Turkey will mount a military operation in northeast Syria, it said on Saturday, after accusing Washington of not doing enough to expel Syrian Kurdish fighters from its border.

The air and ground operation east of the Euphrates river in Syria could start at any time, President Tayyip Erdogan said.

The US-backed force which controls the region, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) led by the Kurdish YPG militia, said it wanted stability but vowed to respond to any attack.

"We will not hesitate to turn any unprovoked attack by Turkey into an all-out war on the entire border to defend ourselves and our people," SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said.

NATO allies Ankara and Washington agreed in August to set up a zone in northeast Syria along the border with Turkey, which considers the YPG a terrorist organisation linked to Kurdish insurgents at home.

Turkey has accused the United States, which helped the YPG defeat Islamic State militants in Syria, of moving too slowly to create the zone. They are at odds over how far it should extend into Syria and who should control it.

Ankara wants the zone to stretch 30 km (19 miles) inside Syria and to be cleared of YPG fighters. It has repeatedly warned of launching an offensive on its own into northeast Syria, where U.S. forces are stationed alongside the SDF.

Erdogan said Turkey aimed to "water the east of Euphrates with fountains of peace" and settle refugees there.

"We gave all warnings to our interlocutors regarding the east of Euphrates and we have acted with sufficient patience," he said at the opening of his AK Party's annual camp.

"We've made our preparations, we've completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions." He added that air and ground actions could start "as soon as today or tomorrow".

Turkey's state-owned Anadolu Agency said late on Saturday that nine trucks loaded with armoured vehicles and one bus carrying military personnel had been sent to the border district of Akcakale, located in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa.

The convoy was sent to reinforce military units based on the Syrian border, Anadolu said. It was not immediately clear whether the shipment was in preparation for an incursion.

Refugees

Ankara says it wants to settle up to 2 million Syrian refugees in the zone, nearly halving the number sheltering in Turkey from Syria's more than eight-year conflict.

However, the refugee transfer could face resistance from allies opposed to changing the demographic balance of the area. Kurdish leaders have previously accused Turkey of seeking to resettle mainly Arab Syrians from other parts of the country in their region - which Ankara denies.

U.S. and Turkish troops have so far carried out half a dozen joint air missions over northeast Syria and three land patrols, including one on Friday. Washington deems these "concrete steps" to address Ankara's concerns. Turkey says it is not enough.

"Land patrols, air patrols - we are seeing all of these are fiction," Erdogan said on Saturday.

The SDF, which has said it will pull back up to 14 km (8.7 miles) on some parts of the border, is committed to the agreements under U.S.-Turkish talks and will remain so if "dangerous threats" stop, its spokesman Bali said.

Kurdish commanders have warned that a Turkish border attack would lead to a resurgence of Islamic State militants, from which the SDF seized vast territory in north and east Syria.

"Simply, there will be a big gap in the towns that our forces will withdraw from to go to defend the border, and this will give Daesh the opportunity to return," Bali said.

In recent years, the Turkish military has launched two offensives with its Syrian insurgent allies in the northwest of the country and has forces stationed there.

Turkey's rebel allies pledged on Friday to back an offensive by Ankara east of the Euphrates, blaming the YPG for displacing Arabs from the region.

Turkey will mount a military operation in northeast Syria, it said on Saturday, after accusing Washington of not doing enough to expel Syrian Kurdish fighters from its border.

Turkey will mount a military operation in northeast Syria, it said on Saturday, after accusing Washington of not doing enough to expel Syrian Kurdish fighters from its border. The air and ground operation east of the Euphrates river in Syria could start at any time, President Tayyip Erdogan said. The US-backed force which controls the region, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) led by the Kurdish YPG militia, said it wanted stability but vowed to respond to any attack. "We will not hesitate to turn any unprovoked attack by Turkey into an all-out war on the entire border to defend ourselves and our people," SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said. NATO allies Ankara and Washington agreed in August to set up a zone in northeast Syria along the border with Turkey, which considers the YPG a terrorist organisation linked to Kurdish insurgents at home. Turkey has accused the United States, which helped the YPG defeat Islamic State militants in Syria, of moving too slowly to create the zone. They are at odds over how far it should extend into Syria and who should control it. Ankara wants the zone to stretch 30 km (19 miles) inside Syria and to be cleared of YPG fighters. It has repeatedly warned of launching an offensive on its own into northeast Syria, where U.S. forces are stationed alongside the SDF. Erdogan said Turkey aimed to "water the east of Euphrates with fountains of peace" and settle refugees there. "We gave all warnings to our interlocutors regarding the east of Euphrates and we have acted with sufficient patience," he said at the opening of his AK Party's annual camp. "We've made our preparations, we've completed our operation plans, given the necessary instructions." He added that air and ground actions could start "as soon as today or tomorrow". Turkey's state-owned Anadolu Agency said late on Saturday that nine trucks loaded with armoured vehicles and one bus carrying military personnel had been sent to the border district of Akcakale, located in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa. The convoy was sent to reinforce military units based on the Syrian border, Anadolu said. It was not immediately clear whether the shipment was in preparation for an incursion. Refugees Ankara says it wants to settle up to 2 million Syrian refugees in the zone, nearly halving the number sheltering in Turkey from Syria's more than eight-year conflict. However, the refugee transfer could face resistance from allies opposed to changing the demographic balance of the area. Kurdish leaders have previously accused Turkey of seeking to resettle mainly Arab Syrians from other parts of the country in their region - which Ankara denies. U.S. and Turkish troops have so far carried out half a dozen joint air missions over northeast Syria and three land patrols, including one on Friday. Washington deems these "concrete steps" to address Ankara's concerns. Turkey says it is not enough. "Land patrols, air patrols - we are seeing all of these are fiction," Erdogan said on Saturday. The SDF, which has said it will pull back up to 14 km (8.7 miles) on some parts of the border, is committed to the agreements under U.S.-Turkish talks and will remain so if "dangerous threats" stop, its spokesman Bali said. Kurdish commanders have warned that a Turkish border attack would lead to a resurgence of Islamic State militants, from which the SDF seized vast territory in north and east Syria. "Simply, there will be a big gap in the towns that our forces will withdraw from to go to defend the border, and this will give Daesh the opportunity to return," Bali said. In recent years, the Turkish military has launched two offensives with its Syrian insurgent allies in the northwest of the country and has forces stationed there. Turkey's rebel allies pledged on Friday to back an offensive by Ankara east of the Euphrates, blaming the YPG for displacing Arabs from the region.

Erdogan says Turkey to launch military operation in northeast Syria

Protesters on Saturday&nbsp;burned the United States&nbsp;and NATO flags in Athens as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-and-united-states-update-mutual-defence-cooperation-pact-253940"> US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials</a>.

Thousands marched outside the US&nbsp;Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US&nbsp;President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US&nbsp;Embassy are an annual event.

Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-be-pillar-for-regional-stability-pompeo-253933"> Greek - US military cooperation</a>. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre. Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US Embassy are an annual event. Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against Greek - US military cooperation. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters burn US and NATO flags during Pompeo visit in Athens

Canadian police illegally shared details of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfos-arrest-at-airport-to-be-focus-of-vancouver-hearing-251487">Meng Wanzhou</a>'s phone with US authorities, lawyers said Thursday, in a bid to have an extradition case against the top Huawei executive thrown out.

The 47-year-old chief financial officer of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-5g-plan-a-potential-boon-for-chinas-huawei-251771"> Chinese telco gian</a>t was detained during a stopover at Vancouver airport last December on a US warrant.

The United States wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute.

Meng's lawyers alleged that Canadian border agents and police conducted a "covert criminal investigation" of the Huawei executive on behalf of the American Federal Bureau of Investigations.

This included the unlawful sharing of serial numbers of her phone and other electronic devices, her defence team claimed.

Prosecutors disputed the charges in court filings, saying that Canadian officers were following standard procedures and that Meng's lawyers were on a "fishing expedition."

Meng's team is seeking to prove that her rights were violated during her arrest, in an attempt to put pressure on Canadian authorities to reconsider a decision to proceed with her extradition.

They have also alleged that she was questioned by Canadian border officers for three hours without being advised of her rights or told of the warrant for her extradition.

Meng's detention caused an unprecedented diplomatic rift between Canada and China.

Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians -- former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor -- accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation.

China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments, while Canada has rallied the support of allies including Britain, France, Germany and the US, as well as the EU, NATO and the G7.

Meng's defence, arguing that the case is politically motivated, has also pounced on US President Donald Trump's remarks that he might seek to have the charges against Meng dropped in exchange for trade concessions from China.

Canada has insisted that it was following the rule of law in Meng's case, while calling the arrest of its two nationals arbitrary.

It sacked its ambassador to China in January for suggesting that Meng had a "strong case" against extradition, citing Trump's remarks.

Canadian police illegally shared details of Meng Wanzhou's phone with US authorities, lawyers said Thursday, in a bid to have an extradition case against the top Huawei executive thrown out.

Canadian police illegally shared details of Meng Wanzhou's phone with US authorities, lawyers said Thursday, in a bid to have an extradition case against the top Huawei executive thrown out. The 47-year-old chief financial officer of the Chinese telco giant was detained during a stopover at Vancouver airport last December on a US warrant. The United States wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute. Meng's lawyers alleged that Canadian border agents and police conducted a "covert criminal investigation" of the Huawei executive on behalf of the American Federal Bureau of Investigations. This included the unlawful sharing of serial numbers of her phone and other electronic devices, her defence team claimed. Prosecutors disputed the charges in court filings, saying that Canadian officers were following standard procedures and that Meng's lawyers were on a "fishing expedition." Meng's team is seeking to prove that her rights were violated during her arrest, in an attempt to put pressure on Canadian authorities to reconsider a decision to proceed with her extradition. They have also alleged that she was questioned by Canadian border officers for three hours without being advised of her rights or told of the warrant for her extradition. Meng's detention caused an unprecedented diplomatic rift between Canada and China. Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians -- former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor -- accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation. China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments, while Canada has rallied the support of allies including Britain, France, Germany and the US, as well as the EU, NATO and the G7. Meng's defence, arguing that the case is politically motivated, has also pounced on US President Donald Trump's remarks that he might seek to have the charges against Meng dropped in exchange for trade concessions from China. Canada has insisted that it was following the rule of law in Meng's case, while calling the arrest of its two nationals arbitrary. It sacked its ambassador to China in January for suggesting that Meng had a "strong case" against extradition, citing Trump's remarks.

Canadian police illegally shared info on Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou: Lawyers

A longtime US&nbsp;diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">whistleblower complaint</a> that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats.

Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate.

Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-feud-heats-up-donald-trump-says-joe-biden-was-subject-of-ukraine-call-251345">call</a> to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-denounces-impeachment-inquiry-as-a-coup-253163">impeachment investigation</a> last week.

On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker.

The 54-year-old, who is also a former US&nbsp;ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily.

The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days.

More are expected.

Late on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker.

He also expressed concern that US&nbsp;Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker.

An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry.

Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email.

Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing.

Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US&nbsp;ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October&nbsp;11.

'Perfect'- or 'wrong'?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">Trump</a>&nbsp;has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect."

Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong."

Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed.

Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel.

Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick.

At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation."

Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch.

A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists.

The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president. Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a whistleblower complaint that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats. Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate. Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that call to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal impeachment investigation last week. On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker. The 54-year-old, who is also a former US ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily. The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days. More are expected. Late on Wednesday, US Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker. He also expressed concern that US Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker. An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry. Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email. Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing. Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October 11. 'Perfect'- or 'wrong'? Trump has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect." Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong." Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed. Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel. Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick. At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation." Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch. A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists. The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

United States diplomat at center of Trump-Ukraine affair to meet House committee staff

The biggest victim of the US-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-drone-strike-kills-30-civilians-in-afghanistan-40-injured-250672">military actions</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-accuses-afghan-govt-of-not-fighting-corruption-cuts-aid-250660">Afghanistan</a> are the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-killed-in-car-bomb-attack-in-southern-afghanistan-governor-250502">civilians,</a> a political analyst told China Central Television in a recent interview.

The statement made by Afghan political analyst Wahid Mozhda is proved once again after a drone airstrike led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) killed 18 residents and injured six others in the eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday, according to the Afghan police.

According to the police, the victims were harvesting pine nuts at the time of the attack, which the NATO-led coalition force said was targeting a suspected hideout of extremists.

Watch: US to withdraw funds from Afghanistan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-withdraw-funds-from-afghanistan-250700/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Data from the United Nations show that in 2018, the NATO-led airstrikes killed 393 and injured 239 civilians in Afghanistan.

As for such a condition, many common Afghan people and experts on the country's affairs believe that the U.S. military actions in that country is meant to pursuit its interests without considering what might happen to the Afghan people.

"The US tries to pursuit its own interests through turmoils and wars. This happens not only in Afghanistan but also in other countries like Syria and Iraq. All the countries have been destroyed after the US&nbsp;intervention. They try to pursue interests through wars. If they want peace, why do they use weapons?" said Khetob Hekemy, a resident in Kabul.

As for the sufferings of Afghan people, Mozhda hopes the international media could give more coverage, as few of them have covered these attacks.

"During the 18 years, what they've done in Afghanistan? what they've made? They killed more than half a million Afghan people during these 18 years. But nobody says [anything] about this. And the international community, every time they complain about the Taliban, but never say anything about the killing of civilians all over Afghanistan," said Mozhda.

