Posters stating 'Young Soch Wins'&nbsp;have appeared across Prabhadevi following the victory of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackrey'&nbsp;son Aditya Thackeray from Worli constituency in Maharashtra Assembly polls.

The posters were put up in the area by Shiv Sena leaders. 29-year-old Aditya Thackeray won from Mumbai's Worli assembly constituency, beating Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67,000 votes.

He is the first member of the family in Shiv Sena's history to contest the election. On Friday, a poster calling Aditya Thackeray as future Chief Minister came up in Worli.

With the counting of votes underway on Thursday, Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing the media, raised questions over whether the BJP or Shiv Sena will get the chief minister's seat in the state this time.

"The important question is who will be the chief minister? When the Lok Sabha elections were held, we had decided on the 50-50 formula in the state. (BJP state chief) Chandrakant Patil raised some issues this time which we understood but we can only tolerate so much. After all, we have to run our party too. If the need arises Amit (Shah) Ji should come here to carry out what was decided earlier," Thackeray had said during the press conference.

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls with the former emerging as the single largest party in the state with 105 seats.

Shiv Sena, on the other hand, bagged 56 seats in the elections. The NCP also increased its numbers as compared to the 2014 elections with 54 seats while the Congress slipped to the fourth position winning 44 seats.&nbsp;

Posters stating 'Young Soch Wins' have appeared across Prabhadevi following the victory of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackrey' son Aditya Thackeray from Worli constituency in Maharashtra Assembly polls.

Posters stating 'Young Soch Wins' have appeared across Prabhadevi following the victory of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackrey' son Aditya Thackeray from Worli constituency in Maharashtra Assembly polls. The posters were put up in the area by Shiv Sena leaders. 29-year-old Aditya Thackeray won from Mumbai's Worli assembly constituency, beating Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67,000 votes. He is the first member of the family in Shiv Sena's history to contest the election. On Friday, a poster calling Aditya Thackeray as future Chief Minister came up in Worli. With the counting of votes underway on Thursday, Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing the media, raised questions over whether the BJP or Shiv Sena will get the chief minister's seat in the state this time. "The important question is who will be the chief minister? When the Lok Sabha elections were held, we had decided on the 50-50 formula in the state. (BJP state chief) Chandrakant Patil raised some issues this time which we understood but we can only tolerate so much. After all, we have to run our party too. If the need arises Amit (Shah) Ji should come here to carry out what was decided earlier," Thackeray had said during the press conference. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won an absolute majority in the Maharashtra assembly polls with the former emerging as the single largest party in the state with 105 seats. Shiv Sena, on the other hand, bagged 56 seats in the elections. The NCP also increased its numbers as compared to the 2014 elections with 54 seats while the Congress slipped to the fourth position winning 44 seats.

'Young Soch Wins': Posters celebrating Aditya Thackeray's electoral victory appear in Prabhadevi

The Indian Meteorological Department on Friday said that `Kyarr` is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 to 36 hours.

According to the weather department, light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places is very likely over coastal districts of Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan and isolated heavy rainfall over north Konkan during next 12 hours.

The speed of gale wind reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph is prevailing around the system centre over the East-central Arabian Sea.

It is very likely to reach 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph during next 6 hours and 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph by October 26.

The wind speed may increase, further becoming 170-180 kmph and touching up to 200 kmph by Sunday morning around the system centre, it said.

"Squally wind speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph is likely to prevail along and off Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad districts of Maharashtra and Goa during next 12 hours and decrease to 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph during the subsequent 12 hours," as per the weather agency.

The squally wind speed is likely to prevail along and off remaining coastal districts of north Maharashtra and the northeast Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast during next 24 hours.

The sea condition is very likely to be high to very high over the east-central Arabian Sea around the system centre during the next 12 hours and phenomenal thereafter.

It is very likely to become phenomenal around the system centre over the west-central Arabian Sea from October 28 to 31.

The sea situation will be very rough to high along and off Maharashtra, Goa coasts and rough to very rough along and off north Karnataka coast during the next 12 hours.

It is also very likely to be rough to very rough over the northeast Arabian Sea off south Gujarat coast during the next 24 hours.

The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining south Gujarat coast during the next 24 hours.

The cyclone is very likely to move west-northwestwards towards Oman coast during the next five days.&nbsp;

The Indian Meteorological Department on Friday said that `Kyarr` is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 to 36 hours. According to the weather department, light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places is very likely over coastal districts of Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan and isolated heavy rainfall over north Konkan during next 12 hours.

