Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza, the Deputy Ambassador of Israel in India Rony Yedidia Clein said "we are not targeting residential homes, but terrorist infrastructure". She also added "we are not going to stop defending our citizens, we are acting against terrorist organisations—Hamas and Islamic Jihad—and we are neutralising terrorist infrastructures."

We are not targeting residential homes, but terrorist infrastructure says Rony Yedidia

The UN Security Council will hold another emergency meeting to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza. The closed-door meeting has been requested by the Tunisia, Norway and China. The first held on Monday ended without a joint statement.

UNSC to hold meeting over Israel-Palestine conflict

Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians escalated as militant groups in Gaza fired rockets into Israel and it responded with strikes on the Palestinian coastal territory following a police raid on the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that left hundreds injured.

Israel responds with airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas rocket attacks

The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. 17 Pro-Iran fighters have been killed in the incident.

Your Story: US bombs Iran-backed militia facilities

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday that Syria's air defences intercepted missiles fired by Israel. The missiles were reportedly fired on the western province of Hama.

"Our air defences intercepted an Israeli attack on the Masyaf area" in rural Hama, SANA reported.

Syrian state TV aired footage purporting to show air defences responding to the Israeli attack.

As per AFP, Israeli warplanes were heard flying over neighbouring Lebanon just before the strikes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported strikes on Masyaf, saying Israel was "likely responsible".

The war monitor said the attack targeted "positions of regime forces and Iran-backed militias," without providing additional details.&nbsp;

Israel, which did not immediately comment on the reports, has launched hundreds of strikes in Syria since the start of the civil war in 2011.

It has targeted government troops, allied Iranian forces and fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

It rarely confirms details of its operations in Syria, but says Iran's presence in support of President Bashar al-Assad is a threat and that it will continue its strikes.

(With AFP inputs)

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday that Syria's air defences intercepted missiles fired by Israel. The missiles were reportedly fired on the western province of Hama.

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday that Syria's air defences intercepted missiles fired by Israel. The missiles were reportedly fired on the western province of Hama. "Our air defences intercepted an Israeli attack on the Masyaf area" in rural Hama, SANA reported. Syrian state TV aired footage purporting to show air defences responding to the Israeli attack. As per AFP, Israeli warplanes were heard flying over neighbouring Lebanon just before the strikes. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported strikes on Masyaf, saying Israel was "likely responsible". The war monitor said the attack targeted "positions of regime forces and Iran-backed militias," without providing additional details. Israel, which did not immediately comment on the reports, has launched hundreds of strikes in Syria since the start of the civil war in 2011. It has targeted government troops, allied Iranian forces and fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah. It rarely confirms details of its operations in Syria, but says Iran's presence in support of President Bashar al-Assad is a threat and that it will continue its strikes. (With AFP inputs)

Israeli strike intercepted in Syria, says Syrian state media

The leader of the Tigray region has now claimed responsibility for the rocket strikes on Eritrea's capital, Hundred people were killed in this strike, rights commissions are investigating the killings

Ethiopia: The leader of Tigray region has claimed responsibility of airstrike on Eritrea

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria. On Monday, a Russian warplane hit a training centre for Turkish-backed fighters in northwestern Syrian province near Turkish border.

"Russia's attack on the training centre of the Syrian national army forces in the Idlib region shows it does not want lasting peace in the region," Erdogan said in a televised address.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike killed 78 fighters.

The pro-Ankara group, known as Faylaq al-Sham, retaliated by killing at least 15 Moscow-backed fighters, the monitor said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-hebdo-caricatures-recep-erdogan-sparks-turkish-fury-338428">Charlie Hebdo caricatures Recep Erdogan; sparks Turkish fury</a>

Faylaq al-Sham is a Sunni Islamist group that has acted as Turkey's proxy during several Turkish military campaigns on Syrian soil, and has also been the source of pro-Ankara mercenaries sent to fight in Libya.

A truce at the start of the year brought an end to a Russia-backed Syria regime offensive that had killed more than 500 civilians and displaced almost one million people. 
It was one of the worst humanitarian crises of Syria's nine-year civil war.

The last major rebel stronghold covers around half of Idlib province as well as slivers of adjacent provinces.

