Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara. This also comes days after Turkey called all targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as “legitimate targets” for its forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Turkish airstrikes in Syria</h2>

The conflict in the region escalated nearly a week after the Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for a bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, which wounded two police officers and killed the two attackers.

Turkey has previously said that the attackers arrived from Syria but the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied this. However, this has not stopped Ankara from launching a barrage of air strikes and attacks in northern Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;

“Targets belonging to PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria’s Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring operation areas were hit strongly all night long,” said the Turkish defence ministry, on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-60-people-killed-after-drone-attack-on-syria-military-academy-war-monitor-643007">Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor</a>

The ministry also said that these operations, which have “neutralised” – a term Ankara typically uses to mean killed – 58 militants in the region, are being carried out under self-defence rights.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after the Turkish defence ministry said it had hit 15 Kurdish targets in northern Syria on Friday evening with “with the maximum amount” of ammunition.&nbsp;

<h2>US shoots down Turkish drone</h2>

Notably, Turkey views the People’s Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organisation and says that it is indistinguishable from the PKK. “The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official, on Thursday (Oct 5).&nbsp;

While the United States and European Union deem the PKK a terrorist organisation, not the YPG. In fact, the YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-turkish-drone-in-syria-in-self-defence-643103">US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence'</a>

On Thursday, the US also shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near its troops in Syria. This is said to be the first time that Washington has brought down an aircraft of its NATO ally Ankara.&nbsp;

Both countries have reportedly held a series of calls since the incident where Turkey said that while non-conflict mechanisms with the parties on the ground would be improved, they will continue to hit militants in Syria and Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara.

Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara. This also comes days after Turkey called all targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as “legitimate targets” for its forces. Turkish airstrikes in Syria The conflict in the region escalated nearly a week after the Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for a bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, which wounded two police officers and killed the two attackers. Turkey has previously said that the attackers arrived from Syria but the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied this. However, this has not stopped Ankara from launching a barrage of air strikes and attacks in northern Syria and Iraq. “Targets belonging to PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria’s Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring operation areas were hit strongly all night long,” said the Turkish defence ministry, on Saturday. ALSO READ | Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor The ministry also said that these operations, which have “neutralised” – a term Ankara typically uses to mean killed – 58 militants in the region, are being carried out under self-defence rights. The announcement comes after the Turkish defence ministry said it had hit 15 Kurdish targets in northern Syria on Friday evening with “with the maximum amount” of ammunition. US shoots down Turkish drone Notably, Turkey views the People’s Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organisation and says that it is indistinguishable from the PKK. “The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official, on Thursday (Oct 5). While the United States and European Union deem the PKK a terrorist organisation, not the YPG. In fact, the YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris. ALSO READ | US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence' On Thursday, the US also shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near its troops in Syria. This is said to be the first time that Washington has brought down an aircraft of its NATO ally Ankara. Both countries have reportedly held a series of calls since the incident where Turkey said that while non-conflict mechanisms with the parties on the ground would be improved, they will continue to hit militants in Syria and Iraq. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey claims to have ‘neutralised’ 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria

Russian aircrafts pounded<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-russian-airstrikes-kill-8-civilians-in-idlib-including-5-children-270040"> northwest Syria </a>killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost.

The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib.

The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase.

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes".

Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks.

"The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said.

Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side."

"We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. &nbsp;

Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed.

UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday. Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost. The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib. The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase. Watch Video: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes". Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks. "The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said. Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side." "We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed. UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian planes pound Idlib area as Turkey, France call for de-escalation

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Syria's Idlib</a>.

Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians. The fresh assault has led to a new wave of mass exodus, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights observed.

According to the war monitor, over 30,000 civilians have fled from southern Idlib since the ground assault by loyalists of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began.

The Syrian Army said it had captured several villages on Monday near Maaret al-Numan. The Syrian Observatory said regime forces had surrounded several observation posts in a bid to push through the opposition bastion.

Amid the violence, a Turkish delegation arrived in Russian on Monday for talks on Syria even as President Tayyip Erdogan openly declared that Turkey cannot handle large scale influx of refugees.

Meanwhile, UN called for "immediate de-escalation" amid escalation of&nbsp; violent clashes in the area.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

&nbsp;

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in Syria's Idlib. Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians.

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground after a week-long renewed assault against the rebels in Syria's Idlib. Reports said Russian planes continued to pound positions at Idlib killing at least nine civilians. The fresh assault has led to a new wave of mass exodus, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights observed. According to the war monitor, over 30,000 civilians have fled from southern Idlib since the ground assault by loyalists of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began. The Syrian Army said it had captured several villages on Monday near Maaret al-Numan. The Syrian Observatory said regime forces had surrounded several observation posts in a bid to push through the opposition bastion. Amid the violence, a Turkish delegation arrived in Russian on Monday for talks on Syria even as President Tayyip Erdogan openly declared that Turkey cannot handle large scale influx of refugees. Meanwhile, UN called for "immediate de-escalation" amid escalation of violent clashes in the area. "The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Russia-backed Syrian forces gain ground in Idlib

Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara would launch a new military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-lands-forces-at-former-us-air-base-in-northern-syria-262346">operation in northeast Syria</a> if the area was not cleared of what he called terrorists, state-owned Anadolu agency reported on Monday.

Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying that United States and Russia had not done what was required under agreements that halted a Turkish offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia in northeastern Syria last month.

"Have they completely fulfilled what is required of the agreements? No they have not, but they should do so," Mevlut Cavusoglu said, quoted by state news agency Anadolu.

The deals stipulated that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-maintain-around-600-troops-in-syria-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-261941">YPG would be removed</a> from a swathe of land bordering Turkey in northeastern Syria.

Cavusoglu called on Washington and Moscow on Monday to do what is necessary under the deals.

"If we do not obtain a result, we will do what is necessary, just as we launched the operation after trying with the US," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying, referring to work with Washington to remove the YPG from the area before Turkey launched its cross-border incursion on October&nbsp;9.

Ankara views the YPG, the main component of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that helped the United States defeat Islamic State, as a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants on Turkish soil.

Turkey's latest offensive was widely condemned by Ankara's Western allies, who said the assault could hinder the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria. Turkey has dismissed the concerns, saying it will continue to combat Islamic State.

Despite amicable relations between the presidents of the two countries, the U.S. Congress has passed a resolution calling on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions against Ankara, a NATO ally, over the offensive.

The Republican chairman of the US&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee said last week he did not want lawmakers to pass legislation imposing sanctions on Turkey for now. He cited a need to lessen friction during talks over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400s missile defense system, another point of disagreement between the allies.

Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara would launch a new military operation in northeast Syria if the area was not cleared of what he called terrorists, state-owned Anadolu agency reported on Monday.

Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara would launch a new military operation in northeast Syria if the area was not cleared of what he called terrorists, state-owned Anadolu agency reported on Monday. Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying that United States and Russia had not done what was required under agreements that halted a Turkish offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia in northeastern Syria last month. "Have they completely fulfilled what is required of the agreements? No they have not, but they should do so," Mevlut Cavusoglu said, quoted by state news agency Anadolu. The deals stipulated that the YPG would be removed from a swathe of land bordering Turkey in northeastern Syria. Cavusoglu called on Washington and Moscow on Monday to do what is necessary under the deals. "If we do not obtain a result, we will do what is necessary, just as we launched the operation after trying with the US," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying, referring to work with Washington to remove the YPG from the area before Turkey launched its cross-border incursion on October 9. Ankara views the YPG, the main component of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that helped the United States defeat Islamic State, as a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants on Turkish soil. Turkey's latest offensive was widely condemned by Ankara's Western allies, who said the assault could hinder the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria. Turkey has dismissed the concerns, saying it will continue to combat Islamic State. Despite amicable relations between the presidents of the two countries, the U.S. Congress has passed a resolution calling on President Donald Trump to impose sanctions against Ankara, a NATO ally, over the offensive. The Republican chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee said last week he did not want lawmakers to pass legislation imposing sanctions on Turkey for now. He cited a need to lessen friction during talks over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400s missile defense system, another point of disagreement between the allies.

Turkey threatens new Syria operations; directs US, Russia to 'fulfill agreement'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-says-nato-experiencing-brain-death-260582">Macron's view that NATO</a> was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary.

Macron "used drastic words, that is not my view of cooperation in NATO," said Merkel after talks with visiting chief of the translantic defence alliance Jens Stoltenberg.

"I don't think that such sweeping judgements are necessary, even if we have problems and need to pull together," she added.

Stoltenberg meanwhile stressed that "NATO is strong", adding that the United States and Europe "work together more than we have done for decades".

Macron's explosive comments came ahead of a NATO summit in Britain next month.

"You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None," charged the French president.

NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation.

"We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself."

Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's view that NATO was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's view that NATO was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary. Macron "used drastic words, that is not my view of cooperation in NATO," said Merkel after talks with visiting chief of the translantic defence alliance Jens Stoltenberg. "I don't think that such sweeping judgements are necessary, even if we have problems and need to pull together," she added. Stoltenberg meanwhile stressed that "NATO is strong", adding that the United States and Europe "work together more than we have done for decades". Macron's explosive comments came ahead of a NATO summit in Britain next month. "You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None," charged the French president. NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation. "We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself." Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence."

Don't think sweeping judgements are necessary: Merkel on Macron's NATO 'brain death' jibe

The military dog slightly wounded in the US raid which resulted in the death of Islamic State&nbsp;leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-islamic-state-chief-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-buried-at-sea-us-official-258568">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> is recovering and back on duty, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday.

General Mark Milley said the dog had performed a "tremendous service" during the special forces weekend assault in Syria that led to the death of the leader of the Islamic State group.

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Announcing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-guarded-over-baghdadi-killing-world-leaders-say-fight-goes-on-258549">Baghdadi's death</a>, President Donald Trump said Sunday that the "beautiful" and "talented" dog had pursued the IS leader into a dark tunnel where he blew himself up with a suicide vest, killing himself and three children and wounding the dog.

Trump tweeted a picture of the dog on Monday, saying it did a "GREAT JOB."

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We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! <a href="https://t.co/PDMx9nZWvw">pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvw</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1188909031403900928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said the name of the dog has not been declassified yet.

Milley also declined to provide the dog's name or any further details about the canine.