The Indian Meteorological Department on Friday said that `Kyarr` is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 to 36 hours. According to the weather department, light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places is very likely over coastal districts of Karnataka, Goa and south Konkan and isolated heavy rainfall over north Konkan during next 12 hours. The speed of gale wind reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph is prevailing around the system centre over the East-central Arabian Sea. It is very likely to reach 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph during next 6 hours and 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph by October 26. The wind speed may increase, further becoming 170-180 kmph and touching up to 200 kmph by Sunday morning around the system centre, it said. "Squally wind speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph is likely to prevail along and off Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad districts of Maharashtra and Goa during next 12 hours and decrease to 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph during the subsequent 12 hours," as per the weather agency. The squally wind speed is likely to prevail along and off remaining coastal districts of north Maharashtra and the northeast Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast during next 24 hours. The sea condition is very likely to be high to very high over the east-central Arabian Sea around the system centre during the next 12 hours and phenomenal thereafter. It is very likely to become phenomenal around the system centre over the west-central Arabian Sea from October 28 to 31. The sea situation will be very rough to high along and off Maharashtra, Goa coasts and rough to very rough along and off north Karnataka coast during the next 12 hours. It is also very likely to be rough to very rough over the northeast Arabian Sea off south Gujarat coast during the next 24 hours. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining south Gujarat coast during the next 24 hours. The cyclone is very likely to move west-northwestwards towards Oman coast during the next five days.

'Kyarr' very likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm in 12 to 26 hrs: IMD

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday said that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa should call an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in detail.

Siddaramaiah said that Yediyurappa should take the delegation to the Centre and bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention to the issue.

Earlier on Friday, the Congress party opposed India signing the RCEP agreement, saying it will be the "third big jolt" to the Indian economy after demonetisation and GST and will result in liberalising Chinese imports to the Indian market.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that there was the possibility of India signing the RCEP agreement.

"After demonetisation and GST, it will be the third big jolt to our economy when the Prime Minister goes to Bangkok next month and expresses India's agreement to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," he said.

Ramesh said that the balance of trade was heavily in favour of China. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday said that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa should call an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in detail.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday said that Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa should call an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in detail. Siddaramaiah said that Yediyurappa should take the delegation to the Centre and bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention to the issue. Earlier on Friday, the Congress party opposed India signing the RCEP agreement, saying it will be the "third big jolt" to the Indian economy after demonetisation and GST and will result in liberalising Chinese imports to the Indian market. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that there was the possibility of India signing the RCEP agreement. "After demonetisation and GST, it will be the third big jolt to our economy when the Prime Minister goes to Bangkok next month and expresses India's agreement to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," he said. Ramesh said that the balance of trade was heavily in favour of China. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Yediyurappa should call all-party meet to discuss RCEP implications: Siddaramaiah

Kiran Tiwari, wife of Kamlesh Tiwari, has been announced as the new president of the Hindu Samaj Party.

Kamlesh was shot in Naka area of Lucknow on October 18 and succumbed to injuries at a hospital during treatment.

He was the founder and chief of the Hindu Samaj Party. Kiran Tiwari is expected to hold a press conference today, as per the statement by Hindu Samaj Party.

This comes days are two accused in Kamlesh Tiwari murder case were brought to Lucknow from Ahmedabad after a local court granted 72 hours transit remand.

The accused, identified as 34-year-old Ashfaq Hussain Jakir Hussain Shaikh and 27-year-old Moinuddin Khurshid Pathan were arrested by Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from the Gujarat-Rajasthan border on October 22.

A total of five persons have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Other accused -- Rashid Pathan, Faizan Sheikh, and Maulana Mohsin Sheikh - were on October 22 sent to police custody for four days in connection with the case.&nbsp;

Kiran Tiwari, wife of Kamlesh Tiwari, has been announced as the new president of the Hindu Samaj Party. Kamlesh was shot in Naka area of Lucknow on October 18 and succumbed to injuries at a hospital during treatment.

Kiran Tiwari, wife of Kamlesh Tiwari, has been announced as the new president of the Hindu Samaj Party. Kamlesh was shot in Naka area of Lucknow on October 18 and succumbed to injuries at a hospital during treatment. He was the founder and chief of the Hindu Samaj Party. Kiran Tiwari is expected to hold a press conference today, as per the statement by Hindu Samaj Party. This comes days are two accused in Kamlesh Tiwari murder case were brought to Lucknow from Ahmedabad after a local court granted 72 hours transit remand. The accused, identified as 34-year-old Ashfaq Hussain Jakir Hussain Shaikh and 27-year-old Moinuddin Khurshid Pathan were arrested by Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from the Gujarat-Rajasthan border on October 22. A total of five persons have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Other accused -- Rashid Pathan, Faizan Sheikh, and Maulana Mohsin Sheikh - were on October 22 sent to police custody for four days in connection with the case.

Kamlesh Tiwari's wife to be new chief of Hindu Samaj Party

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">protesters away from Baghdad</a>'s Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices.

On Saturday morning, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">demonstrators</a> tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda.

Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies.

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A first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">wave of protests</a> erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system.&nbsp;

More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest.&nbsp;

In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach quorum since protests began.

But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25.&nbsp;

Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.&nbsp;

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed. In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices. On Saturday morning, demonstrators tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda. Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies. × A first wave of protests erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system. More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest. In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach quorum since protests began. But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25. Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.

