

It would also show how the Kurdish-led SDF are rapidly shifting their focus to the fight against Turkey - at the cost of preparations to prevent Islamic State's resurgence.

Turkish warplanes and artillery struck Kurdish militia positions in several towns on Wednesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-turkey-to-halt-syria-offensive-will-not-pay-for-safe-zone-254817">United States this week pulled back its troops from the Turkey-Syria</a> frontier following a decision by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Trump's critics say his move cleared the way for the Turkish operation and amounted to a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. US&nbsp;officials say the president felt US&nbsp;troops should not be caught in the middle of that fight, and Trump says he is fulfilling promises to withdraw the United States from “endless” Middle East wars.

The Kurdish fighters, considered terrorists by Turkey, have described the US&nbsp;decision as "a stab in the back". Spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF has been the backbone of the US-led campaign against Islamic State.

The US&nbsp;military had hoped to train SDF and other groups to create a stabilization force of 50,000-60,000 fighters to help prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. As of last month, the US&nbsp;military estimated it was perhaps about halfway toward that goal.

A third official told Reuters that the SDF was still guarding prisons holding some 11,000 captured Islamic State fighters, but noted that a small number of SDF forces had relocated ahead of the expected Turkish offensive.

US&nbsp;officials have long feared that the SDF would be unable to continue guarding the facilities in the event of a major Turkish incursion into Syria.

Still, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-air-strikes-hit-northeast-syria-near-border-monitor-254813">Islamic State remnants could force the SDF to battle it as well.</a>

Jennifer Cafarella, research director at the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington, said the SDF faced the likely prospect of having to fight on two fronts: against Turkish forces and remnants of Islamic State simultaneously.

"ISIS leader (Abu Bakr) Baghdadi is undoubtedly prepared for this moment," Cafarella said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through cities and towns along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq.

But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria.

US&nbsp;officials have been warning for months against losing focus on Islamic State, which they believe could again become a potent insurgency.

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against Islamic State in Syria as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday.

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against Islamic State in Syria as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday. "The SDF stopped the anti-ISIS operations because it's impossible to carry out any operation while you are being threatened by a large army right on the northern border," the Kurdish military source said. One of the US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension also impacted US training of stabilisation forces in Syria. It was unclear whether the pause affected every aspect of US-partnered operations against Islamic State or whether there might be exceptions. The US military was not immediately available for comment. But any suspension in such activities would represent a direct setback to the central US goal of helping the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) secure territory seized from Islamic State. It would also show how the Kurdish-led SDF are rapidly shifting their focus to the fight against Turkey - at the cost of preparations to prevent Islamic State's resurgence. Turkish warplanes and artillery struck Kurdish militia positions in several towns on Wednesday after the United States this week pulled back its troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier following a decision by US President Donald Trump. Trump's critics say his move cleared the way for the Turkish operation and amounted to a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. US officials say the president felt US troops should not be caught in the middle of that fight, and Trump says he is fulfilling promises to withdraw the United States from “endless” Middle East wars. The Kurdish fighters, considered terrorists by Turkey, have described the US decision as "a stab in the back". Spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF has been the backbone of the US-led campaign against Islamic State. The US military had hoped to train SDF and other groups to create a stabilization force of 50,000-60,000 fighters to help prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. As of last month, the US military estimated it was perhaps about halfway toward that goal. A third official told Reuters that the SDF was still guarding prisons holding some 11,000 captured Islamic State fighters, but noted that a small number of SDF forces had relocated ahead of the expected Turkish offensive. US officials have long feared that the SDF would be unable to continue guarding the facilities in the event of a major Turkish incursion into Syria. Still, Islamic State remnants could force the SDF to battle it as well. Jennifer Cafarella, research director at the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington, said the SDF faced the likely prospect of having to fight on two fronts: against Turkish forces and remnants of Islamic State simultaneously. "ISIS leader (Abu Bakr) Baghdadi is undoubtedly prepared for this moment," Cafarella said, using an acronym for Islamic State. At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through cities and towns along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq. But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria. US officials have been warning for months against losing focus on Islamic State, which they believe could again become a potent insurgency.