"We're not releasing the name of the dog right now," the general said.

He said the dog had been "slightly wounded and is fully recovering."

"The dog is still in theater, returned to duty, with its handler," he said.

The military dog slightly wounded in the US raid which resulted in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is recovering and back on duty, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday.

The military dog slightly wounded in the US raid which resulted in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is recovering and back on duty, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday. General Mark Milley said the dog had performed a "tremendous service" during the special forces weekend assault in Syria that led to the death of the leader of the Islamic State group. Watch Video: Announcing Baghdadi's death, President Donald Trump said Sunday that the "beautiful" and "talented" dog had pursued the IS leader into a dark tunnel where he blew himself up with a suicide vest, killing himself and three children and wounding the dog. Trump tweeted a picture of the dog on Monday, saying it did a "GREAT JOB." We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvw — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2019 × He said the name of the dog has not been declassified yet. Milley also declined to provide the dog's name or any further details about the canine. "We're not releasing the name of the dog right now," the general said. He said the dog had been "slightly wounded and is fully recovering." "The dog is still in theater, returned to duty, with its handler," he said.

'Declassified picture' of hero dog that helped to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-after-sealing-russia-deal-says-us-has-not-kept-promises-on-syria-257646">betraying the Kurds </a>by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive.

US President Donald Trump had announced in early October that American forces would withdraw from Syria, paving the way for Turkey to push into the border area against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia it considers "terrorists".

"The US were the closest allies for the Kurds for several years. In the end, the US abandoned the Kurds, effectively betraying them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

"They prefer to leave the Kurds at the border and practically force them to fight the Turks," he said.

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Turkey paused its offensive into Syria on October 17. On Tuesday evening, it announced that the offensive would be halted following a retreat of Kurdish forces from border zones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both involved in the conflict from opposite sides, struck a deal on northern Syria on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, state media reported that Russian forces crossed the Euphrates River in Syria and headed for the border with Turkey under a deal for the withdrawal of Kurdish forces.

The Rossiya-24 television channel and TASS news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying the convoy of Russian military police had crossed the river at noon (0900 GMT) and "advanced towards the Syrian-Turkish border".

 
The agreement will see Russian military police and Syrian border guards "facilitate the removal" of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the Turkish-Syrian border.

This withdrawal must be finalised within 150 hours.

It was reached after marathon talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Tuesday.&nbsp;

It will also see Turkey preserve a "safe zone" inside Syria about 120 kilometres long (75 miles) and 32 kilometres deep. Russia and Turkey will eventually launch joint patrols along the zone.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of betraying the Kurds by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive.

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Washington of betraying the Kurds by withdrawing its forces from northern Syria and leaving allies alone in the face of a Turkish offensive. US President Donald Trump had announced in early October that American forces would withdraw from Syria, paving the way for Turkey to push into the border area against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia it considers "terrorists". "The US were the closest allies for the Kurds for several years. In the end, the US abandoned the Kurds, effectively betraying them," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies. "They prefer to leave the Kurds at the border and practically force them to fight the Turks," he said. Watch Video: Turkey paused its offensive into Syria on October 17. On Tuesday evening, it announced that the offensive would be halted following a retreat of Kurdish forces from border zones. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both involved in the conflict from opposite sides, struck a deal on northern Syria on Tuesday. Meanwhile, state media reported that Russian forces crossed the Euphrates River in Syria and headed for the border with Turkey under a deal for the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. The Rossiya-24 television channel and TASS news agency quoted the defence ministry as saying the convoy of Russian military police had crossed the river at noon (0900 GMT) and "advanced towards the Syrian-Turkish border". The agreement will see Russian military police and Syrian border guards "facilitate the removal" of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the Turkish-Syrian border. This withdrawal must be finalised within 150 hours. It was reached after marathon talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Tuesday. It will also see Turkey preserve a "safe zone" inside Syria about 120 kilometres long (75 miles) and 32 kilometres deep. Russia and Turkey will eventually launch joint patrols along the zone.

Russian forces heading to Turkey border after Putin-Erdogan agreement: Report

Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq.

Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq.&nbsp;

Iraq's high command said Tuesday that "no authorisation has been given for these troops to remain on Iraqi soil".

"All of the US troops who have withdrawn from Syria have obtained authorisation to enter Iraqi Kurdistan in order to leave Iraq."

On the previous leg of his tour in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Esper said the redeploying troops would stay in Iraq "temporarily" before returning to the United States.

He said the US forces were pulling out of Syria in phases, and had now moved from the "immediate zone of attack" to a northeastern corridor out of the country.

"Then we'll have another phase that will draw all the forces out. We will temporarily position in Iraq before bringing the troops home. They will be coming home," Esper said in an interview with CNN.

The United States currently has 5,200 troops in Iraq, part of a US-led international coalition against IS.

Their presence at several bases in Iraq has been the subject of debate, with pro-Iranian Shiite militias and politicians making frequent demands for their withdrawal.

Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq. Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq.

Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq. Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq. Iraq's high command said Tuesday that "no authorisation has been given for these troops to remain on Iraqi soil". "All of the US troops who have withdrawn from Syria have obtained authorisation to enter Iraqi Kurdistan in order to leave Iraq." On the previous leg of his tour in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Esper said the redeploying troops would stay in Iraq "temporarily" before returning to the United States. He said the US forces were pulling out of Syria in phases, and had now moved from the "immediate zone of attack" to a northeastern corridor out of the country. "Then we'll have another phase that will draw all the forces out. We will temporarily position in Iraq before bringing the troops home. They will be coming home," Esper said in an interview with CNN. The United States currently has 5,200 troops in Iraq, part of a US-led international coalition against IS. Their presence at several bases in Iraq has been the subject of debate, with pro-Iranian Shiite militias and politicians making frequent demands for their withdrawal.

Pentagon chief visits Iraq as US quits northern Syria

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today amid growing tensions in Syria as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region".

Turkey's President Erdogan meets Russian President Putin in Sochi

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-replaces-four-more-pro-kurdish-mayors-as-crackdown-widens-257486">amid growing tensions in Syria </a>as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region".

"I would like to express hope that the level of Russian-Turkish relations, which has been recently reached, will play its role in the solution of all complicated issues in the region as of today," Russian President Putin said, adding,"I hope it will help find answers to all, even very complicated questions in favour of Russia, Turkey and all the countries of the region."

The talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Erodgan and Putin took place</a> even as a five-day truce brokered by the US holds the Turkish forces inside Syria.

"I believe that our meeting will provide real opportunities for peace spring operation," Turkey President Erdogan said.

Turkish forces had entered nothern Syria after President Trump had announced two weeks ago that he was pulling out US troops from the region clearing the way for Turkey to launch a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, viewed by Erdogan's regime as "terrorists".

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Turkey had earlier said Kurdish YPG militia forces must leave a "safe zone" which it intends to establish in Syria.

President Trump had said on Monday that it appeared that the five-day truce was holding, and that it could possibly go beyond Tuesday's expiry, but Erdogan said the fighting may resume.

"If the promises given to us by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination," the Turkey president said.

Turkey President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi today amid growing tensions in Syria as the two leaders hoped to resolve the "complicated issues in the region". "I would like to express hope that the level of Russian-Turkish relations, which has been recently reached, will play its role in the solution of all complicated issues in the region as of today," Russian President Putin said, adding,"I hope it will help find answers to all, even very complicated questions in favour of Russia, Turkey and all the countries of the region." The talks between Erodgan and Putin took place even as a five-day truce brokered by the US holds the Turkish forces inside Syria. "I believe that our meeting will provide real opportunities for peace spring operation," Turkey President Erdogan said. Turkish forces had entered nothern Syria after President Trump had announced two weeks ago that he was pulling out US troops from the region clearing the way for Turkey to launch a cross-border offensive on October 9 against the Kurdish YPG militia, viewed by Erdogan's regime as "terrorists". Watch Video: Turkey had earlier said Kurdish YPG militia forces must leave a "safe zone" which it intends to establish in Syria. President Trump had said on Monday that it appeared that the five-day truce was holding, and that it could possibly go beyond Tuesday's expiry, but Erdogan said the fighting may resume. "If the promises given to us by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination," the Turkey president said.

Hope to find answers to all complicated questions: Putin after meeting Erdogan in Sochi

Turkey Agrees to Pause Military Operations in Northern Syria. Watch video to know more.

Turkey Agrees to Pause Military Operations in Northern Syria

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The developments illustrate Washington's waning influence over events in Syria and the failure of the US policy of keeping Assad from reasserting state authority over areas lost during the more than eight-year conflict with rebels trying to end his rule.

The developments also represent wins for Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad since 2011 when his violent effort to crush what began as peaceful protests against his family's decades-long rule of Syria exploded into a full-blown civil war.

While the US withdrawal moves American troops out of the line of fire, the return of Syrian soldiers to the Turkish border opens up the possibility of a wider conflagration should the Syrian army come in direct conflict with Turkish forces.

The Turkish onslaught in northern Syria has also raised the prospect that Islamic State militants and their families held by the Kurdish forces targeted by Turkey may escape - scores were said to have done so already - and permit the group's revival.

The remarkable turn of events was set in motion a week ago when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw about 50 special operations forces from two outposts in northern Syria, a step widely seen as paving the way for Turkey to launch its week-long incursion against Kurdish militia in the region.

Turkey aims to neutralize the Kurdish YPG militia, the main element of Washington's Kurdish-led ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a key US ally in dismantling the jihadist "caliphate" set up by Islamic State militants in Syria.

Ankara regards the YPG as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish insurgents in Turkey.

ERDOGAN OUTLINES WIDER OPERATION

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said the offensive would extend from Kobani in the west to Hasaka in the east and extend some 30 km (19 miles) into Syrian territory, with the town of Ras al-Ain now in Turkish control.

US Defense Secretary Mike Esper said the United States decided to withdraw its roughly 1,000 troops in northern Syria - two U.S. officials told Reuters it could pull the bulk out in days - after learning of the deepening Turkish offensive.

It was unclear what would happen to the several hundred US&nbsp;troops at the American military outpost of Tanf, near Syria's southern border with Iraq and Jordan.

Another factor behind the decision, Esper indicated in an interview with the CBS program "Face the Nation," was that the SDF aimed to make a deal with Russia and Syria to counter the Turkish onslaught. Several hours later, the Kurdish-led administration said it had struck just such an agreement for the Syrian army to deploy along the length of the border with Turkey to help repel Ankara's offensive.