Iraq: Security forces fire tear gas as protests linger in Baghdad ahead of parliament session

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) on Friday sealed an alliance to form the government in Haryana where the recent assembly polls threw a hung assembly.&nbsp;

Incumbent chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that they would meet the Governor today in Chandigarh to stake claim to form the government in the state.

''We will meet the Governor tomorrow in Chandigarh to stake claim to form the govt in state,'' Khattar said of Friday.&nbsp;

BJP-JJP alliance for Haryana sealed, reported news agency ANI.

BJP will retain the chief minister post while deputy CM will be from JJP, the report added.&nbsp;

Leaders of both the parties are set to meet the Governor today and stake their claim to form the government&nbsp;in the state.

''To give a stable government in the state it was important for BJP &amp; JJP to come together. I would like to thank Amit Shah and Nadda. Our party had decided that for the betterment of the state it is important to have a stable government,'' said Dushyant Chautala, JJP leader.

''Accepting the mandate by the people of Haryana, leaders of both parties (BJP-JJP) have decided that BJP-JJP will form the government together, in Haryana,'' said Home Minister and BJP President, Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) on Friday sealed an alliance to form the government in Haryana where the recent assembly polls threw a hung assembly.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) on Friday sealed an alliance to form the government in Haryana where the recent assembly polls threw a hung assembly. Incumbent chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that they would meet the Governor today in Chandigarh to stake claim to form the government in the state. ''We will meet the Governor tomorrow in Chandigarh to stake claim to form the govt in state,'' Khattar said of Friday. BJP-JJP alliance for Haryana sealed, reported news agency ANI. BJP will retain the chief minister post while deputy CM will be from JJP, the report added. Leaders of both the parties are set to meet the Governor today and stake their claim to form the government in the state. ''To give a stable government in the state it was important for BJP & JJP to come together. I would like to thank Amit Shah and Nadda. Our party had decided that for the betterment of the state it is important to have a stable government,'' said Dushyant Chautala, JJP leader. ''Accepting the mandate by the people of Haryana, leaders of both parties (BJP-JJP) have decided that BJP-JJP will form the government together, in Haryana,'' said Home Minister and BJP President, Amit Shah.

Haryana: BJP-JJP alliance sealed, Khattar to stake claim today

Manohar Lal Khattar will take oath as Haryana Chief Minister for the second term on Sunday.

The announcement came after Khattar was elected as BJP's legislative party leader.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was also present at the BJP legislative party meeting said, "We will go to meet the Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya, and request him to invite us to form the government."

On Saturday, BJP national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met JJP leaders and announced the merger in Haryana.

"Accepting the mandate by the people of Haryana, leaders of both parties (BJP-JJP) have decided that BJP-JJP will form the government together in Haryana. The Chief Minister will be from BJP and Deputy Chief Minister will be from JJP," he said after the meeting.

BJP won 40 seats in the 90-member assembly while JJP bagged 10 seats in its debut polls.

Congress won 31 seats in the state. Eight seats went to Independents including Haryana Lokhit Party's Gopal Kanda.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Manohar Lal Khattar will take oath as Haryana Chief Minister for the second term on Sunday. The announcement came after Khattar was elected as BJP's legislative party leader.

Manohar Lal Khattar will take oath as Haryana Chief Minister for the second term on Sunday. The announcement came after Khattar was elected as BJP's legislative party leader. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was also present at the BJP legislative party meeting said, "We will go to meet the Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya, and request him to invite us to form the government." On Saturday, BJP national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met JJP leaders and announced the merger in Haryana. "Accepting the mandate by the people of Haryana, leaders of both parties (BJP-JJP) have decided that BJP-JJP will form the government together in Haryana. The Chief Minister will be from BJP and Deputy Chief Minister will be from JJP," he said after the meeting. BJP won 40 seats in the 90-member assembly while JJP bagged 10 seats in its debut polls. Congress won 31 seats in the state. Eight seats went to Independents including Haryana Lokhit Party's Gopal Kanda.

Manohar Lal Khattar to take oath as Haryana Chief Minister on Sunday

A Muslim man, who took part in Kanwar yatra, was allegedly stopped from offering Namaz at a mosque here, prompting the police to arrest three persons in this regard.&nbsp

“I had gone to Haridwar as a Kanwar and offered water at the temples. On Friday, when I went to a mosque, some people assaulted me and stopped me from offering Namaz. They even forced me to run away from there,” Babu Khan said in his complaint registered with the police.

Khan, a resident of Racharh village of the district, alleged that after he was beaten up, his wife and children went to their relatives.

When contacted, inspector Devendra Bisht said, “On the complaint lodged by Babu Khan, three persons have been arrested for disrupting peace, while another person is absconding.”

Police along with prominent citizens of the area are making efforts to resolve the matter through talks. At present, the atmosphere in the village is absolutely peaceful, Bisht added.

The accused persons, however, alleged that Babu Khan was trying to enter the mosque in an inebriated state and hence he was stopped from entering.