The biggest victim of the US-led military actions in Afghanistan are the civilians, a political analyst told China Central Television in a recent interview. The statement made by Afghan political analyst Wahid Mozhda is proved once again after a drone airstrike led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) killed 18 residents and injured six others in the eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday, according to the Afghan police.

The biggest victim of the US-led military actions in Afghanistan are the civilians, a political analyst told China Central Television in a recent interview. The statement made by Afghan political analyst Wahid Mozhda is proved once again after a drone airstrike led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) killed 18 residents and injured six others in the eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday, according to the Afghan police. According to the police, the victims were harvesting pine nuts at the time of the attack, which the NATO-led coalition force said was targeting a suspected hideout of extremists. Watch: US to withdraw funds from Afghanistan Data from the United Nations show that in 2018, the NATO-led airstrikes killed 393 and injured 239 civilians in Afghanistan. As for such a condition, many common Afghan people and experts on the country's affairs believe that the U.S. military actions in that country is meant to pursuit its interests without considering what might happen to the Afghan people. "The US tries to pursuit its own interests through turmoils and wars. This happens not only in Afghanistan but also in other countries like Syria and Iraq. All the countries have been destroyed after the US intervention. They try to pursue interests through wars. If they want peace, why do they use weapons?" said Khetob Hekemy, a resident in Kabul. As for the sufferings of Afghan people, Mozhda hopes the international media could give more coverage, as few of them have covered these attacks. "During the 18 years, what they've done in Afghanistan? what they've made? They killed more than half a million Afghan people during these 18 years. But nobody says [anything] about this. And the international community, every time they complain about the Taliban, but never say anything about the killing of civilians all over Afghanistan," said Mozhda.

Civilians fall victim to US-led military actions in Afghanistan: Analyst

China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday.

A planned vote on Monday by the 15-member Security Council to renew the UN mission, known as UNAMA, was delayed to Tuesday to allow for more negotiations.

The mission's mandate expires on Tuesday.

To pass, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, China, France, Russia and Britain.

Ahead of the postponement, diplomats said China was expected to veto a resolution drafted by Germany and Indonesia that did not include a reference to its global Belt and Road infrastructure project.

China's UN&nbsp;mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China was then planning to propose a vote on a short draft resolution, known as a technical rollover, to allow the mission to keep operating, diplomats said.

But they added it could fail to get the nine votes needed to pass because several council members were considering abstaining.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she "did not know where this news had come from".

The situation in Afghanistan was at a crucial stage and China supported UNAMA - the UN&nbsp;Assistance Mission in Afghanistan&nbsp;to support reconstruction there, she said.

China hoped Security Council members would "jointly safeguard the important consensus reached in the past, respect each other's concerns, continue to carry out constructive cooperation on the Afghan issue and safeguard the unity of the Security Council".

The UN&nbsp;mission, which was established in 2002, is helping Afghanistan prepare for a September&nbsp;28 presidential election and is pushing for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Talks between the United States and Taliban militants on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal fell apart this month.

There are about 14,000 US&nbsp;troops and thousands of other NATO troops in the country, 18 years after a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban following September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

The UNAMA mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council.

The resolutions in 2016, 2017 and 2018 all included a reference welcoming and urging efforts, like China's Belt and Road initiative, to facilitate trade and transit.

But when it came time to extend the mandate again in March, the United States and other Western council members wanted the language removed, sparking a standoff with China.

The council ended up adopting a six-month technical rollover to allow the mission to keep operating.

At the time, acting US ambassador Jonathan Cohen denounced China for holding "the resolution hostage" by insisting "on making it about Chinese national political priorities rather than the people of Afghanistan".

He criticized Beijing's Belt and Road initiative&nbsp;which aims to link China by sea and land through an infrastructure network with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa&nbsp;for "known problems with corruption, debt distress, environmental damage, and lack of transparency".

At a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan last week, Cohen referred to the impasse with China.

"We strongly believe this mandate is too important at this moment to have one Security Council member deny consensus for reasons having nothing to do with UNAMA," Cohen said.

Chinese UN&nbsp;Ambassador Zhang Jun did not specifically mention the negotiations on the UNAMA resolution, but said China was working with Afghanistan to advance "the Belt and Road construction to actively support the Afghan rebuilding and its reintegration into the regional economic development".

China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday.

China and the United States are deadlocked over a UN resolution to extend a mission in Afghanistan, with Beijing signalling it will cast a veto because there is no reference to its Belt and Road project, diplomats said on Monday. A planned vote on Monday by the 15-member Security Council to renew the UN mission, known as UNAMA, was delayed to Tuesday to allow for more negotiations. The mission's mandate expires on Tuesday. To pass, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, China, France, Russia and Britain. Ahead of the postponement, diplomats said China was expected to veto a resolution drafted by Germany and Indonesia that did not include a reference to its global Belt and Road infrastructure project. China's UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China was then planning to propose a vote on a short draft resolution, known as a technical rollover, to allow the mission to keep operating, diplomats said. But they added it could fail to get the nine votes needed to pass because several council members were considering abstaining. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she "did not know where this news had come from". The situation in Afghanistan was at a crucial stage and China supported UNAMA - the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to support reconstruction there, she said. China hoped Security Council members would "jointly safeguard the important consensus reached in the past, respect each other's concerns, continue to carry out constructive cooperation on the Afghan issue and safeguard the unity of the Security Council". The UN mission, which was established in 2002, is helping Afghanistan prepare for a September 28 presidential election and is pushing for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Talks between the United States and Taliban militants on a US troop withdrawal fell apart this month. There are about 14,000 US troops and thousands of other NATO troops in the country, 18 years after a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban following September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States. The UNAMA mandate is renewed annually by the Security Council. The resolutions in 2016, 2017 and 2018 all included a reference welcoming and urging efforts, like China's Belt and Road initiative, to facilitate trade and transit. But when it came time to extend the mandate again in March, the United States and other Western council members wanted the language removed, sparking a standoff with China. The council ended up adopting a six-month technical rollover to allow the mission to keep operating. At the time, acting US ambassador Jonathan Cohen denounced China for holding "the resolution hostage" by insisting "on making it about Chinese national political priorities rather than the people of Afghanistan". He criticized Beijing's Belt and Road initiative which aims to link China by sea and land through an infrastructure network with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa for "known problems with corruption, debt distress, environmental damage, and lack of transparency". At a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan last week, Cohen referred to the impasse with China. "We strongly believe this mandate is too important at this moment to have one Security Council member deny consensus for reasons having nothing to do with UNAMA," Cohen said. Chinese UN Ambassador Zhang Jun did not specifically mention the negotiations on the UNAMA resolution, but said China was working with Afghanistan to advance "the Belt and Road construction to actively support the Afghan rebuilding and its reintegration into the regional economic development".

Belt and Road row: China, US in standoff over UN mission in Afghanistan

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Monday he was "extremely concerned" about escalating tensions following strikes on Saudi oil facilities at the weekend, accusing Iran of "destabilising" the region.