(With AFP inputs)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria. On Monday, a Russian warplane hit a training centre for Turkish-backed fighters in northwestern Syrian province near Turkish border. "Russia's attack on the training centre of the Syrian national army forces in the Idlib region shows it does not want lasting peace in the region," Erdogan said in a televised address. Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike killed 78 fighters. The pro-Ankara group, known as Faylaq al-Sham, retaliated by killing at least 15 Moscow-backed fighters, the monitor said. Also Read | Charlie Hebdo caricatures Recep Erdogan; sparks Turkish fury Faylaq al-Sham is a Sunni Islamist group that has acted as Turkey's proxy during several Turkish military campaigns on Syrian soil, and has also been the source of pro-Ankara mercenaries sent to fight in Libya. A truce at the start of the year brought an end to a Russia-backed Syria regime offensive that had killed more than 500 civilians and displaced almost one million people. It was one of the worst humanitarian crises of Syria's nine-year civil war. The last major rebel stronghold covers around half of Idlib province as well as slivers of adjacent provinces. (With AFP inputs)

Russian airstrike in Syria shows it does not want lasting peace, says Erdogan

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks.

A twin airstrike on a Taliban base in the northeastern Afghan province of Kunduz killed at least 12 civilians and injured more than 10 people on Saturday, provincial officials and Taliban officials said, as the warring sides hold peace talks. However, defence ministry officials in Kabul said more than 40 Taliban fighters had been killed in the airstrikes. They did not confirm any civilian deaths but said an investigation was underway.

Airstrikes on Taliban base kill at least 12 civilians

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday.

"Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district. Afghan forces launched an airstrike killing 15 terrorists and injuring ten others," Kandahar police spokesperson Jamal Nasir Barakzai said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-faces-grim-economic-outlook-as-pandemic-wipes-out-growth-world-bank-313765">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank</a>

According to him, three police officers were killed and four others were injured in clashes with Taliban terrorists.

The group has not commented on the incident so far.

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday. "Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district.

At least 15 Taliban terrorists were killed and 10 others injured in an airstrike by the Afghan air forces in Kandahar province, local police said on Wednesday. "Last night, Taliban terrorists attacked security checkpoints in Sra Baghal area of Maiwand district. Afghan forces launched an airstrike killing 15 terrorists and injuring ten others," Kandahar police spokesperson Jamal Nasir Barakzai said. Also read: Afghanistan faces 'grim' economic outlook as pandemic wipes out growth: World Bank According to him, three police officers were killed and four others were injured in clashes with Taliban terrorists. The group has not commented on the incident so far.

Afghanistan: 15 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike

In a renewed escalation 29 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Syrian regime forces in North western Syria. Watch report:

Fighting for Idlib intensifies, Airstrikes kill 33 Turkish soldiers

Syrian and Turkish media reported that at least one airstrike was carried out by U.S. jets at Hasakah. A warplane flew over a village in northeast Syria on February 12.

US hits Syrian military bases in Hasakh

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly&nbsp;killed one civilian.

The incident serves to highlight the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">complex situation in Syria</a>, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes.

TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib</a>

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">contact with hostile forces</a>, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region.

Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of&nbsp;Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian. The incident serves to highlight the complex situation in Syria, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes. TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village. Also Read: Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in contact with hostile forces, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region. Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report

Israeli force airstrikes on Northern Gaza in cross-border firing. Israeli forces have been claimed that the airstrike was retaliation to the rockets fired by Gaza.

Israeli force airstrikes on Northern Gaza in cross-border firing

A report has been claimed that 9 civilians have been killed after an airstrike in Idlib that is in North-Western Syria.

Report: 9 civilians killed after airstrike hits Syria's Idlib

How people in Iraq mourn death of Qasem Soleimani

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-200-displaced-syrians-leave-al-hol-camp-kurdish-official-266983">Syria's eastern province</a> of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities.

Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said.

According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area.

At the start of that month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-19-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-266857">air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters</a>, the monitor reported.

In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said.

An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory.

But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters.

The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-completes-pullback-from-northeast-syria-esper-says-266313">eastern shores</a> of the Euphrates.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday.