Meanwhile, district president of Hindu Jagran Manch Deepak Banmauli said, “The Manch is with Babu Khan and if anyone harasses him then we will not tolerate it.” In the Hindu holy month of Shravan, Kawariyas (devout pilgrims carrying Ganga water) offer prayers at Shiva temples.

A Muslim man, who took part in Kanwar yatra, was allegedly stopped from offering Namaz at a mosque here, prompting the police to arrest three persons in this regard.

A Muslim man, who took part in Kanwar yatra, was allegedly stopped from offering Namaz at a mosque here, prompting the police to arrest three persons in this regard. “I had gone to Haridwar as a Kanwar and offered water at the temples. On Friday, when I went to a mosque, some people assaulted me and stopped me from offering Namaz. They even forced me to run away from there,” Babu Khan said in his complaint registered with the police. Khan, a resident of Racharh village of the district, alleged that after he was beaten up, his wife and children went to their relatives. When contacted, inspector Devendra Bisht said, “On the complaint lodged by Babu Khan, three persons have been arrested for disrupting peace, while another person is absconding.” Police along with prominent citizens of the area are making efforts to resolve the matter through talks. At present, the atmosphere in the village is absolutely peaceful, Bisht added. The accused persons, however, alleged that Babu Khan was trying to enter the mosque in an inebriated state and hence he was stopped from entering. Meanwhile, district president of Hindu Jagran Manch Deepak Banmauli said, “The Manch is with Babu Khan and if anyone harasses him then we will not tolerate it.” In the Hindu holy month of Shravan, Kawariyas (devout pilgrims carrying Ganga water) offer prayers at Shiva temples.

MQM leader questions Imran Khan's silence on oppression of Mohajirs, Balochs and Pashtuns

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directives to the Punjab government to allow PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz to stay with her ailing father Nawaz Sharif in Lahore's Services Hospital, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said on Thursday.

Khan has sought a briefing on Maryam and her father's health and directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to make arrangement for her stay with her father in the Services Hospital, Geo News reported.

Maryam was shifted back to Kot Lakhpath jail on Thursday after undergoing a few medical tests.

The PML-N leader was released on parole by the Punjab government on Wednesday to see her father, who has been hospitalised from Monday night.

Maryam had earlier claimed that she was denied the permission for the same, Samaa TV reported.

Nawaz was shifted to Lahore's Services Hospital after his health deteriorated Monday night.

Sharif's physician, Adnan Khan, had said that his patient had a "critically low" platelet count and requested the authorities to immediately shift him to a hospital.

Earlier, Khan had directed the Punjab government to extend best medical services to the former Prime Minister in accordance with his family's wishes.

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directives to the Punjab government to allow PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz to stay with her ailing father Nawaz Sharif in Lahore's Services Hospital, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said on Thursday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directives to the Punjab government to allow PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz to stay with her ailing father Nawaz Sharif in Lahore's Services Hospital, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said on Thursday. Khan has sought a briefing on Maryam and her father's health and directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to make arrangement for her stay with her father in the Services Hospital, Geo News reported. Maryam was shifted back to Kot Lakhpath jail on Thursday after undergoing a few medical tests. The PML-N leader was released on parole by the Punjab government on Wednesday to see her father, who has been hospitalised from Monday night. Maryam had earlier claimed that she was denied the permission for the same, Samaa TV reported. Nawaz was shifted to Lahore's Services Hospital after his health deteriorated Monday night. Sharif's physician, Adnan Khan, had said that his patient had a "critically low" platelet count and requested the authorities to immediately shift him to a hospital. Earlier, Khan had directed the Punjab government to extend best medical services to the former Prime Minister in accordance with his family's wishes.

Imran Khan issues directives to allow Maryam Nawaz to stay with ailing father

For what is now nearly two weeks, Syrian military and Kurdish fighters have been jointly controlling Manbij, the northern city near the border with Turkey that used to host three US military bases before the hasty American troop withdrawal.

Despite permission to enter the city, our vehicle’s driver is told to stop on a roadside and wait.

Strategic city

The Syrian troops crossed into Manbij earlier in October in accordance with the agreements between Damascus and the Kurdish administration. The decision was made very timely – after Ankara launched its offensive against Kurdish militia in northern Syria and pro-Turkish militant groups moved close to the suburbs of Manbij from the north and northwest. Local civilians were all set to flee in the fear of the looming assault.

The picture, however, changed overnight after Syrian heavy military equipment was deployed to the area and national flags were flown at the frontline.

Manbij is a strategic city. Before the war hit the country in 2011, the authorities mulled the possibility of creating a new province "Reef Aleppo," with the administrative centre in Manbij.

Its population today, according to various estimates, is from 600,000 to 800,000 people, coupled with the inhabitants of nearby villages.

The checkpoint at the city’s entrance is located on the M4 highway. Turkey aims to clear the 30-kilometre (18-mile) zone up to the M4 highway, which runs from Aleppo toward the Iraqi border.