The deployment would help the SDF in countering "this aggression and liberating the areas that the Turkish army and mercenaries had entered," it added, referring to Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, and would also allow for the liberation of other Syrian cities occupied by the Turkish army such as Afrin.

The fighting has sparked Western concerns that the SDF, holding large swathes of northern Syria once controlled by Islamic State, would be unable to keep thousands of jihadists in jail and tens of thousands of their family members in camps.

The region's Kurdish-led administration said 785 Islamic State-affiliated foreigners escaped the camp at Ain Issa but the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing sources in the camp, said around 100 people had escaped.

Erdogan dismissed the reports and told the state-run Anadolu news agency that accounts of escapes by Islamic State prisoners were "disinformation" aimed at provoking the West.

SANCTIONS THREAT

Trump, who has come under withering criticism for the U.S. withdrawal, including from his fellow Republicans, placed the onus on the Kurds and Turkey to restrain the Islamic State fighters and blamed European nations for not taking back their own citizens.

"Turkey and the Kurds must not let them escape. Europe should have taken them back," Trump wrote on Twitter. "They will never come to, or be allowed in, the United States!"

Turkey also said Turkish and allied Syrian rebel forces seized a highway some 30-35 km (18-22 miles) into Syrian territory, which would sever a major artery linking the Kurdish-run regions of war-torn Syria's north.

An SDF official said clashes were going on along the road.

New reports of civilian casualties surfaced. A Turkish airstrike in Ras al-Ain killed 14 people including 10 civilians on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The SDF said a "civilian convoy" had been targeted.

Turkey's stated aim is to carve out a "safe zone" inside Syria to resettle many of the 3.6 million Syrian war refugees it is hosting. Erdogan has threatened to send them to Europe if the EU does not back his assault.

But the Turkish offensive has triggered international alarm over its large-scale displacements of civilians as well as U.S. domestic criticism that Trump has effectively abandoned the US Kurdish allies. Trump argues that the United States should withdraw from "endless" Middle East wars and protect its own borders.

Turkey now faces threats of possible sanctions from the United States, a NATO ally, unless it calls off the incursion.

Two other NATO allies, Germany and France, have suspended arms exports to Turkey, and French President Emmanuel Macron was convening an emergency defense cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss options regarding the offensive.

A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington was studying "extremely troubling" reports that a Kurdish politician and captured Kurdish fighters were killed by Turkish proxy forces amid the offensive.

More than 130,000 people have been displaced from rural areas around Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain as a result of the fighting, the United Nations said.

The planned evacuation of U.S. forces came a week after Trump spoke by telephone with Erdogan and then abruptly shifted policy and withdrew about 50 U.S. troops deployed to support Kurdish forces in the campaign against Islamic State.

"In the last 24 hours, we learned that (the Turks) likely intend to extend their attack further south than originally planned, and to the west," Esper said. "We also have learned in the last 24 hours that the ... SDF are looking to cut a deal, if you will, with the Syrians and the Russians to counter-attack against the Turks in the north."

Syrian state media reported that the Syrian army has begun deploying its troops to northern battlefronts to confront "Turkish aggression" on Syrian territory.

Esper called the situation "untenable" for U.S. forces, saying he spoke with Trump on Saturday night and that the president directed the U.S. military to "begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria".

Erdogan told reporters that Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies had besieged Tel Abyad, a key border town west of Ras al-Ain. They later advanced into the centre of Tel Abyad where the situation was calm and they were conducting search operations, a Reuters witness said.

Erdogan also said Turkish-led forces had killed 440 SDF fighters so far and captured 109 square km (42 square miles) of terrain, including 17 villages around Tel Abyad and four villages around Ras Al Ain.