United States backed Syrian forces halt counter-Islamic State operations

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States&nbsp;House Financial Services Committee on October&nbsp;23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US&nbsp;lawmakers.

Zuckerberg will testify at a hearing titled "An Examination of Facebook and Its Impact on the Financial Services and Housing Sectors." It will be his first appearance before a US&nbsp;congressional committee since April 2018 although last month he was on Capitol Hill to meet privately with some lawmakers.

Facebook confirmed Zuckerberg will testify. The world's largest social media company faces scrutiny from lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission and a group of state attorneys general.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States House Financial Services Committee on October 23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US lawmakers.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the United States House Financial Services Committee on October 23 as the company faces growing scrutiny from US lawmakers. Zuckerberg will testify at a hearing titled "An Examination of Facebook and Its Impact on the Financial Services and Housing Sectors." It will be his first appearance before a US congressional committee since April 2018 although last month he was on Capitol Hill to meet privately with some lawmakers. Facebook confirmed Zuckerberg will testify. The world's largest social media company faces scrutiny from lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission and a group of state attorneys general.

Facebook CEO to testify before United States house panel on October 23

Turkish bombardment on northeast Syria has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-turkey-to-halt-syria-offensive-will-not-pay-for-safe-zone-254817">killed at least two civilians</a>, a Kurdish militia said Wednesday, as Ankara launched a cross-border assault.

"Two civilians lost their lives, two others were injured in the Turkish aerial bombardment" on a village west of the border area of Ras Al-Ain, said the Syrian Democratic Forces' coordination and military operations centre.

Earlier on Wednesday, the SDF reported "intensive bombardment by Turkish jets on military positions and civilian villages" in the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad, Qamishli and Ain Issa.&nbsp;

It also said that a total of 25 Turkish jets have been involved in the initial phase of the offensive, striking a total of 16 targets across the wide border area.

Watch: Turkey deploys tank convoy to Syrian border

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It reiterated its call on the United States and the military coalition it leads in the region to implement "a no-fly zone to stop the attacks on innocent people".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-head-appeals-to-turkey-for-restraint-in-syria-254812">The Kurd-led force also said Turkey's bombardment has triggered a wave of displacement from border areas.</a>

In Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, residents could be seen walking on the street, carrying luggage, as clouds of smoke rose to the air, an AFP correspondent there said.

Motorcycles and vehicles packed with people streamed out of the area, he said, as the sound of explosions rang from several parts of the region.

Turkish bombardment on northeast Syria has killed at least two civilians, a Kurdish militia said Wednesday, as Ankara launched a cross-border assault. "Two civilians lost their lives, two others were injured in the Turkish aerial bombardment" on a village west of the border area of Ras Al-Ain, said the Syrian Democratic Forces' coordination and military operations centre.

Turkish bombardment on northeast Syria has killed at least two civilians, a Kurdish militia said Wednesday, as Ankara launched a cross-border assault. "Two civilians lost their lives, two others were injured in the Turkish aerial bombardment" on a village west of the border area of Ras Al-Ain, said the Syrian Democratic Forces' coordination and military operations centre. Earlier on Wednesday, the SDF reported "intensive bombardment by Turkish jets on military positions and civilian villages" in the areas of Ras al-Ain, Tal Abyad, Qamishli and Ain Issa. It also said that a total of 25 Turkish jets have been involved in the initial phase of the offensive, striking a total of 16 targets across the wide border area. Watch: Turkey deploys tank convoy to Syrian border It reiterated its call on the United States and the military coalition it leads in the region to implement "a no-fly zone to stop the attacks on innocent people". The Kurd-led force also said Turkey's bombardment has triggered a wave of displacement from border areas. In Ras al-Ain on Wednesday, residents could be seen walking on the street, carrying luggage, as clouds of smoke rose to the air, an AFP correspondent there said. Motorcycles and vehicles packed with people streamed out of the area, he said, as the sound of explosions rang from several parts of the region.