Stoltenberg's comments in an interview with AFP in Baghdad were his first on the strikes on two major Saudi oil facilities that were claimed by Yemen's Huthi rebels but which both Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Tehran.&nbsp;

The weekend strikes on Abqaiq -&nbsp;the world's largest oil processing facility -&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-shuts-pipeline-to-bahrain-after-aramco-attacks-sources-250013">Khurais oil field</a>&nbsp;in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond.

Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply.

The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons.

Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Monday he was "extremely concerned" about escalating tensions following strikes on Saudi oil facilities at the weekend, accusing Iran of "destabilising" the region.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Monday he was "extremely concerned" about escalating tensions following strikes on Saudi oil facilities at the weekend, accusing Iran of "destabilising" the region. Stoltenberg's comments in an interview with AFP in Baghdad were his first on the strikes on two major Saudi oil facilities that were claimed by Yemen's Huthi rebels but which both Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Tehran. The weekend strikes on Abqaiq - the world's largest oil processing facility - and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs. Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond. Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply. The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons. Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint".

Extremely concerned over escalating tensions after drone strike: NATO

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-in-northeast-syria-248400">northeast Syria</a>.

The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday.

Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops.

Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-imposes-sanctions-on-irans-shipping-network-over-supplying-oil-to-syria-247630"> Kurdish YPG fighters </a>itself if necessary.

"Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara.

"We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process."

Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey.

The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria. The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday. Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops. Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of Kurdish YPG fighters itself if necessary. "Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara. "We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process." Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey. The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey. President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

US stalling on Syria 'safe zone': Turkey

Taliban militants launched a major attack in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-supporters-cheer-us-withdrawal-plans-247894"> Afghanistan</a>'s western province of Farah on Friday, the latest in a series of assaults on provincial centres just a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, officials said.

A surge in violence has convulsed Afghanistan despite a draft peace deal struck between the United States and the hardline Islamists for thousands of US troops to pull out of the country in return for various Taliban security promises.

Taliban insurgents set ablaze an Afghan army recruitment centre after a coordinated attack launched overnight from several points around Farah city, said Mohibullah Mohib, a police spokesman in Farah.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-kill-at-least-five-people-in-horrifying-attack-in-kabul-247740">Taliban fighters</a> are pushing to take over the prison but the security forces are resisting," Mohib added.

However, there were no immediate reports of casualties among either the Afghan forces or the Taliban.

Main roads were deserted and gunshots could be heard from surrounding areas, said Shah Mohmoud Naeemi, a provincial council member in Farah, which came close to falling to the insurgents last year.

The Taliban also took control of several positions in civilian areas, including a school, although senior security officials in Kabul said Farah was still in government control.

On Thursday, a Taliban suicide blast killed at least 10 civilians and two NATO soldiers in an area near the headquarters of Afghanistan's international military force and the US embassy in Kabul.

A senior Afghan human rights officer was killed after being kidnapped and killed in a separate incident that Afghan security officials blamed on the Taliban.

Abdul Samad Amiri, the acting head of the Independent Human Rights Commission for the western province of Ghor, was kidnapped while travelling there in a car from Kabul. His body was found on Thursday.

The Taliban have not immediately commented on the killing, which rights group Amnesty International condemned as a "war crime".

"Even as the Taliban claims to be pursuing peace, it continues to kill people in the most gruesome way," Samira Hamidi, its South Asia researcher, said in a statement.

"This tragedy underscores the grave dangers that human rights defenders in Afghanistan face."

The Taliban control or influence roughly half of Afghanistan and are said to be at their strongest since the United States invaded in 2001 and overthrew their government.

Insurgent groups continue to negotiate with the United States and have demanded that all foreign forces leave.

The United States ended its combat role in 2014, although 20,000 U.S. and NATO forces remain. They still train and support Afghan troops fighting the Taliban who fear being left vulnerable if the United States leaves.

Taliban militants launched a major attack in Afghanistan's western province of Farah on Friday, the latest in a series of assaults on provincial centres just a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, officials said.

Taliban militants launched a major attack in Afghanistan's western province of Farah on Friday, the latest in a series of assaults on provincial centres just a day after a deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, officials said. A surge in violence has convulsed Afghanistan despite a draft peace deal struck between the United States and the hardline Islamists for thousands of US troops to pull out of the country in return for various Taliban security promises. Taliban insurgents set ablaze an Afghan army recruitment centre after a coordinated attack launched overnight from several points around Farah city, said Mohibullah Mohib, a police spokesman in Farah. "Taliban fighters are pushing to take over the prison but the security forces are resisting," Mohib added. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties among either the Afghan forces or the Taliban. Main roads were deserted and gunshots could be heard from surrounding areas, said Shah Mohmoud Naeemi, a provincial council member in Farah, which came close to falling to the insurgents last year. The Taliban also took control of several positions in civilian areas, including a school, although senior security officials in Kabul said Farah was still in government control. On Thursday, a Taliban suicide blast killed at least 10 civilians and two NATO soldiers in an area near the headquarters of Afghanistan's international military force and the US embassy in Kabul. A senior Afghan human rights officer was killed after being kidnapped and killed in a separate incident that Afghan security officials blamed on the Taliban. Abdul Samad Amiri, the acting head of the Independent Human Rights Commission for the western province of Ghor, was kidnapped while travelling there in a car from Kabul. His body was found on Thursday. The Taliban have not immediately commented on the killing, which rights group Amnesty International condemned as a "war crime". "Even as the Taliban claims to be pursuing peace, it continues to kill people in the most gruesome way," Samira Hamidi, its South Asia researcher, said in a statement. "This tragedy underscores the grave dangers that human rights defenders in Afghanistan face." The Taliban control or influence roughly half of Afghanistan and are said to be at their strongest since the United States invaded in 2001 and overthrew their government. Insurgent groups continue to negotiate with the United States and have demanded that all foreign forces leave. The United States ended its combat role in 2014, although 20,000 U.S. and NATO forces remain. They still train and support Afghan troops fighting the Taliban who fear being left vulnerable if the United States leaves.

Taliban attack Afghan province as violence overshadows peace deal

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-meets-afghan-president-in-kabul-247118">NATO troops in a bombing</a> in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country.

The car bomb blast shook Shash Darak, a heavily fortified area adjacent to the Green Zone and home to several important complexes including the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan intelligence service.

Apparent surveillance<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-suicide-blast-kills-at-least-4-in-kabul-city-246717"> footage of the attack</a>, which occurred at about 10:10 am (0540 GMT), showed a grey minivan explode just after it had cut in front of a line of white SUVs waiting to make a right turn onto a street.

One nearby pedestrian can be seen turning and trying to run away as the minivan crashed through a barrier just before the blast.

Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said a Romanian and an American service member had been killed in the explosion.