Small columns of the Syrian military pass by from time to time.

"They are going to the north, toward Kobane, to strengthen their positions on the border. The army is deploying armoured vehicles and artillery. For the first time since the [2011] events hit this part of the country, the population again sees regular troops back," a Syrian reporter told a Sputnik correspondent.

‘Patchwork' Kurdish movement

Manbij clearly illustrates how Kurdish militias are fragmented, both here and in the entire northeast of Syria. The core is represented by the Self-Defense Forces. The Arab-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces and guerrilla groups of the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) are also present here.

"There is no central authority uniting all the formations. They coordinate among themselves. But each militia has their own bosses," a Kurdish guide, Abdi, explained.

The rest of the Manbij population is also rather heterogeneous. A small group of residents is considered a vanguard of sleeper cells of radical groups, including the Islamic State terrorist organization (banned in Russia).

"They represent a small part of the population. But they're dangerous," Abdi pointed out.

The first impression upon arriving in Manbij is that it is an absolutely peaceful city with rather well-functioning municipal services. Its streets are cleaner than in some areas of Aleppo. Many shops are open, with "cafe" signboards also seen across the city.

Residents stare at an unknown column of vehicles, with some of them waving their hands and the others just warily peering into vehicles’ windows.

Manbij is a largely Arab city. Kurds are a minority here; their number has, however, increased with the arrival of refugees from the area of the Turkish military operation. A third of the population supports the Kurdish self-rule and feels rather comfortable.

"The thing is that these are the people who are afraid that they will be enlisted in the army, who once broke the law and fled here from the authorities or for other reasons. It is noteworthy that for years people were told that the authorities would come and start arresting and robbing everyone. The military came, so did patrols of the Russian military police, and people are now breathing a sigh of relief because they have realized that with the arrival of the authorities and army, it is getting only better," Abdi noted.

US presence

The United States used to have three military bases in Manbij, retaining military presence here for a few years. Two bases were stationed on the M4 highway, while another one was in the settlement of Dadat, located to the west of the city.

"With their presence, people felt neither good nor bad. They were arrogant. They didn't communicate with anyone and didn't help in any way. Last year, when they were still here, terrorist sleeper cells felt calmer. Their [US] soldiers were blown up by a suicide attacker in a restaurant last year when contrary to our [Kurdish] recommendations, they decided to eat out in the city," Abdi said, pointing to the street where the building is located.

Leaving Manbij toward the Euphrates, one can see a neat military cemetery, where soldiers who had been killed while liberating the city from IS terrorists, were buried.

"It's like a reminder to the Kurds about the price they have had to pay for freedom," Abdi explained.

Russia's security guarantees

At the talks in Sochi, presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a memorandum on the northeast of Syria. Now, the Russian military police are patrolling Manbij, Kobane and the border area.

"You should have seen how people reacted to the appearance of a Russian military police column in Manbij. Still, the majority respects and welcomes the Russians and the Syrian army. People gathered in a large crowd, waving hands and shouting slogans in support of the army and the Russians. That is very telling. They sent each other videos from their phones to prove that what has happened was not a fiction," the Kurdish guide said.

The same picture was in place when the Russian military police entered Kobane.

Shelling from the Turkish side did not resume on Wednesday. The people who fled to Manbij have started returning to their villages.

In the coming days, the number of patrols and the presence of Syrian border guards will increase in the area. Perhaps, a few years later, the Syrian authorities will return to the idea of creating a new province with the centre in Manbij.

For what is now nearly two weeks, Syrian military and Kurdish fighters have been jointly controlling Manbij, the northern city near the border with Turkey that used to host three US military bases before the hasty American troop withdrawal.