Syria Kurds say two civilians killed in Turkish border attack

Victor: Bird's eye view of Alps raises climate change awareness

European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-head-appeals-to-turkey-for-restraint-in-syria-254812">Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria</a>, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created.

He spoke as Turkish forces launched an assault on Kurdish positions, with airstrikes and explosions reported near the border.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the&nbsp;attack, which is aimed at curbing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The SDF was previously allied to the US, which used it to crush the Islamic State group.

Juncker told the European Parliament he recognised Turkey had "security concerns" along the border. But he warned the military action would not lead to a "good result", saying a political solution was the only way to end the Syrian conflict.

"I call on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-initiation-of-syria-operation-254739">Turkey as well as the other actors to act with restraint and to stop operations already</a>, as we are speaking, underway," Juncker said.

"I have to say if the Turkish plan involves the creation of a so-called safe zone, don't expect the European Union to pay for any of it."

Ankara regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists linked to insurgents inside Turkey. It wants to invade to create a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border where it could send back some of the 3.6 million refugees it hosts from Syria's eight-year civil war.

NATO member Turkey is technically a candidate country to join the European Union but accession talks are effectively frozen and ties between the Ankara and the bloc have limped along for years.

Ankara agreed to a $6.6 billion&nbsp;deal with Brussels to stem the influx of migrants to the EU in 2016, but relations soured after Erdogan unleashed a major crackdown in the wake of a failed coup to overthrow him in the same year.

European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created.

European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday demanded Turkey halt its military operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, telling Ankara the bloc would not pay for any so-called "safe zone" that might be created. He spoke as Turkish forces launched an assault on Kurdish positions, with airstrikes and explosions reported near the border. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the start of the attack, which is aimed at curbing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF was previously allied to the US, which used it to crush the Islamic State group. Juncker told the European Parliament he recognised Turkey had "security concerns" along the border. But he warned the military action would not lead to a "good result", saying a political solution was the only way to end the Syrian conflict. "I call on Turkey as well as the other actors to act with restraint and to stop operations already, as we are speaking, underway," Juncker said. "I have to say if the Turkish plan involves the creation of a so-called safe zone, don't expect the European Union to pay for any of it." Ankara regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists linked to insurgents inside Turkey. It wants to invade to create a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border where it could send back some of the 3.6 million refugees it hosts from Syria's eight-year civil war. NATO member Turkey is technically a candidate country to join the European Union but accession talks are effectively frozen and ties between the Ankara and the bloc have limped along for years. Ankara agreed to a $6.6 billion deal with Brussels to stem the influx of migrants to the EU in 2016, but relations soured after Erdogan unleashed a major crackdown in the wake of a failed coup to overthrow him in the same year.

European Union urges Turkey to halt Syria offensive, will not pay for 'safe zone'

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed an "unrelenting fight" against Islamist extremists on Tuesday as he paid tribute to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-officers-killed-in-paris-police-headquarters-attack-report-253539">four Paris police staff stabbed to death </a>last week by a radicalized colleague.

Mickael Harpon, a 45-year-old computer expert in the police intelligence-gathering department, used a kitchen knife and an oyster shucker to kill three male and one female colleague in a 30-minute rampage that ended when an officer shot him in the head.

The attack in the police's inner sanctum caused shock in France, where the government is being pressed to answer how Harpon's radicalisation went unnoticed, despite him having high-level security clearance.

"We will wage an unrelenting fight in the face of Islamist terrorism," Macron vowed at a ceremony at the police headquarters near Notre-Dame cathedral where the attack took place.

Macron said it was "inconceivable and unacceptable" that Harpon, who had worked for the police since 2003, had managed to carry out an attack "in the very place where we pursue terrorists and criminals".

He blamed the attack on "a distorted, deadly Islam" which he vowed to eradicate and vowed to build in France a "society in a state of vigilance".

At the same time, he warned against lapsing into a climate of permanent suspicion, assuring: "This is not a fight against a religion but against the distortion of it which leads to terrorism."&nbsp;

Thursday's attack brought to 255 the number of people killed in attacks blamed on, or claimed by Islamist radicals since 2015.