Romania's defence ministry said the Romanian soldier had been conducting a joint patrol near the Green Zone. The American death brings to at least 16 the number of US military killed in action in Afghanistan this year, just as Washington is seeking a way out of its longest war.

According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, at least 10 people were killed and 42 more wounded.

On Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a "martyrdom seeker" - or suicide bomber - had triggered the car bomb and that 12 "foreign invaders" were killed.

Massoud Zazai, who owns a photo studio across the street from the blast site, said he was in his shop when the explosion happened.

"I fell off my chair and it got dark inside the shop because of smoke and dust," Zazai said. "I went out to the scene moments after the attack, the side of the road was littered with debris and bodies."

Through the smoke, Zazai said he could hear injured people crying and calling for their mothers and brothers.

"I saw at least five very badly injured, one was covered in blood and not moving. It was horrifying."

The attack was close to where the Islamic State group killed nine journalists in a blast in April last year, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai.

It was the second Romanian national to be killed by the Taliban this week. On Monday, a Romanian was among at least 16 people killed in a Taliban attack on a residential area in east Kabul.

Currently, Romania contributes about 760 military personnel to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, which has a total force size of about 17,000 troops from 39 countries. About half of these are American.

The capital has been gripped by a surge in deadly violence even after the US and the insurgents reached an agreement "in principle" that would see the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for various Taliban security promises.

But there is increasing unease about the deal, with Afghans fearing it will lead to a return of the Taliban to power, and a growing chorus of US lawmakers and officials expressing doubts.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hews to its security pledges.

The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

On Wednesday, the Afghan government expressed doubts about the prospective deal, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses.

"There is too much concern about it, and we are still not assured of what consequences this agreement could have for Afghanistan's future," presidential advisor Waheed Omar told journalists Thursday.

"The people of Afghanistan have been bitten by the snake before, and have been witness to the consequences of hasty deals".

Even as negotiations for an accord have entered what are widely considered to be the final stages, violence has surged across Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting has continued on the outskirts all week.&nbsp;

Insurgents launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province on Sunday.

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two NATO troops in a bombing in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country.

The Taliban killed at least 10 people including two NATO troops in a bombing in Kabul on Thursday, in another horrific attack on the Afghan capital as the US and the insurgents negotiate a deal to see American troops leave the country. The car bomb blast shook Shash Darak, a heavily fortified area adjacent to the Green Zone and home to several important complexes including the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan intelligence service. Apparent surveillance footage of the attack, which occurred at about 10:10 am (0540 GMT), showed a grey minivan explode just after it had cut in front of a line of white SUVs waiting to make a right turn onto a street. One nearby pedestrian can be seen turning and trying to run away as the minivan crashed through a barrier just before the blast. Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said a Romanian and an American service member had been killed in the explosion. Romania's defence ministry said the Romanian soldier had been conducting a joint patrol near the Green Zone. The American death brings to at least 16 the number of US military killed in action in Afghanistan this year, just as Washington is seeking a way out of its longest war. According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, at least 10 people were killed and 42 more wounded. On Twitter, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a "martyrdom seeker" - or suicide bomber - had triggered the car bomb and that 12 "foreign invaders" were killed. Massoud Zazai, who owns a photo studio across the street from the blast site, said he was in his shop when the explosion happened. "I fell off my chair and it got dark inside the shop because of smoke and dust," Zazai said. "I went out to the scene moments after the attack, the side of the road was littered with debris and bodies." Through the smoke, Zazai said he could hear injured people crying and calling for their mothers and brothers. "I saw at least five very badly injured, one was covered in blood and not moving. It was horrifying." The attack was close to where the Islamic State group killed nine journalists in a blast in April last year, including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai. It was the second Romanian national to be killed by the Taliban this week. On Monday, a Romanian was among at least 16 people killed in a Taliban attack on a residential area in east Kabul. Currently, Romania contributes about 760 military personnel to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, which has a total force size of about 17,000 troops from 39 countries. About half of these are American. The capital has been gripped by a surge in deadly violence even after the US and the insurgents reached an agreement "in principle" that would see the Pentagon pull thousands of troops from Afghanistan in return for various Taliban security promises. But there is increasing unease about the deal, with Afghans fearing it will lead to a return of the Taliban to power, and a growing chorus of US lawmakers and officials expressing doubts. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan by early next year, provided the Taliban hews to its security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. On Wednesday, the Afghan government expressed doubts about the prospective deal, saying officials need more information about the risks it poses. "There is too much concern about it, and we are still not assured of what consequences this agreement could have for Afghanistan's future," presidential advisor Waheed Omar told journalists Thursday. "The people of Afghanistan have been bitten by the snake before, and have been witness to the consequences of hasty deals". Even as negotiations for an accord have entered what are widely considered to be the final stages, violence has surged across Afghanistan. On Saturday, the Taliban attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting has continued on the outskirts all week. Insurgents launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province on Sunday.

Two NATO troops among 10 killed in Kabul suicide attack; Taliban claims responsibility

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">shape with the Taliban</a>.

Pompeo met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels as Washington tries to finalise an agreement with the Taliban after 18 years of war, under which the US would withdraw several thousand troops in return for security guarantees from the insurgents.

On Monday, a massive blast in a residential area of Kabul killed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-16-more-than-100-injured-in-kabul-blast-official-247236">at least 16 people</a>, the third major Taliban attack in as many days, underlining the fragile security situation in Afghanistan.

NATO ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in 2014, handing security responsibility over to the Afghans, but maintains up to 16,000 troops on the ground to train, advise and assist local defence forces.

"Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks &amp; NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces," Stoltenberg tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Great discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on current security issues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> fully supports efforts to achieve peace in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. I condemn recent horrific attacks &amp; NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces. <a href="https://t.co/8Adf6vw4xd">pic.twitter.com/8Adf6vw4xd</a>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1168786714485317632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Under the proposed deal, the US will pull troops from five bases across Afghanistan under a final deal if the Taliban honour their end of the bargain.

The official number of US troops in Afghanistan is 14,000 -- though the real number is thought to be a bit less -- and President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence of about 8,600 troops initially, even after a deal with the Taliban.

That suggests around 5,400 US troops are set to leave Afghanistan under the initial terms of the deal, reducing the US military presence to about what it was before Trump came into office.

In return for the troop reduction, the Taliban would vow to cut ties with Al-Qaeda and open negotiations with the Afghan government with the aim of creating an eventual ceasefire.

Pompeo's talks with NATO came as part of a two-day visit to Brussels, where he also met the new EU leadership including commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen and incoming EU Council president Charles Michel.

Michel tweeted after their meeting that they had discussed "shared values and common interests".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking shape with the Taliban.