Airstrikes by unidentified warplanes have killed five pro-Iran fighters in Syria's eastern province of Deir Ezzor near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based war monitor said on Sunday. The strikes late Saturday targeted "positions of Iranian forces and allied militias" on the edge of the town of Albukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Five non-Syrian fighters were killed," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, without being able to provide their nationalities. Regime troops, Iranian forces and allied Iran-backed fighters, including from Iraq, are present in the area on the western banks of the Euphrates River, he said. According to the Observatory, 10 Iraqi fighters were killed in September in airstrikes of unknown origin in the same area. At the start of that month, air raids killed 18 pro-Iran fighters, the monitor reported. In June 2018, strikes near the Iraqi border killed 55 pro-regime forces, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, the Observatory said. An American official said at the time that Israel was responsible, but the Jewish state declined to comment. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria on what it says are positions of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and Iranian forces, which it has vowed to prevent gaining a foothold in Syrian territory. But the US-led coalition that has been fighting the Islamic State group has in the past also admitted to carrying out airstrikes against pro-regime fighters. The coalition is backing Kurdish-led fighters on the eastern shores of the Euphrates.

Syria: Airstrikes kill five pro-Iran fighters

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others.

According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik.

Additionally, the strikes in Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot districts of Kandahar lead to the destruction of 10 mines.

Meanwhile, in another strike launched on Taliban bases in Gizab district of the Uruzgan province, 11 terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others. According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik.

Afghan army's airstrike in Afghanistan's Zabul province on Tuesday killed at least 47 Taliban terrorists and injured 15 others. According to an army spokesperson, foreign troops aimed at the terrorist hideouts in Shinki and Nawbahar districts killing the district governor designated by the Taliban reported Sputnik. Additionally, the strikes in Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot districts of Kandahar lead to the destruction of 10 mines. Meanwhile, in another strike launched on Taliban bases in Gizab district of the Uruzgan province, 11 terrorists were killed.

Airstrikes in southeast Afghanistan kill 47 terrorists: Military spokesperson

Indian army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps and terror launch pads operating in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, sources said. Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat confirms strike

Indian army hits back at Pak terror, Army chief confirms strike

The Syrian regime sent troops towards the Turkish border on Monday to contain Ankara's deadly offensive against the Kurds, stepping in for US forces due to begin a controversial withdrawal.

Outgunned and without US protection, the autonomous Kurds in northeastern Syria had few other options to stop the rapid advance of Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-sanctions-coming-on-turkey-declares-us-president-trump-255891">Big sanctions coming on Turkey, declares US President Trump</a>

Turkey wants to create a roughly 30-kilometre (20-mile) buffer zone along its border to keep Kurdish forces at bay and also to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts.

The United States and its partners, who spent years fighting alongside the Kurds against the Islamic State group in Syria before deserting them, have condemned the Turkish invasion, but their threats of sanctions have failed to stop it.

Washington says that it is planning to pull out 1,000 troops &nbsp;-- almost the entire ground force -- from Syria's north, in a move welcomed Monday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "a positive approach."

The chaos in the areas targeted in the six-day-old Turkish assault has already led to the escape of around 800 foreign women and children linked to IS from a Kurdish-run camp, Kurdish authorities said.

The Kurds had repeatedly warned of that scenario when Western countries refused to repatriate their IS-linked nationals and when US President Donald Trump made it clear he wanted to end the US military presence.

But Trump on Monday said the Kurds "may be releasing" IS prisoners to keep the US involved in Syria.

Wasting no time to fill the void, Moscow -- already the top broker in Syria -- clinched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/celebrations-erupt-as-kurds-and-syrian-government-reach-a-deal-255737">deal between the Kurds and Damascus</a>, whose ties had been icy since the minority threw its lot with Washington and unilaterally declared self-rule.

"In order to prevent and confront this aggression, an agreement has been reached with the Syrian government," the Kurdish administration said in a statement late Sunday.

Averting 'genocide'

In an editorial published in Foreign Policy magazine, the head of the main Kurdish force wrote: "If we have to choose between compromises and the genocide of our people, we will surely choose life for our people."

By Monday morning, Syrian government forces were already moving to within several kilometres (miles) of the border, AFP correspondents on the ground said.