Harpon, a father of two, had converted to Islam about 10 years ago and adopted increasingly radical beliefs.

He had been in close contact with a hardline Salafist imam in the months before his rampage last week, according to investigators.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed an "unrelenting fight" against Islamist extremists on Tuesday as he paid tribute to the four Paris police staff stabbed to death last week by a radicalized colleague.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed an "unrelenting fight" against Islamist extremists on Tuesday as he paid tribute to the four Paris police staff stabbed to death last week by a radicalized colleague. Mickael Harpon, a 45-year-old computer expert in the police intelligence-gathering department, used a kitchen knife and an oyster shucker to kill three male and one female colleague in a 30-minute rampage that ended when an officer shot him in the head. The attack in the police's inner sanctum caused shock in France, where the government is being pressed to answer how Harpon's radicalisation went unnoticed, despite him having high-level security clearance. "We will wage an unrelenting fight in the face of Islamist terrorism," Macron vowed at a ceremony at the police headquarters near Notre-Dame cathedral where the attack took place. Macron said it was "inconceivable and unacceptable" that Harpon, who had worked for the police since 2003, had managed to carry out an attack "in the very place where we pursue terrorists and criminals". He blamed the attack on "a distorted, deadly Islam" which he vowed to eradicate and vowed to build in France a "society in a state of vigilance". At the same time, he warned against lapsing into a climate of permanent suspicion, assuring: "This is not a fight against a religion but against the distortion of it which leads to terrorism." Thursday's attack brought to 255 the number of people killed in attacks blamed on, or claimed by Islamist radicals since 2015. Harpon, a father of two, had converted to Islam about 10 years ago and adopted increasingly radical beliefs. He had been in close contact with a hardline Salafist imam in the months before his rampage last week, according to investigators.

Macron vows 'unrelenting fight' against Islamist terror after police killings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-initiation-of-syria-operation-254739">Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria</a> on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead.

The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-strikes-in-syrian-iraqi-border-ahead-of-planned-offensive-254608">Turkish artillery fire</a> also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes."

"There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds. In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead. The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area. Turkish artillery fire also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory. The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes." "There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish air strikes hit northeast Syria near border: Monitor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-may-run-out-of-money-by-end-of-the-month-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-254359">The United Nations</a> Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session.

Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session.

The South African diplomat, who holds the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-this-must-stop-after-iraqi-protest-violence-kills-nearly-100-253995">council presidency</a> for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria.

The United Nations Security Council's president, South African ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila, appealed to Turkey Wednesday to "protect civilians" and exercise "maximum restraint" in its military operations in Syria. Matjila expressed hope the council could meet quickly on the situation but stressed it was up to drafters of resolutions on Syria to convene such a session. Belgium, Germany and Kuwait are the council members designated to follow the humanitarian situation in Syria, so it would fall to them to convene a council session. The South African diplomat, who holds the council presidency for the month of October, spoke before the start of a meeting devoted to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier announced the start of a military operation against a western-backed Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara has long regarded as a foe.

United Nations Security Council head appeals to Turkey for restraint in Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-united-states-going-into-middle-east-was-worst-decision-ever-254802">Donald Trump on Wednesday</a> called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign.

Trump began his attempt to crush impeachment on Tuesday with a breathtaking show of defiance to Congress.

In an eight-page letter signed by the White House counsel, the administration bluntly announced it would not cooperate with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, calling its impeachment push illegitimate.

Democrats responded by accusing Trump of stonewalling and obstruction.

"No one is above the law, not even President Trump," the Democratic majority leader in the House, Steny Hoyer, said Wednesday.

Now Trump is demanding that the whistleblower, who reported the president's alleged pressure on Ukraine to dig up dirt on Democratic election rival Joe Biden, be exposed. The identity of whistleblowers is protected by law.

On Twitter, which Trump is using to bombard the public with conspiracy theories about a secret "deep state" trying to remove him from power, the president argued that the whistleblower had been shown to be partisan and inaccurate.