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking shape with the Taliban. Pompeo met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels as Washington tries to finalise an agreement with the Taliban after 18 years of war, under which the US would withdraw several thousand troops in return for security guarantees from the insurgents. On Monday, a massive blast in a residential area of Kabul killed at least 16 people, the third major Taliban attack in as many days, underlining the fragile security situation in Afghanistan. NATO ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in 2014, handing security responsibility over to the Afghans, but maintains up to 16,000 troops on the ground to train, advise and assist local defence forces. "Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks & NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces," Stoltenberg tweeted. Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks & NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces. pic.twitter.com/8Adf6vw4xd — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 3, 2019 × Under the proposed deal, the US will pull troops from five bases across Afghanistan under a final deal if the Taliban honour their end of the bargain. The official number of US troops in Afghanistan is 14,000 -- though the real number is thought to be a bit less -- and President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence of about 8,600 troops initially, even after a deal with the Taliban. That suggests around 5,400 US troops are set to leave Afghanistan under the initial terms of the deal, reducing the US military presence to about what it was before Trump came into office. In return for the troop reduction, the Taliban would vow to cut ties with Al-Qaeda and open negotiations with the Afghan government with the aim of creating an eventual ceasefire. Pompeo's talks with NATO came as part of a two-day visit to Brussels, where he also met the new EU leadership including commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen and incoming EU Council president Charles Michel. Michel tweeted after their meeting that they had discussed "shared values and common interests".

Committed to supporting Afghan forces: NATO chief Stoltenberg

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680"> 'safe zone' in northern Syria</a>, in comments published on Thursday.

Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia.

The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity.

"We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster.

Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria.

"The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal.

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey.

But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria.

He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment."

Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement.

Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday. Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia. The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity. "We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster. Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria. "The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal. Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union. But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey. But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria. He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment." Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement. Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

Won't allow US to delay establishment of 'safe zone' in northern Syria: Erdogan

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT &nbsp;the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face.

The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80.

Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent.&nbsp;

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.&nbsp;

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020.

Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well".

The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan.

"We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday.

"We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said.

"We have good talks going and we will see what happens."

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan. The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face. The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80. Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020. Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well". The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan. "We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday. "We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said. "We have good talks going and we will see what happens." But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

Taliban talks resume amid hopes of deal: Report

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating.

The names of the US&nbsp;service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US&nbsp;troop drawdown there after 18 years of war.

Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-negotiator-zalmay-khalilzad-returning-to-doha-for-more-talks-244510">US&nbsp;envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban.

"We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate.

A pullout has raised fears within the US&nbsp;military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US&nbsp;and allied targets.

Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war. Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. "We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said. Some 14,000 US troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two US service members killed in Afghanistan: NATO

Secret weapon project: Russian missile NATO calls Skyfall

Military drills involving western NATO alliance states and Georgia came to a conclusion on Friday (August 9), after a two-week run. Speaking in front of military servants, who took part in the drills President Salome Zurabishvili said that the exercises show Georgian commitment to further cooperation with the West.

Georgia shows off military skills in joint drills with the NATO

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb3cb2gO7jAhVp_XMBHWeKDz0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18_4lWqQw3eB7zT4p4f_vq">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO)</a> secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. 
&nbsp; 
Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist.

"These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ.

"It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools."

The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto.

New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said.

"We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred.

"This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day.

"Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March. His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist. "These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ. "It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools." The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto. New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said. "We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes." Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred. "This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day. "Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

In order to stop lone wolf attackers, nations must unite:NATO chief

A fresh round of US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-taliban-us-violence-for-upper-hand-in-afghan-deal-237189">Taliban </a>peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan.

Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war torn country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night.

"Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

"A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement.

"We are ready for a good agreement."Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 31.

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181">NATO</a> mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.&nbsp;

The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001. 
&nbsp;

A fresh round of US Taliban peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan.

A fresh round of US Taliban peace talks will start in Qatar`s capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18 year war in Afghanistan. Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war torn country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night. "Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. "A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement. "We are ready for a good agreement."Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 31. About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Eighth round of US, Taliban peace talks to start in Doha August 3 - Officials

Tariff wars, duties imposed by Donald Trump and US trading partners

The U.S Pulls out of the cold war-era treaty, the 32-year old treaty becomes obsolete.

U.S Pulls out of cold war-era treaty

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181">NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response</a>

NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-short-stay-return-as-soon-as-possible-jammu-and-kashmir-government-to-tourists-amarnath-pilgrims-240198">'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cafe-coffee-day-founder-vg-siddharthas-primary-postmortem-report-suggests-death-due-to-drowning-no-foul-play-240256">Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha's primary postmortem report suggests death due to drowning, no foul play</a>

The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-withdraws-from-1987-nuclear-pact-with-russia-mike-pompeo-240169">US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo</a>

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tsunami-warning-after-magnitude-7-quake-strikes-off-indonesias-sumatra-240254">Tsunami warning after magnitude 7 quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra</a>

An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck off Indonesia's island of Sumatra on Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile. 'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. Cafe Coffee Day founder VG Siddhartha's primary postmortem report suggests death due to drowning, no foul play The primary postmortem report of Indian coffee baron and founder of Cafe Coffee Day, VG Siddhartha, confirms death due to drowning and has ruled out any foul play. US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it. Tsunami warning after magnitude 7 quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra An earthquake of magnitude 7 struck off Indonesia's island of Sumatra on Friday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the<a href="The 29-country transatlantic alliance rallied behind Washington after the United States and Russia ripped up the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty."> demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty</a> and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

The 29-country transatlantic alliance rallied behind Washington after the United States and Russia ripped up the <a href="The 29-country transatlantic alliance rallied behind Washington after the United States and Russia ripped up the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty.">1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty</a>.

"Russia bears sole responsibility for the demise of the Treaty," NATO said, accusing Moscow of violating a pact limiting the use of medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear.

"We regret that Russia has shown no willingness and taken no demonstrable steps to return to compliance with its international obligations," NATO said.&nbsp;

"A situation whereby the United States fully abides by the Treaty, and Russia does not, is not sustainable," it added.

Watch: Russia Suspends INF Treaty With United States

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"NATO will respond in a measured and responsible way to the significant risks posed by the Russian 9M729 missile to Allied security," the alliance said.&nbsp;

Washington has for years accused Russia of developing a new type of missile, the 9M729, which it says violates the treaty -- claims that NATO has backed up.

The missile has a range of about 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) according to NATO, though Moscow says it can only travel 480 kilometres.

The INF treaty limits the use of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres.&nbsp;

NATO said, "We have agreed a balanced, coordinated and defensive package of measures to ensure NATO's deterrence and defence posture remains credible and effective." 
&nbsp;

NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile.