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The United States said on Sunday it will withdraw its remaining 1,000 troops from northern Syria in the face of an expanding Turkish offensive while Syria's army struck a deal with Kurdish forces to redeploy along its border with Turkey, both major victories for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The developments illustrate Washington's waning influence over events in Syria and the failure of the US policy of keeping Assad from reasserting state authority over areas lost during the more than eight-year conflict with rebels trying to end his rule. The developments also represent wins for Russia and Iran, which have backed Assad since 2011 when his violent effort to crush what began as peaceful protests against his family's decades-long rule of Syria exploded into a full-blown civil war. While the US withdrawal moves American troops out of the line of fire, the return of Syrian soldiers to the Turkish border opens up the possibility of a wider conflagration should the Syrian army come in direct conflict with Turkish forces. The Turkish onslaught in northern Syria has also raised the prospect that Islamic State militants and their families held by the Kurdish forces targeted by Turkey may escape - scores were said to have done so already - and permit the group's revival. The remarkable turn of events was set in motion a week ago when U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw about 50 special operations forces from two outposts in northern Syria, a step widely seen as paving the way for Turkey to launch its week-long incursion against Kurdish militia in the region. Turkey aims to neutralize the Kurdish YPG militia, the main element of Washington's Kurdish-led ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a key US ally in dismantling the jihadist "caliphate" set up by Islamic State militants in Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish insurgents in Turkey. ERDOGAN OUTLINES WIDER OPERATION Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said the offensive would extend from Kobani in the west to Hasaka in the east and extend some 30 km (19 miles) into Syrian territory, with the town of Ras al-Ain now in Turkish control. US Defense Secretary Mike Esper said the United States decided to withdraw its roughly 1,000 troops in northern Syria - two U.S. officials told Reuters it could pull the bulk out in days - after learning of the deepening Turkish offensive. It was unclear what would happen to the several hundred US troops at the American military outpost of Tanf, near Syria's southern border with Iraq and Jordan. Another factor behind the decision, Esper indicated in an interview with the CBS program "Face the Nation," was that the SDF aimed to make a deal with Russia and Syria to counter the Turkish onslaught. Several hours later, the Kurdish-led administration said it had struck just such an agreement for the Syrian army to deploy along the length of the border with Turkey to help repel Ankara's offensive. The deployment would help the SDF in countering "this aggression and liberating the areas that the Turkish army and mercenaries had entered," it added, referring to Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, and would also allow for the liberation of other Syrian cities occupied by the Turkish army such as Afrin. The fighting has sparked Western concerns that the SDF, holding large swathes of northern Syria once controlled by Islamic State, would be unable to keep thousands of jihadists in jail and tens of thousands of their family members in camps. The region's Kurdish-led administration said 785 Islamic State-affiliated foreigners escaped the camp at Ain Issa but the British-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing sources in the camp, said around 100 people had escaped. Erdogan dismissed the reports and told the state-run Anadolu news agency that accounts of escapes by Islamic State prisoners were "disinformation" aimed at provoking the West. SANCTIONS THREAT Trump, who has come under withering criticism for the U.S. withdrawal, including from his fellow Republicans, placed the onus on the Kurds and Turkey to restrain the Islamic State fighters and blamed European nations for not taking back their own citizens. "Turkey and the Kurds must not let them escape. Europe should have taken them back," Trump wrote on Twitter. "They will never come to, or be allowed in, the United States!" Turkey also said Turkish and allied Syrian rebel forces seized a highway some 30-35 km (18-22 miles) into Syrian territory, which would sever a major artery linking the Kurdish-run regions of war-torn Syria's north. An SDF official said clashes were going on along the road. New reports of civilian casualties surfaced. A Turkish airstrike in Ras al-Ain killed 14 people including 10 civilians on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The SDF said a "civilian convoy" had been targeted. Turkey's stated aim is to carve out a "safe zone" inside Syria to resettle many of the 3.6 million Syrian war refugees it is hosting. Erdogan has threatened to send them to Europe if the EU does not back his assault. But the Turkish offensive has triggered international alarm over its large-scale displacements of civilians as well as U.S. domestic criticism that Trump has effectively abandoned the US Kurdish allies. Trump argues that the United States should withdraw from "endless" Middle East wars and protect its own borders. Turkey now faces threats of possible sanctions from the United States, a NATO ally, unless it calls off the incursion. Two other NATO allies, Germany and France, have suspended arms exports to Turkey, and French President Emmanuel Macron was convening an emergency defense cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss options regarding the offensive. A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington was studying "extremely troubling" reports that a Kurdish politician and captured Kurdish fighters were killed by Turkish proxy forces amid the offensive. More than 130,000 people have been displaced from rural areas around Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain as a result of the fighting, the United Nations said. The planned evacuation of U.S. forces came a week after Trump spoke by telephone with Erdogan and then abruptly shifted policy and withdrew about 50 U.S. troops deployed to support Kurdish forces in the campaign against Islamic State. "In the last 24 hours, we learned that (the Turks) likely intend to extend their attack further south than originally planned, and to the west," Esper said. "We also have learned in the last 24 hours that the ... SDF are looking to cut a deal, if you will, with the Syrians and the Russians to counter-attack against the Turks in the north." Syrian state media reported that the Syrian army has begun deploying its troops to northern battlefronts to confront "Turkish aggression" on Syrian territory. Esper called the situation "untenable" for U.S. forces, saying he spoke with Trump on Saturday night and that the president directed the U.S. military to "begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria". Erdogan told reporters that Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies had besieged Tel Abyad, a key border town west of Ras al-Ain. They later advanced into the centre of Tel Abyad where the situation was calm and they were conducting search operations, a Reuters witness said. Erdogan also said Turkish-led forces had killed 440 SDF fighters so far and captured 109 square km (42 square miles) of terrain, including 17 villages around Tel Abyad and four villages around Ras Al Ain.

US to pull last troops from north Syria; Syrian army to redeploy on border

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000. "I spoke with the president last night after discussions with the rest of the national security team and he directed that we begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria," Esper told CBS's Face the Nation. Esper told Fox News that the number of troops being pulled back totalled "less than a thousand." "I can't give a timeline because it changes hourly. We want to make sure that we do so in a very safe, deliberate manner, that we deconflict things as we go with those folks on the ground and immediate area." Fighting has engulfed the area since Wednesday when Ankara launched a long-threatened offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who it considers "terrorists" linked to insurgents inside Turkey. Trump has been accused of abandoning a loyal ally in the fight against IS after ordering American special forces to pull back from the border. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said an exodus sparked by the fighting had grown to 130,000 people and it was preparing for that figure to more than triple. US troops near the northern border came under artillery fire from Turkish positions on Friday, the Pentagon said, warning that the US was prepared to meet aggression with "immediate defensive action." The US military confirmed an explosion within a few hundred meters of its post near the town of Kobani, in an area "known by the Turks to have US forces present." "We find ourselves as we have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies and it's a very untenable situation," Esper told CBS. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Friday that Trump had authorized -- but not yet activated -- new sanctions to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action. "We can shut down all US dollar transactions with the entire government of Turkey," Mnuchin told ABC on Sunday. "It's something we may do. There's full authority and something at a moment's notice the president can tell me to do."