"The Whistleblower's facts have been so incorrect about my 'no pressure' conversation with the Ukrainian President, and now the conflict of interest and involvement with a Democrat Candidate, that he or she should be exposed and questioned," Trump tweeted.

In another tweet he dismissed the impeachment process as a Democratic bid to influence the election, saying "their total focus is 2020, nothing more."

Trump, who broke with precedent by campaigning for reelection almost from the moment he took office in 2017, is himself pouncing on the impeachment as the new cornerstone of his 2020 effort.

He and the Republican Party have pushed hard to raise funds off the back of their accusation of unfair treatment from the Democratic lower house in Congress.

And on Thursday and Friday, Trump will take that message to his core supporters when he holds campaign rallies in Minneapolis and in Louisiana.

Constitution under strain

Even if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-inquiry-lacks-legitimate-constitutional-foundation-white-house-254610">House impeaches Trump, it remains unlikely that the Republican-led Senate would convict him in the subsequent trial</a>.

However, Trump's already turbulent presidency would be forever associated with the impeachment.

The former real estate salesman's furious response is in keeping with his established style of never admitting to being wrong and doing whatever it takes to fight back.

"The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!" he exclaimed in one of his tweets early Wednesday.

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The Do Nothing Democrats are Con Artists, only looking to hurt the Republican Party and President. Their total focus is 2020, nothing more, and nothing less. The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181907681512169472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But the point-blank refusal to accept the House's authority to investigate his alleged abuse of office puts the legislature and executive branches on a collision course that will strain the constitution, if not lead to a full-blown constitutional crisis.

"This is a historic showdown and, I would say, a struggle for the soul of American democracy," Chris Edelson, who teaches government at American University, said.

Edelson predicted that even if the White House stalls, refusing to answer requests for documents and witnesses, the House will go ahead with an impeachment vote in the coming months.

Ukrainian phone call

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-trump-to-produce-tax-returns-president-appeals-254340">Pelosi formally launched the impeachment enquiry last month</a> after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call.

In the call, Trump asked Zelensky to look into what the US leader said were corrupt business deals involving Biden.

Democrats say that Trump tried to coerce Zelensky by holding back US military aid to Ukraine. Trump says there was no quid pro quo and that his only desire is to combat corruption.

He subsequently said publicly that he would also like China to investigate Biden, something critics say bolsters the allegation that Trump is seeking foreign help to discredit opponents.

Witness blocked

On Tuesday, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-to-testify-about-trump-ukraine-efforts-as-democrats-build-impeachment-case-254216">Trump administration blocked a potentially major witness</a>, ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from testifying before Congress. Democrats then slapped Sondland with a subpoena to appear on October 16.

"The failure to produce this witness, the failure to produce these documents" was "additional strong evidence of obstruction," House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said.

Lawmakers want to hear on Friday from another key witness: former US ambassador to Kiev Marie Yovanovitch, who is scheduled to appear before the House Intelligence Committee.

US media has reported that Trump removed her from her post because she opposed his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Donald Trump on Wednesday called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign.