Residents around the town of Tall Tamr welcomed regime forces with cheers and Syrian state television showed some of them waving national flags and portraits of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian troops also deployed in the areas of Tabqa and Ain Issa in the northern province of Raqa, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.

According to a newspaper close to the Damascus regime, Syrian forces were also expected to deploy in the areas of Manbij and the border town of Kobane.

The main remaining flashpoint along the border was the town of Ras al-Ain, where Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have put up stiff resistance against Turkish air strikes and shelling for almost a week.

"There is a large tunnel network under the town" said Abou Bassam, a Syrian rebel commander fighting with Ankara's forces.

The SDF "are moving swiftly, mostly underground, and all buildings in Ras al Ain have trenches" he told AFP.

According to Observatory, the Turkish attack -- which uses Syrian proxies on the ground -- has already left 128 SDF fighters and 69 civilians dead.

The United Nations says 130,000 people have been displaced.&nbsp;

Rising toll

On the Turkish side, four soldiers and 18 civilians have been confirmed killed in six days, either in fighting or from Kurdish cross-border fire, according to Turkish sources.

The Observatory put the number of pro-Turkish Syrian forces killed in the offensive at 94.

An internal document circulated by the Kurdish administration on Monday, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, stressed the deal with Damascus was purely of a military nature and did not affect the work of the semi-autonomous institutions.

But the de-facto statelet the Kurdish administration had set up in northeastern Syria has fast unravelled in recent days, with its forces losing control of a 120-kilometre-long segment of the border.

The area that is now under the control of Turkey and its proxies is ethnically Arab-dominated and some residents welcomed Turkish-backed forces.

Betrayal

Kurdish officials and residents alike in northeastern Syria have expressed outrage at what they call a US betrayal that shortchanges the sacrifices made in the fight against IS.

Since 2014, the SDF have been the US-led anti-IS coalition's main partner on the ground in Syria, spearheading some key battles on the way to eliminating the jihadists' self-proclaimed "caliphate" earlier this year.

"The United States has lost its defeat mechanism against the Islamic State," the Institute for the Study of War wrote in a brief.

"It took years for the US to realise that the SDF were the only capable partners. They will not partner with us again," it said.

The Syrian regime sent troops towards the Turkish border on Monday to contain Ankara's deadly offensive against the Kurds, stepping in for US forces due to begin a controversial withdrawal.