Pentagon says up to 1,000 US troops to withdraw from northern Syria

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with air strikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war.

The assault began days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-taken-most-dangerous-isis-fighters-in-syria-trump-254848">US President Donald Trump</a> pulled American troops out of the way, prompting denunciations from senior members of his own Republican Party who say he abandoned the Syrian Kurds, loyal allies of Washington.

"The Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army have launched the land operation into the east of the Euphrates river as part of the Operation Peace Spring," the Turkish defence ministry tweeted after nightfall, following a day of pounding the area from the air.

Turkish media reported troops entering Syria at four points, two of them close to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-backed-syrian-forces-halt-counter-islamic-state-operations-254831">Syrian town of Tel Abyad</a> and two close to Ras al Ain further east.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-deploys-tank-convoy-to-syrian-border-254803/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey told the United Nations Security Council in a letter that its military operation would be "proportionate, measured and responsible." The 15-member body will meet on Thursday to discuss Syria at the request of the five European members, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland.

The 22-member Arab League said it will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday.

Thousands of people fled Ras al Ain towards Hasaka province, held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Turkish air strikes killed at least five civilians and three fighters from the SDF and wounded dozens of civilians, the SDF said.

Large explosions were heard on the Turkish side of the frontier at Tel Abyad. After dark, the red flare of rockets could be seen fired across the border into Tel Abyad, and flames burned near the town. Explosions from Tel Abyad could be heard eight hours into the bombardment. A witness reached by telephone said civilians were fleeing en masse.

SDF fighters repelled a ground attack by Turkish troops in Tel Abyad, SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said on Twitter.

The assault on the Kurds - for years Washington's main allies on the ground in Syria - is potentially one of the biggest shifts in years in the Syrian war that has drawn in global and regional powers. The Kurds played a leading role in capturing territory from Islamic State, and now hold the largest swathe of Syria outside of the hands of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia, Assad's strongest foreign ally, urged dialogue between Damascus and Syria's Kurds.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday US troops started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump.

Trump called the Turkish assault a "bad idea" and said he did not endorse it. He said he expected Turkey to protect civilians and religious minorities and prevent a humanitarian crisis.

But one of Trump's closest fellow Republican allies, Senator Lindsey Graham, said failing to support the Kurds would be "the biggest mistake of his presidency" and unveiled a framework for sanctions on Turkey with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support," Graham said in a statement.

Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican hawk, said: "The US is abandoning our ally the Kurds, who fought ISIS (Islamic State) on the ground and helped protect the US homeland. This decision aids America’s adversaries, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, and paves the way for a resurgence of ISIS."

Trump's decision was denounced by some Kurds as a "stab in the back". The SDF controls much of the territory that was once held by Islamic State and holds thousands of Islamic State fighters and tens of thousands of their relatives in detention.

The US pullout has prompted concerns that some of those prisoners might escape in the chaos of the Turkish incursion.

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with air strikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war.

Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies attacked Kurdish militia in northeast Syria on Wednesday, pounding them with air strikes and artillery before starting a cross-border ground operation that could transform an eight-year-old war. The assault began days after US President Donald Trump pulled American troops out of the way, prompting denunciations from senior members of his own Republican Party who say he abandoned the Syrian Kurds, loyal allies of Washington. "The Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army have launched the land operation into the east of the Euphrates river as part of the Operation Peace Spring," the Turkish defence ministry tweeted after nightfall, following a day of pounding the area from the air. Turkish media reported troops entering Syria at four points, two of them close to the Syrian town of Tel Abyad and two close to Ras al Ain further east. Watch Video: Turkey told the United Nations Security Council in a letter that its military operation would be "proportionate, measured and responsible." The 15-member body will meet on Thursday to discuss Syria at the request of the five European members, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland. The 22-member Arab League said it will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday. Thousands of people fled Ras al Ain towards Hasaka province, held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Turkish air strikes killed at least five civilians and three fighters from the SDF and wounded dozens of civilians, the SDF said. Large explosions were heard on the Turkish side of the frontier at Tel Abyad. After dark, the red flare of rockets could be seen fired across the border into Tel Abyad, and flames burned near the town. Explosions from Tel Abyad could be heard eight hours into the bombardment. A witness reached by telephone said civilians were fleeing en masse. SDF fighters repelled a ground attack by Turkish troops in Tel Abyad, SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said on Twitter. The assault on the Kurds - for years Washington's main allies on the ground in Syria - is potentially one of the biggest shifts in years in the Syrian war that has drawn in global and regional powers. The Kurds played a leading role in capturing territory from Islamic State, and now hold the largest swathe of Syria outside of the hands of President Bashar al-Assad. Russia, Assad's strongest foreign ally, urged dialogue between Damascus and Syria's Kurds. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday US troops started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump. Trump called the Turkish assault a "bad idea" and said he did not endorse it. He said he expected Turkey to protect civilians and religious minorities and prevent a humanitarian crisis. But one of Trump's closest fellow Republican allies, Senator Lindsey Graham, said failing to support the Kurds would be "the biggest mistake of his presidency" and unveiled a framework for sanctions on Turkey with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. "While the Administration refuses to act against Turkey, I expect strong bipartisan support," Graham said in a statement. Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican hawk, said: "The US is abandoning our ally the Kurds, who fought ISIS (Islamic State) on the ground and helped protect the US homeland. This decision aids America’s adversaries, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, and paves the way for a resurgence of ISIS." Trump's decision was denounced by some Kurds as a "stab in the back". The SDF controls much of the territory that was once held by Islamic State and holds thousands of Islamic State fighters and tens of thousands of their relatives in detention. The US pullout has prompted concerns that some of those prisoners might escape in the chaos of the Turkish incursion.