For what is now nearly two weeks, Syrian military and Kurdish fighters have been jointly controlling Manbij, the northern city near the border with Turkey that used to host three US military bases before the hasty American troop withdrawal. Despite permission to enter the city, our vehicle’s driver is told to stop on a roadside and wait. Strategic city The Syrian troops crossed into Manbij earlier in October in accordance with the agreements between Damascus and the Kurdish administration. The decision was made very timely – after Ankara launched its offensive against Kurdish militia in northern Syria and pro-Turkish militant groups moved close to the suburbs of Manbij from the north and northwest. Local civilians were all set to flee in the fear of the looming assault. The picture, however, changed overnight after Syrian heavy military equipment was deployed to the area and national flags were flown at the frontline. Manbij is a strategic city. Before the war hit the country in 2011, the authorities mulled the possibility of creating a new province "Reef Aleppo," with the administrative centre in Manbij. Its population today, according to various estimates, is from 600,000 to 800,000 people, coupled with the inhabitants of nearby villages. The checkpoint at the city’s entrance is located on the M4 highway. Turkey aims to clear the 30-kilometre (18-mile) zone up to the M4 highway, which runs from Aleppo toward the Iraqi border. Small columns of the Syrian military pass by from time to time. "They are going to the north, toward Kobane, to strengthen their positions on the border. The army is deploying armoured vehicles and artillery. For the first time since the [2011] events hit this part of the country, the population again sees regular troops back," a Syrian reporter told a Sputnik correspondent. ‘Patchwork' Kurdish movement Manbij clearly illustrates how Kurdish militias are fragmented, both here and in the entire northeast of Syria. The core is represented by the Self-Defense Forces. The Arab-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces and guerrilla groups of the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) are also present here. "There is no central authority uniting all the formations. They coordinate among themselves. But each militia has their own bosses," a Kurdish guide, Abdi, explained. The rest of the Manbij population is also rather heterogeneous. A small group of residents is considered a vanguard of sleeper cells of radical groups, including the Islamic State terrorist organization (banned in Russia). "They represent a small part of the population. But they're dangerous," Abdi pointed out. The first impression upon arriving in Manbij is that it is an absolutely peaceful city with rather well-functioning municipal services. Its streets are cleaner than in some areas of Aleppo. Many shops are open, with "cafe" signboards also seen across the city. Residents stare at an unknown column of vehicles, with some of them waving their hands and the others just warily peering into vehicles’ windows. Manbij is a largely Arab city. Kurds are a minority here; their number has, however, increased with the arrival of refugees from the area of the Turkish military operation. A third of the population supports the Kurdish self-rule and feels rather comfortable. "The thing is that these are the people who are afraid that they will be enlisted in the army, who once broke the law and fled here from the authorities or for other reasons. It is noteworthy that for years people were told that the authorities would come and start arresting and robbing everyone. The military came, so did patrols of the Russian military police, and people are now breathing a sigh of relief because they have realized that with the arrival of the authorities and army, it is getting only better," Abdi noted. US presence The United States used to have three military bases in Manbij, retaining military presence here for a few years. Two bases were stationed on the M4 highway, while another one was in the settlement of Dadat, located to the west of the city. "With their presence, people felt neither good nor bad. They were arrogant. They didn't communicate with anyone and didn't help in any way. Last year, when they were still here, terrorist sleeper cells felt calmer. Their [US] soldiers were blown up by a suicide attacker in a restaurant last year when contrary to our [Kurdish] recommendations, they decided to eat out in the city," Abdi said, pointing to the street where the building is located. Leaving Manbij toward the Euphrates, one can see a neat military cemetery, where soldiers who had been killed while liberating the city from IS terrorists, were buried. "It's like a reminder to the Kurds about the price they have had to pay for freedom," Abdi explained. Russia's security guarantees At the talks in Sochi, presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a memorandum on the northeast of Syria. Now, the Russian military police are patrolling Manbij, Kobane and the border area. "You should have seen how people reacted to the appearance of a Russian military police column in Manbij. Still, the majority respects and welcomes the Russians and the Syrian army. People gathered in a large crowd, waving hands and shouting slogans in support of the army and the Russians. That is very telling. They sent each other videos from their phones to prove that what has happened was not a fiction," the Kurdish guide said. The same picture was in place when the Russian military police entered Kobane. Shelling from the Turkish side did not resume on Wednesday. The people who fled to Manbij have started returning to their villages. In the coming days, the number of patrols and the presence of Syrian border guards will increase in the area. Perhaps, a few years later, the Syrian authorities will return to the idea of creating a new province with the centre in Manbij.

Sleeper cells, abandoned US bases, Russian military police in Syria's Manbij

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US&nbsp;company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival.

But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries.

Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months.

"Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement."

He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip.

"We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank.

He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month.

"Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said.

By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said.

Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted.

"Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said.

Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values."

Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks.

Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism."

"He emphasized the US&nbsp;does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said.

Trade talks

The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US&nbsp;President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping.

The S&amp;P 500 US&nbsp;stock index briefly moved lower after his comments.

Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election.

Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document."

Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated."

A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday.

The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US&nbsp;intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors.

Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track.

Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well.

"In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China.

Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech. In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival. But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries. Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months. "Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement." He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip. "We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank. He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong. The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month. "Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said. By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said. Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted. "Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said. Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values." Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks. Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism." "He emphasized the US does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said. Trade talks The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping. The S&P 500 US stock index briefly moved lower after his comments. Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election. Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document." Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated." A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday. The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors. Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track. Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well. "In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China. Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

Pence backs Hong Kong protests in China speech, slams NBA and Nike

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kurds-welcome-german-plan-for-international-force-in-syria-258015">The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces</a> (SDF) accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-warns-syria-offensive-will-resume-unless-kurds-complete-pull-out-257497">Turkey</a> on Thursday of launching a large land offensive targeting three villages in northeast Syria despite a truce, but Russia said a peace plan hammered out this week was going ahead smoothly.

Under the plan, agreed by Presidents <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-heading-in-wrong-direction-with-syria-incursion-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-257941">Tayyip Erdogan</a> and Vladimir Putin, Syrian Kurdish forces are to withdraw more than 30 km (19 miles) from the Turkish border, a goal Russia's RIA news agency, quoting an SDF official, said was already achieved.