The Syrian regime sent troops towards the Turkish border on Monday to contain Ankara's deadly offensive against the Kurds, stepping in for US forces due to begin a controversial withdrawal. Outgunned and without US protection, the autonomous Kurds in northeastern Syria had few other options to stop the rapid advance of Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies. Also read: Big sanctions coming on Turkey, declares US President Trump Turkey wants to create a roughly 30-kilometre (20-mile) buffer zone along its border to keep Kurdish forces at bay and also to send back some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts. The United States and its partners, who spent years fighting alongside the Kurds against the Islamic State group in Syria before deserting them, have condemned the Turkish invasion, but their threats of sanctions have failed to stop it. Washington says that it is planning to pull out 1,000 troops -- almost the entire ground force -- from Syria's north, in a move welcomed Monday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "a positive approach." The chaos in the areas targeted in the six-day-old Turkish assault has already led to the escape of around 800 foreign women and children linked to IS from a Kurdish-run camp, Kurdish authorities said. The Kurds had repeatedly warned of that scenario when Western countries refused to repatriate their IS-linked nationals and when US President Donald Trump made it clear he wanted to end the US military presence. But Trump on Monday said the Kurds "may be releasing" IS prisoners to keep the US involved in Syria. Wasting no time to fill the void, Moscow -- already the top broker in Syria -- clinched a deal between the Kurds and Damascus, whose ties had been icy since the minority threw its lot with Washington and unilaterally declared self-rule. "In order to prevent and confront this aggression, an agreement has been reached with the Syrian government," the Kurdish administration said in a statement late Sunday. Averting 'genocide' In an editorial published in Foreign Policy magazine, the head of the main Kurdish force wrote: "If we have to choose between compromises and the genocide of our people, we will surely choose life for our people." By Monday morning, Syrian government forces were already moving to within several kilometres (miles) of the border, AFP correspondents on the ground said. Residents around the town of Tall Tamr welcomed regime forces with cheers and Syrian state television showed some of them waving national flags and portraits of President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian troops also deployed in the areas of Tabqa and Ain Issa in the northern province of Raqa, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. According to a newspaper close to the Damascus regime, Syrian forces were also expected to deploy in the areas of Manbij and the border town of Kobane. The main remaining flashpoint along the border was the town of Ras al-Ain, where Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have put up stiff resistance against Turkish air strikes and shelling for almost a week. "There is a large tunnel network under the town" said Abou Bassam, a Syrian rebel commander fighting with Ankara's forces. The SDF "are moving swiftly, mostly underground, and all buildings in Ras al Ain have trenches" he told AFP. According to Observatory, the Turkish attack -- which uses Syrian proxies on the ground -- has already left 128 SDF fighters and 69 civilians dead. The United Nations says 130,000 people have been displaced. Rising toll On the Turkish side, four soldiers and 18 civilians have been confirmed killed in six days, either in fighting or from Kurdish cross-border fire, according to Turkish sources. The Observatory put the number of pro-Turkish Syrian forces killed in the offensive at 94. An internal document circulated by the Kurdish administration on Monday, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, stressed the deal with Damascus was purely of a military nature and did not affect the work of the semi-autonomous institutions. But the de-facto statelet the Kurdish administration had set up in northeastern Syria has fast unravelled in recent days, with its forces losing control of a 120-kilometre-long segment of the border. The area that is now under the control of Turkey and its proxies is ethnically Arab-dominated and some residents welcomed Turkish-backed forces. Betrayal Kurdish officials and residents alike in northeastern Syria have expressed outrage at what they call a US betrayal that shortchanges the sacrifices made in the fight against IS. Since 2014, the SDF have been the US-led anti-IS coalition's main partner on the ground in Syria, spearheading some key battles on the way to eliminating the jihadists' self-proclaimed "caliphate" earlier this year. "The United States has lost its defeat mechanism against the Islamic State," the Institute for the Study of War wrote in a brief. "It took years for the US to realise that the SDF were the only capable partners. They will not partner with us again," it said.

Syria regime steps in to halt Turkish assault on Kurds

<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

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on Wednesday released a report cited by Tolo News said that the airstrike took place in Bakwa district, and that civilian houses were hit during the airstrike.

On May 5, the Afghan Ministry of Interior had announced that 68 illicit narcotic-processing factories were targeted in an airstrike in Bakwa, Farah.

The&nbsp;report also claimed that "150 Taliban were killed and 40 were wounded" in these attacks.

But the residents denied this the claim, saying that the victims were civilians.

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report.

At least 30 civilians were killed and nine others had sustained injuries in a US-led airstrike in the western Afghan province of Farah in May, the United Nations has said in a report. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on Wednesday released a report cited by Tolo News said that the airstrike took place in Bakwa district, and that civilian houses were hit during the airstrike. On May 5, the Afghan Ministry of Interior had announced that 68 illicit narcotic-processing factories were targeted in an airstrike in Bakwa, Farah. The report also claimed that "150 Taliban were killed and 40 were wounded" in these attacks. But the residents denied this the claim, saying that the victims were civilians.

30 Afghans killed in US airstrike in Farah in May: Report

Nine jihadists were killed Saturday in Russian airstrikes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-syria-camp-uncertain-future-for-foreign-islamic-state-orphans-253184">Syria's war-torn province of Idlib</a>, a monitoring group said.

"Russian strikes this morning targeted the Hurras al-Deen group and Ansar al-Tahwid in eastern Idlib... killing nine jihadists," said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, adding eight others were wounded.

Six of the dead were members of the Al-Qaeda linked Hurras al-Deen, a group which is also targeted by the US-led coalition.

Moscow is a key ally of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in the country's civil war, and despite an Idlib ceasefire deal reached on August 31, the province has continued to be targeted by Russian air attacks.

Russia-backed regime fighters have for weeks been chipping away at the edges of the province bordering Turkey that is the last jihadist stronghold outside of Assad's control.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham - a group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate -&nbsp;extended its administrative control over the whole of Idlib in January, but other rebel factions remain present.