NATO blamed Russia on Friday for the demise of a Cold War-era missile treaty and vowed to respond in a "measured and responsible way" to Moscow's deployment of a cruise missile. The 29-country transatlantic alliance rallied behind Washington after the United States and Russia ripped up the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. "Russia bears sole responsibility for the demise of the Treaty," NATO said, accusing Moscow of violating a pact limiting the use of medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear. "We regret that Russia has shown no willingness and taken no demonstrable steps to return to compliance with its international obligations," NATO said. "A situation whereby the United States fully abides by the Treaty, and Russia does not, is not sustainable," it added. Watch: Russia Suspends INF Treaty With United States × "NATO will respond in a measured and responsible way to the significant risks posed by the Russian 9M729 missile to Allied security," the alliance said. Washington has for years accused Russia of developing a new type of missile, the 9M729, which it says violates the treaty -- claims that NATO has backed up. The missile has a range of about 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) according to NATO, though Moscow says it can only travel 480 kilometres. The INF treaty limits the use of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres. NATO said, "We have agreed a balanced, coordinated and defensive package of measures to ensure NATO's deterrence and defence posture remains credible and effective."

NATO blames Russia for INF pact demise, vows 'measured' response

U.S Pulls out of cold war-era treaty, 32-year old treaty becomes obsolete.

Russia on Friday called on the US to implement a moratorium on deploying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-international-treaty-replacing-inf-should-include-china-germany-240122">intermediate-range nuclear missiles</a>, as Washington was officially dropping a major Cold War-era arms treaty.

"We have suggested to the US and other NATO members to consider announcing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the TASS news agency.

"This moratorium would be comparable to one already announced by Vladimir Putin, saying that if the United States does not deploy this equipment in certain regions, then Russia will also refrain from doing so," he added.

Washington has long accused Moscow of violating the 1987 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-inf-missile-treaty-clears-way-for-new-arms-race-with-russia-240039">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) deal</a>, a charge Russia denies.

On Friday the United States was scheduled to formally exit the deal after launching the withdrawal process this year.

Ryabkov also questioned NATO promises not to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe.

"So far, NATO members have assured us that there are no plans regarding the possible deployment of such nuclear equipment," he said.&nbsp;

"But such assurances cannot be taken for granted... the Alliance has repeatedly violated its own promises in the past and changed its own plans."

Russia on Friday called on the US to implement a moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles, as Washington was officially dropping a major Cold War-era arms treaty.

Russia on Friday called on the US to implement a moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear missiles, as Washington was officially dropping a major Cold War-era arms treaty. "We have suggested to the US and other NATO members to consider announcing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the TASS news agency. "This moratorium would be comparable to one already announced by Vladimir Putin, saying that if the United States does not deploy this equipment in certain regions, then Russia will also refrain from doing so," he added. Washington has long accused Moscow of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) deal, a charge Russia denies. On Friday the United States was scheduled to formally exit the deal after launching the withdrawal process this year. Ryabkov also questioned NATO promises not to deploy nuclear missiles in Europe. "So far, NATO members have assured us that there are no plans regarding the possible deployment of such nuclear equipment," he said. "But such assurances cannot be taken for granted... the Alliance has repeatedly violated its own promises in the past and changed its own plans."

INF row: Urged US, NATO for moratorium on deployment of intermediate-range missiles, says Russia

The body of a Croatian soldier killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide car bomb attack in Kabul landed back in his native country on Friday, media reported.

Josip Briski, 27, was a member of a Croatian contingent deployed in Afghanistan as part of a US-led mission.

He was killed on Wednesday when a suicide attacker hit his convoy, injuring two other Croatian soldiers, Croatia's Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic said.

A US Air Force plane brought Briski's coffin draped in the red, white and blue Croatian flag to Zagreb airport where it received military honours, Croatia's Hina news agency reported.

President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic attended the airport ceremony along with other ministers, NATO representatives and family members.

A commemoration is scheduled for Friday in the capital Zagreb and the soldier's funeral will be held on Saturday.&nbsp;

Two other Croatian soldiers were wounded in the attack in Kabul. They were said to have serious but not life-threatening injuries, Krsticevic said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Violence in Afghanistan has flared in recent weeks as the United States leads an effort to forge a peace deal with the Taliban after nearly 18 years of war.

About 100 Croatian soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan as part of the US Resolute Support Mission. Coalition soldiers help train and advise their Afghan partners.&nbsp;

The body of a Croatian soldier killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide car bomb attack in Kabul landed back in his native country on Friday, media reported. Josip Briski, 27, was a member of a Croatian contingent deployed in Afghanistan as part of a US-led mission.

The body of a Croatian soldier killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide car bomb attack in Kabul landed back in his native country on Friday, media reported. Josip Briski, 27, was a member of a Croatian contingent deployed in Afghanistan as part of a US-led mission. He was killed on Wednesday when a suicide attacker hit his convoy, injuring two other Croatian soldiers, Croatia's Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic said. A US Air Force plane brought Briski's coffin draped in the red, white and blue Croatian flag to Zagreb airport where it received military honours, Croatia's Hina news agency reported. President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic attended the airport ceremony along with other ministers, NATO representatives and family members. A commemoration is scheduled for Friday in the capital Zagreb and the soldier's funeral will be held on Saturday. Two other Croatian soldiers were wounded in the attack in Kabul. They were said to have serious but not life-threatening injuries, Krsticevic said on Wednesday. Violence in Afghanistan has flared in recent weeks as the United States leads an effort to forge a peace deal with the Taliban after nearly 18 years of war. About 100 Croatian soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan as part of the US Resolute Support Mission. Coalition soldiers help train and advise their Afghan partners.

Croatian soldier killed in Kabul attack returns home

WION World Order: Decoding the 'Alliance of the East' Grand Strategy

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks.

Government forces, have been facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-taliban-us-violence-for-upper-hand-in-afghan-deal-237189">Taliban</a> attacks across much of the country, and have responded with airstrikes aimed at killing insurgent leaders, even as US and Afghan representatives have been negotiating with the militants in Qatar.

The seven civilians, including women and children, were killed in Logar province, just south of Kabul, on Sunday night said Hasib Stanekzai, a member of Logar's provincial council. Six people were wounded, he said.

Provincial police confirmed the attack on militants by government forces but said they were investigating the casualties.

"According to our initial information a number of militants were killed or wounded, but local people gathered in the area, claiming that a house belonging to a Kuchi family had been bombed, causing civilian casualties," said Shahpor Ahmadzai, a spokesman for Logar police.

Kuchi is nomadic herders, but some now live in permanent settlements.

Ahmadzai, who said police were investigating, also said foreign force was involved in the attack on the militants. Officials with Afghanistan's NATO force were not immediately available to confirm or deny their involvement in the operation.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-has-no-military-solution-says-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-in-us-diaspora-address-237567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKiM2hvsjjAhUIPo8KHbTxBNIQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw13XcLzzXPbUvinqsOphqlU">Afghan forces</a>, backed by US advisers, have in recent months stepped up their airstrikes and raids to the highest levels since 2014.