Donald Trump on Wednesday called for outing the whistleblower behind the impeachment enquiry threatening his presidency and sought to transform the entire scandal into a boost for his 2020 reelection campaign. Trump began his attempt to crush impeachment on Tuesday with a breathtaking show of defiance to Congress. In an eight-page letter signed by the White House counsel, the administration bluntly announced it would not cooperate with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, calling its impeachment push illegitimate. Democrats responded by accusing Trump of stonewalling and obstruction. "No one is above the law, not even President Trump," the Democratic majority leader in the House, Steny Hoyer, said Wednesday. Now Trump is demanding that the whistleblower, who reported the president's alleged pressure on Ukraine to dig up dirt on Democratic election rival Joe Biden, be exposed. The identity of whistleblowers is protected by law. On Twitter, which Trump is using to bombard the public with conspiracy theories about a secret "deep state" trying to remove him from power, the president argued that the whistleblower had been shown to be partisan and inaccurate. "The Whistleblower's facts have been so incorrect about my 'no pressure' conversation with the Ukrainian President, and now the conflict of interest and involvement with a Democrat Candidate, that he or she should be exposed and questioned," Trump tweeted. In another tweet he dismissed the impeachment process as a Democratic bid to influence the election, saying "their total focus is 2020, nothing more." Trump, who broke with precedent by campaigning for reelection almost from the moment he took office in 2017, is himself pouncing on the impeachment as the new cornerstone of his 2020 effort. He and the Republican Party have pushed hard to raise funds off the back of their accusation of unfair treatment from the Democratic lower house in Congress. And on Thursday and Friday, Trump will take that message to his core supporters when he holds campaign rallies in Minneapolis and in Louisiana. Constitution under strain Even if the House impeaches Trump, it remains unlikely that the Republican-led Senate would convict him in the subsequent trial. However, Trump's already turbulent presidency would be forever associated with the impeachment. The former real estate salesman's furious response is in keeping with his established style of never admitting to being wrong and doing whatever it takes to fight back. "The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!!" he exclaimed in one of his tweets early Wednesday. The Do Nothing Democrats are Con Artists, only looking to hurt the Republican Party and President. Their total focus is 2020, nothing more, and nothing less. The good news is that WE WILL WIN!!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2019 × But the point-blank refusal to accept the House's authority to investigate his alleged abuse of office puts the legislature and executive branches on a collision course that will strain the constitution, if not lead to a full-blown constitutional crisis. "This is a historic showdown and, I would say, a struggle for the soul of American democracy," Chris Edelson, who teaches government at American University, said. Edelson predicted that even if the White House stalls, refusing to answer requests for documents and witnesses, the House will go ahead with an impeachment vote in the coming months. Ukrainian phone call Pelosi formally launched the impeachment enquiry last month after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call. In the call, Trump asked Zelensky to look into what the US leader said were corrupt business deals involving Biden. Democrats say that Trump tried to coerce Zelensky by holding back US military aid to Ukraine. Trump says there was no quid pro quo and that his only desire is to combat corruption. He subsequently said publicly that he would also like China to investigate Biden, something critics say bolsters the allegation that Trump is seeking foreign help to discredit opponents. Witness blocked On Tuesday, the Trump administration blocked a potentially major witness, ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from testifying before Congress. Democrats then slapped Sondland with a subpoena to appear on October 16. "The failure to produce this witness, the failure to produce these documents" was "additional strong evidence of obstruction," House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said. Lawmakers want to hear on Friday from another key witness: former US ambassador to Kiev Marie Yovanovitch, who is scheduled to appear before the House Intelligence Committee. US media has reported that Trump removed her from her post because she opposed his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate Biden.

Donald Trump seeks to discredit entire impeachment enquiry against him

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria-opens-way-for-dangerous-middle-east-power-play-254749">United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the US military becoming involved in the Middle East</a> was the "worst decision ever made" and that he was ensuring the safe return of troops.

Trump has faced a bipartisan storm of criticism since a surprise announcement by the White House on Sunday that Washington was pulling back 50 to 100 "special operators" from Syria's northern frontier.

"GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! We went to war under a false &amp; now disproven premise, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. There were NONE!" the president tweeted in reference to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.

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The United States has spent EIGHT TRILLION DOLLARS fighting and policing in the Middle East. Thousands of our Great Soldiers have died or been badly wounded. Millions of people have died on the other side. GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181905659568283648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United States is estimated to have between 60,000 and 80,000 troops across the area covered by US Central Command, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Trump bemoaned what he called the "eight trillion-dollar" bill for "fighting and policing" in the Middle East, and the thousands of US soldiers who had been killed or wounded in battle.

"Now we are slowly &amp; carefully bringing our great soldiers &amp; military home. Our focus is on the BIG PICTURE! THE USA IS GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!" Trump said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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....IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! We went to war under a false &amp; now disproven premise, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. There were NONE! Now we are slowly &amp; carefully bringing our great soldiers &amp; military home. Our focus is on the BIG PICTURE! THE USA IS GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181905661300559872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Syria's Kurds called up civilians&nbsp;on Wednesday to defend against a Turkish assault feared to be imminent despite Trump's insistence the United States has not abandoned its Kurdish allies.