Russia said it was sending more military police and heavy equipment to help implement the deal, which has already prompted US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to lift sanctions against Turkey and drawn lavish praise for Erdogan in the Turkish media.

Ankara views the Kurdish YPG militia, the main component in the SDF, as terrorists linked to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey. It launched a cross-border offensive against them on October 9 after Trump ordered US&nbsp;forces out of northeast Syria.

The deal agreed with Putin, which builds on and widens a previous US-brokered ceasefire, helped end the fighting.

But the SDF said in its statement on Thursday that Turkish forces had attacked three villages "outside the area of the ceasefire process," forcing thousands of civilians to flee.

"Despite our forces' commitment to the ceasefire decision and the withdrawal of our forces from the entire ceasefire area, the Turkish state and the terrorist factions allied to it are still violating the ceasefire process," it said.

"Our forces are still clashing," it said, urging the United States to intervene to halt the renewed fighting.

Turkey's Defence Ministry did not comment directly on the SDF report but said five of its military personnel had been wounded in an attack by the YPG militia around the border town of Ras al Ain, near where the three villages are located.

Turkey previously said it reserved the right to self-defence against any militants who remain in the area despite the truce, a pledge repeated by Erdogan on Thursday.

A US&nbsp;defence official said on Thursday that Washington was committed to reinforcing its military position in Syria "with additional military assets" - one of the clearest signs yet that it had not just ended plans for a full withdrawal from Syria but may add capabilities to strengthen American forces remaining in the country.

The UN&nbsp;special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Reuters the ceasefire seemed to be holding "by and large" as major powers gather in Geneva ahead of the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee next week.

Erdogan also said Turkey had agreed with Russia to maintain an "observation post" on the northwestern part of Syria's Manbij.

'Everything is being implemented'

Russia, a close ally of President Bashar al-Assad that has emerged as the key geopolitical player in Syria, has begun deploying military police near the Turkish border as part of the deal agreed on Tuesday in the Russian city of Sochi.

"Everything is being implemented," Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin as saying.

RIA, citing an SDF official, said the Kurdish fighters had already withdrawn to 32 km (20 miles) away from the border. It also said the Kurds were ready to discuss joining the Syrian army once the crisis in Syria had been settled politically.

Russia will send a further 276 military police officers and 33 units of military hardware to Syria in a week, RIA news agency cited a Defence Ministry source as saying. It also quoted Russia's Defence Ministry as saying Russian military police had patrolled along a new 60-km (37-mile) route on the border.

Next Tuesday, under the terms of the Sochi deal, Russian and Turkish forces will start to patrol a 10-km (6-mile) strip of land in northeast Syria where US&nbsp;troops had been deployed for years along with their former Kurdish allies.

The arrival of the Russian police marks a shift in the regional balance of power just two weeks after Trump began pulling out US&nbsp;forces, a move criticised in Washington and elsewhere as a betrayal of the Americans' former Kurdish allies.

Turkey's military operation was also widely condemned by its NATO allies, which said it was causing a fresh humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict and could let Islamic State prisoners held by the YPG escape and regroup.

At a monthly UN&nbsp;Security Council meeting on Syria on Thursday, Syria's UN&nbsp;ambassador, Bashar Ja'afari, slammed Turkey's military action and "vehemently rejects attempts by the Turkish regime to justify its actions under the pretext of self-defence or countering terrorism."

The Russian deployments have also highlighted growing ties between Russia and NATO member Turkey.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper, speaking in Brussels on Thursday ahead of a NATO meeting, said Turkey - which annoyed Washington this year by buying Russian-made S400 missile defence systems - was moving in the wrong direction.

"We see them spinning closer to Russia's orbit than in the Western orbit and I think that is unfortunate," Esper said.

'Super-power of peace'

Despite Trump's lifting of sanctions on Turkey, distrust persists between Ankara and Washington, and a top Erdogan aide on Thursday criticised US&nbsp;politicians for treating SDF commander Mazloum Kobani as a "legitimate political figure."

The aide, Fahrettin Altun, told Reuters that Mazloum was a senior leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency in southeast Turkey and which Ankara's Western allies also deem a terrorist group.

Republican and Democratic US&nbsp;senators urged the State Department on Wednesday to quickly give Mazloum a US&nbsp;visa so he can visit to discuss the situation.

Erdogan said, however, he had told his justice minister to draw up papers demanding Mazloum's extradition.

The Turkish public has shown strong support for the military operation, encouraged by an overwhelmingly pro-government media.

"The super-power of peace, Turkey," said the main headline in Thursday's edition of the pro-government Sabah newspaper.