The latest phase of Afghanistan's war - which began when US-backed forces overthrew the Taliban following September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States - has intensified despite the most sustained peace talks of the war.

The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern about civilian casualties, which reached their highest level last year since detailed accounting began nearly a decade ago.

The war claimed 3,804 civilian lives in 2018, that included 927 children, both figures all-time highs, representing an 11% increase in civilian deaths compared with 2017, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in February.

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks.

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks. Government forces, have been facing Taliban attacks across much of the country, and have responded with airstrikes aimed at killing insurgent leaders, even as US and Afghan representatives have been negotiating with the militants in Qatar. The seven civilians, including women and children, were killed in Logar province, just south of Kabul, on Sunday night said Hasib Stanekzai, a member of Logar's provincial council. Six people were wounded, he said. Provincial police confirmed the attack on militants by government forces but said they were investigating the casualties. "According to our initial information a number of militants were killed or wounded, but local people gathered in the area, claiming that a house belonging to a Kuchi family had been bombed, causing civilian casualties," said Shahpor Ahmadzai, a spokesman for Logar police. Kuchi is nomadic herders, but some now live in permanent settlements. Ahmadzai, who said police were investigating, also said foreign force was involved in the attack on the militants. Officials with Afghanistan's NATO force were not immediately available to confirm or deny their involvement in the operation. Afghan forces, backed by US advisers, have in recent months stepped up their airstrikes and raids to the highest levels since 2014. The latest phase of Afghanistan's war - which began when US-backed forces overthrew the Taliban following September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States - has intensified despite the most sustained peace talks of the war. The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern about civilian casualties, which reached their highest level last year since detailed accounting began nearly a decade ago. The war claimed 3,804 civilian lives in 2018, that included 927 children, both figures all-time highs, representing an 11% increase in civilian deaths compared with 2017, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in February.

Afghan forces kill seven civilians in attack on militants

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/for-turkey-xinjiang-visit-amounts-to-a-risky-gamble-234168">Turkey</a> on Thursday slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a>` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations.

"Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added.

The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US.

"The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read.

However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries.

"As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying. Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added. The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US. "The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read. However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries. "As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey slams USA's decision to remove it from F-35 program

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-ignores-us-warnings-as-it-continues-to-take-delivery-of-russias-s-400-235504">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a> parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions.

Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia.

"Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk.

Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles.

"Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said.

"By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added.

In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered.

The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday. Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced Russian S-400 missile defence system parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions. Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia. "Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk. Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles. "Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said. "By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added. In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered. The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report

A US service member was killed in action in Afghanistan on Saturday, NATO said, the latest international casualty that comes as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

It is the 10th member of the US military to be killed this year, compared to 12 in all of 2018.

"The name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement.

NATO did not provide any additional details about what happened, and no insurgent group immediately claimed responsibility.

Two US troops were killed last month in an attack claimed by the Taliban, and the US and Afghan forces continue to conduct daily operations against the insurgents.

The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts.

In the nearly 18 years since the US-led invasion to oust the Taliban in late 2001, nearly 2,300 American soldiers have died and more than 20,400 have been wounded.

President Donald Trump has said he wants America out of Afghanistan as soon as possible and his special envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, is pushing for a peace deal that would see international forces pull out in return for various guarantees.&nbsp;

A US service member was killed in action in Afghanistan on Saturday, NATO said, the latest international casualty that comes as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban.

A US service member was killed in action in Afghanistan on Saturday, NATO said, the latest international casualty that comes as the US tries to forge a peace deal with the Taliban. It is the 10th member of the US military to be killed this year, compared to 12 in all of 2018. "The name of the service member killed in action is being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," Resolute Support, the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement. NATO did not provide any additional details about what happened, and no insurgent group immediately claimed responsibility. Two US troops were killed last month in an attack claimed by the Taliban, and the US and Afghan forces continue to conduct daily operations against the insurgents. The US now has some 14,000 troops in Afghanistan -- down from a peak of around 100,000 -- most of them deployed to train and advise Afghan counterparts. In the nearly 18 years since the US-led invasion to oust the Taliban in late 2001, nearly 2,300 American soldiers have died and more than 20,400 have been wounded. President Donald Trump has said he wants America out of Afghanistan as soon as possible and his special envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, is pushing for a peace deal that would see international forces pull out in return for various guarantees.

US soldier killed in Afghanistan: NATO

NATO said Friday it was "concerned" by Turkey's acquisition of Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-part-of-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-delivered-turkey-235249">S-400 missile defence system</a> after Ankara took delivery of its first batch.

The alliance has repeatedly warned Turkey that the Russian system is incompatible with other NATO weapons systems, not least the F-35 fighter jet.

"We are concerned about the potential consequences of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">Turkey's decision</a> to acquire the S-400 system," a NATO official told AFP.

"Interoperability of our armed forces is fundamental to NATO for the conduct of our operations and missions."

The US fears that if NATO member Turkey integrates the S-400 into its defences, there is a risk that sensitive data about the F-35, a new generation multi-role stealth fighter, could leak back to the Russians.

Watch:&nbsp;Parts of S-400 missile system unloaded at Turkish air base

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/parts-of-s-400-missile-system-unloaded-at-turkish-air-base-235354/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump's pick for Pentagon chief, Mark Esper, confronted the Turkish defence minister about the deal on the sidelines of a NATO meeting last month.

Washington has threatened to expel Turkey from its F-35 programme, giving Ankara until July 31 to cancel the S-400 purchase or have its pilots kicked off the training course and expelled from the US.

But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to back down and said he is confident Turkey will not face US sanctions.

NATO said Friday it was "concerned" by Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defence system after Ankara took delivery of its first batch. The alliance has repeatedly warned Turkey that the Russian system is incompatible with other NATO weapons systems, not least the F-35 fighter jet.

NATO said Friday it was "concerned" by Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defence system after Ankara took delivery of its first batch. The alliance has repeatedly warned Turkey that the Russian system is incompatible with other NATO weapons systems, not least the F-35 fighter jet. "We are concerned about the potential consequences of Turkey's decision to acquire the S-400 system," a NATO official told AFP. "Interoperability of our armed forces is fundamental to NATO for the conduct of our operations and missions." The US fears that if NATO member Turkey integrates the S-400 into its defences, there is a risk that sensitive data about the F-35, a new generation multi-role stealth fighter, could leak back to the Russians. Watch: Parts of S-400 missile system unloaded at Turkish air base President Donald Trump's pick for Pentagon chief, Mark Esper, confronted the Turkish defence minister about the deal on the sidelines of a NATO meeting last month. Washington has threatened to expel Turkey from its F-35 programme, giving Ankara until July 31 to cancel the S-400 purchase or have its pilots kicked off the training course and expelled from the US. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to back down and said he is confident Turkey will not face US sanctions.

NATO 'concerned' by Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defence system 

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