Turkey said on Tuesday that it would begin its long-threatened offensive "soon," after Trump gave what was widely seen as a green light at the weekend, ordering the pullback of US troops who had previously served as a buffer.

United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the US military becoming involved in the Middle East was the "worst decision ever made" and that he was ensuring the safe return of troops.

United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the US military becoming involved in the Middle East was the "worst decision ever made" and that he was ensuring the safe return of troops. Trump has faced a bipartisan storm of criticism since a surprise announcement by the White House on Sunday that Washington was pulling back 50 to 100 "special operators" from Syria's northern frontier. "GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! We went to war under a false & now disproven premise, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. There were NONE!" the president tweeted in reference to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. The United States has spent EIGHT TRILLION DOLLARS fighting and policing in the Middle East. Thousands of our Great Soldiers have died or been badly wounded. Millions of people have died on the other side. GOING INTO THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE WORST DECISION EVER MADE..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2019 × The United States is estimated to have between 60,000 and 80,000 troops across the area covered by US Central Command, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Trump bemoaned what he called the "eight trillion-dollar" bill for "fighting and policing" in the Middle East, and the thousands of US soldiers who had been killed or wounded in battle. "Now we are slowly & carefully bringing our great soldiers & military home. Our focus is on the BIG PICTURE! THE USA IS GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!" Trump said. ....IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! We went to war under a false & now disproven premise, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. There were NONE! Now we are slowly & carefully bringing our great soldiers & military home. Our focus is on the BIG PICTURE! THE USA IS GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2019 × Syria's Kurds called up civilians on Wednesday to defend against a Turkish assault feared to be imminent despite Trump's insistence the United States has not abandoned its Kurdish allies. Turkey said on Tuesday that it would begin its long-threatened offensive "soon," after Trump gave what was widely seen as a green light at the weekend, ordering the pullback of US troops who had previously served as a buffer.

United States going into Middle East was 'worst decision ever', says Trump

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-discusses-bilateral-issues-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-254769">Pakistan</a> during the outgoing calendar year. 
 
The ADB announced via a tweet that it "recently approved Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) 2020-2022, it will increase average lending to the country to 2.4 billion dollars a year -&nbsp;showing a whopping increase from the 1.4 billion on average from 2015 to 2018," Dawn said in a news report. 
 
It also stated that ADB will leverage Islamabad's lending through the mobilisation of co-financing and funding from other sources, including regional concessional resources. 
 
"The new COBP will support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-parties-call-cpecas-formation-as-illegal-254704">Pakistan's development goals</a> and complement efforts by other development partners," it added. 
 
Earlier in July, the ADB had announced to extend up to 10 billion dollars indicative lendings to Pakistan for various development projects and programmes during the next five years. 
 
Meanwhile, on Tuesday it was reported that the Pakistan government has accumulated a record level of debt under the first year of Imran Khan's prime ministership. 
 
Islamabad has accumulated a record public debt of PKR 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to Pakistan during the outgoing calendar year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to Pakistan during the outgoing calendar year. The ADB announced via a tweet that it "recently approved Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) 2020-2022, it will increase average lending to the country to 2.4 billion dollars a year - showing a whopping increase from the 1.4 billion on average from 2015 to 2018," Dawn said in a news report. It also stated that ADB will leverage Islamabad's lending through the mobilisation of co-financing and funding from other sources, including regional concessional resources. "The new COBP will support Pakistan's development goals and complement efforts by other development partners," it added. Earlier in July, the ADB had announced to extend up to 10 billion dollars indicative lendings to Pakistan for various development projects and programmes during the next five years. Meanwhile, on Tuesday it was reported that the Pakistan government has accumulated a record level of debt under the first year of Imran Khan's prime ministership. Islamabad has accumulated a record public debt of PKR 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

Asian Development Bank approves lending $2.7 billion to Pakistan

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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