The incursion has deepened a sense of alienation, however, among Turkey's Kurds, which is also being fuelled by a crackdown on the country's main pro-Kurdish party.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey on Thursday of launching a large land offensive targeting three villages in northeast Syria despite a truce, but Russia said a peace plan hammered out this week was going ahead smoothly.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey on Thursday of launching a large land offensive targeting three villages in northeast Syria despite a truce, but Russia said a peace plan hammered out this week was going ahead smoothly. Under the plan, agreed by Presidents Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, Syrian Kurdish forces are to withdraw more than 30 km (19 miles) from the Turkish border, a goal Russia's RIA news agency, quoting an SDF official, said was already achieved. Russia said it was sending more military police and heavy equipment to help implement the deal, which has already prompted US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions against Turkey and drawn lavish praise for Erdogan in the Turkish media. Ankara views the Kurdish YPG militia, the main component in the SDF, as terrorists linked to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey. It launched a cross-border offensive against them on October 9 after Trump ordered US forces out of northeast Syria. The deal agreed with Putin, which builds on and widens a previous US-brokered ceasefire, helped end the fighting. But the SDF said in its statement on Thursday that Turkish forces had attacked three villages "outside the area of the ceasefire process," forcing thousands of civilians to flee. "Despite our forces' commitment to the ceasefire decision and the withdrawal of our forces from the entire ceasefire area, the Turkish state and the terrorist factions allied to it are still violating the ceasefire process," it said. "Our forces are still clashing," it said, urging the United States to intervene to halt the renewed fighting. Turkey's Defence Ministry did not comment directly on the SDF report but said five of its military personnel had been wounded in an attack by the YPG militia around the border town of Ras al Ain, near where the three villages are located. Turkey previously said it reserved the right to self-defence against any militants who remain in the area despite the truce, a pledge repeated by Erdogan on Thursday. A US defence official said on Thursday that Washington was committed to reinforcing its military position in Syria "with additional military assets" - one of the clearest signs yet that it had not just ended plans for a full withdrawal from Syria but may add capabilities to strengthen American forces remaining in the country. The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Reuters the ceasefire seemed to be holding "by and large" as major powers gather in Geneva ahead of the first meeting of Syria's Constitutional Committee next week. Erdogan also said Turkey had agreed with Russia to maintain an "observation post" on the northwestern part of Syria's Manbij. 'Everything is being implemented' Russia, a close ally of President Bashar al-Assad that has emerged as the key geopolitical player in Syria, has begun deploying military police near the Turkish border as part of the deal agreed on Tuesday in the Russian city of Sochi. "Everything is being implemented," Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin as saying. RIA, citing an SDF official, said the Kurdish fighters had already withdrawn to 32 km (20 miles) away from the border. It also said the Kurds were ready to discuss joining the Syrian army once the crisis in Syria had been settled politically. Russia will send a further 276 military police officers and 33 units of military hardware to Syria in a week, RIA news agency cited a Defence Ministry source as saying. It also quoted Russia's Defence Ministry as saying Russian military police had patrolled along a new 60-km (37-mile) route on the border. Next Tuesday, under the terms of the Sochi deal, Russian and Turkish forces will start to patrol a 10-km (6-mile) strip of land in northeast Syria where US troops had been deployed for years along with their former Kurdish allies. The arrival of the Russian police marks a shift in the regional balance of power just two weeks after Trump began pulling out US forces, a move criticised in Washington and elsewhere as a betrayal of the Americans' former Kurdish allies. Turkey's military operation was also widely condemned by its NATO allies, which said it was causing a fresh humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict and could let Islamic State prisoners held by the YPG escape and regroup. At a monthly UN Security Council meeting on Syria on Thursday, Syria's UN ambassador, Bashar Ja'afari, slammed Turkey's military action and "vehemently rejects attempts by the Turkish regime to justify its actions under the pretext of self-defence or countering terrorism." The Russian deployments have also highlighted growing ties between Russia and NATO member Turkey. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, speaking in Brussels on Thursday ahead of a NATO meeting, said Turkey - which annoyed Washington this year by buying Russian-made S400 missile defence systems - was moving in the wrong direction. "We see them spinning closer to Russia's orbit than in the Western orbit and I think that is unfortunate," Esper said. 'Super-power of peace' Despite Trump's lifting of sanctions on Turkey, distrust persists between Ankara and Washington, and a top Erdogan aide on Thursday criticised US politicians for treating SDF commander Mazloum Kobani as a "legitimate political figure." The aide, Fahrettin Altun, told Reuters that Mazloum was a senior leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a decades-long insurgency in southeast Turkey and which Ankara's Western allies also deem a terrorist group. Republican and Democratic US senators urged the State Department on Wednesday to quickly give Mazloum a US visa so he can visit to discuss the situation. Erdogan said, however, he had told his justice minister to draw up papers demanding Mazloum's extradition. The Turkish public has shown strong support for the military operation, encouraged by an overwhelmingly pro-government media. "The super-power of peace, Turkey," said the main headline in Thursday's edition of the pro-government Sabah newspaper. The incursion has deepened a sense of alienation, however, among Turkey's Kurds, which is also being fuelled by a crackdown on the country's main pro-Kurdish party.

Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of violations, Russia says peace plan on track

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