In late August, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-syrias-aleppo-reconstruction-makes-slow-start-252744">clashes between anti-government fighters and regime forces</a> left more than 50 dead on both sides, when the jihadists attacked loyalist positions in the south.

Last month, Russia and China vetoed a United Nations&nbsp;Security Council resolution backed by 12 of the 15 member states that called for a ceasefire in Idlib province.

It was Russia's 13th veto of a UN resolution since the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, highlighting the Security Council's impasse over the issue.

The Syrian war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Nine jihadists were killed Saturday in Russian airstrikes on Syria's war-torn province of Idlib, a monitoring group said. "Russian strikes this morning targeted the Hurras al-Deen group and Ansar al-Tahwid in eastern Idlib.

Nine jihadists were killed Saturday in Russian airstrikes on Syria's war-torn province of Idlib, a monitoring group said. "Russian strikes this morning targeted the Hurras al-Deen group and Ansar al-Tahwid in eastern Idlib... killing nine jihadists," said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, adding eight others were wounded. Six of the dead were members of the Al-Qaeda linked Hurras al-Deen, a group which is also targeted by the US-led coalition. Moscow is a key ally of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in the country's civil war, and despite an Idlib ceasefire deal reached on August 31, the province has continued to be targeted by Russian air attacks. Russia-backed regime fighters have for weeks been chipping away at the edges of the province bordering Turkey that is the last jihadist stronghold outside of Assad's control. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham - a group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate - extended its administrative control over the whole of Idlib in January, but other rebel factions remain present. In late August, clashes between anti-government fighters and regime forces left more than 50 dead on both sides, when the jihadists attacked loyalist positions in the south. Last month, Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution backed by 12 of the 15 member states that called for a ceasefire in Idlib province. It was Russia's 13th veto of a UN resolution since the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, highlighting the Security Council's impasse over the issue. The Syrian war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Nine jihadists killed in Russia strikes on Idlib: Monitor

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-says-128000-syrians-subject-to-arbitrary-detention-252917">United States</a> military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks.

"Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people," said Africa Command director of operations William Gayler, using an alternative acronym for IS.

His statement said the strike was carried out in coordination with the U.N.-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and brings to 43 the number of suspected IS members killed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-must-take-sustained-and-verifiable-action-against-terrorists-united-states-252580">US forces</a> in Libya since September 19.

Three airstrikes were carried out on September 19, 24, and 26 in the area around Murzuq, an oasis town some 1,000 kilometres&nbsp;south of Tripoli, killing eight, eleven, and seventeen&nbsp;IS terrorists&nbsp;respectively, according to Africom.&nbsp;

Libya's southern desert lies outside the control of the GNA and of rival forces loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, although Haftar is alleged to have a presence there.

Since the start of an anti-GNA offensive launched by Haftar on April 4 to take Tripoli, analysts have warned of a security vacuum that could benefit IS in other parts of the country.

The United States military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks.

The United States military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks. "Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people," said Africa Command director of operations William Gayler, using an alternative acronym for IS. His statement said the strike was carried out in coordination with the U.N.-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and brings to 43 the number of suspected IS members killed by US forces in Libya since September 19. Three airstrikes were carried out on September 19, 24, and 26 in the area around Murzuq, an oasis town some 1,000 kilometres south of Tripoli, killing eight, eleven, and seventeen IS terrorists respectively, according to Africom. Libya's southern desert lies outside the control of the GNA and of rival forces loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, although Haftar is alleged to have a presence there. Since the start of an anti-GNA offensive launched by Haftar on April 4 to take Tripoli, analysts have warned of a security vacuum that could benefit IS in other parts of the country.

United States kills seven Islamic State terrorists in Libya air strike

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-14-killed-8-injured-in-airstrike-in-helmand-251437">airstrike during a wedding celebration</a> in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul.

Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants.&nbsp;

Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting.&nbsp;

"Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead.&nbsp;

Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest.&nbsp;

Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed.&nbsp;

But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation.

A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations.&nbsp;

While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict.

There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday. The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul. Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants. Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting. "Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said. Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead. Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest. Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed. But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation. A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations. While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict. There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.

Afghan officials investigate reports 40 civilians killed in airstrike

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