Turkey launches land operation in northeast Syria; European members request UN meeting

Turkish troops and tanks entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rockets hit border towns in apparent retaliation and the United States urged Ankara to show restraint.

Turkey on Saturday launched operation &quot;Olive Branch&quot; seeking to oust from the Afrin region of northern Syria the Peoples&#39; Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara considers a terror group.

But the campaign risks further increasing tensions with Turkey&#39;s NATO ally Washington, which has supported the YPG in the fight against Islamic State (IS) jihadists and warned Ankara about distracting the focus from that fight.

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<h5>The United States, which has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State, has urged Ankara to show restraint</h5>
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In its first reaction to the offensive, the US State Department urged Turkey Sunday &quot;to exercise restraint and ensure that its military operations remain limited in scope and duration and scrupulous to avoid civilian casualties&quot;.

&quot;We call on all parties to remain focused on the central goal of defeating&quot; IS, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said troops crossed into YPG-controlled region in Syria at 0805 GMT, the Dogan news agency reported.

Thirty-two Turkish planes destroyed a total of 45 targets including ammunition dumps and refuges used by the YPG on the second day of the operation, the Turkish army said.

Turkish troops were advancing alongside forces from the Ankara-backed rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) and were already five kilometres (three miles) inside Syria, state media said.

An AFP photographer saw more Turkish tanks lined up at the border waiting to cross into Syrian territory.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in televised comments several villages had already been taken in the advance.

But a YPG spokesman claimed Turkish forces seeking to enter Afrin had been &quot;blocked&quot; and that it had hit two Turkish tanks.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a total of 18 civilians had been killed so far in the two-day operation. Ankara denied any civilian casualties, with Cavusoglu accusing the YPG of sending out &quot;nonsense propaganda and baseless lies&quot;.

&#39;A very short time&#39; 
In his first comments on the offensive since it began, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope the &quot;operation will be finished in a very short time&quot; and vowed &quot;we will not take a step back&quot;.

Following calls from some Turkish pro-Kurdish politicians for people to take to the streets, he warned that anyone protesting in Turkey against the operation would pay &quot;a heavy price&quot;.

Police stopped demonstrations against the campaign taking place in the mainly Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir and in Istanbul, making arrests, AFP correspondents said.

In a sign of the risks to Turkey, six rockets fired from Syria hit the Turkish border town of Reyhanli Sunday, killing one Syrian refugee and wounding 32 people, its mayor said.

Earlier, several rockets hit the Turkish border town of Kilis without causing fatalities.&nbsp;

The operation is Turkey&#39;s second major incursion into Syria during the seven-year civil war after the August 2016-March 2017 Euphrates Shield campaign in an area to the east of Afrin, against both the YPG and IS.

Turkey accuses the YPG of being the Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK) which has waged a rebellion in Turkey for more than three decades and is regarded as a terror group by Ankara and the EU and US.

Afrin is an enclave of YPG control, cut off from the longer strip of northern Syria that the group controls to the east, extending to the Iraqi border which has a US military presence.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag ruled out the risk of a clash with American forces, saying they were not present in the Afrin region.

Yildirim was quoted as saying that the Turkish forces aimed to create a security zone some 30 kilometres (18 miles) deep inside Syria.

&#39;Brutal degradation&#39; 
French Defence Minister Florence Parly said the fighting &quot;must stop&quot; as it could deter YPG fighters helping the international coalition against IS.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France was calling the UN Security Council meeting as it was deeply worried by the &quot;brutal degradation of the situation&quot; in flashpoints like Afrin.

Crucial is the attitude of Russia, which has a military presence in the area and is also working with Turkey on a drive to end the civil war.

The Russian foreign ministry voiced concern and urged Turkey to show restraint, while the defence ministry said its troops were withdrawing from the Afrin area to ensure their security and prevent any &quot;provocation&quot;.

The Turkish foreign ministry said it had informed the Syrian regime -- through its Istanbul consulate -- of the operation despite being at odds with Damascus throughout the civil war.

But the Syrian foreign ministry strongly denied this and President Bashar al-Assad slammed the offensive as &quot;support for terrorism&quot;.

Turkey is looking to oust the Peoples' Protection Units or YPG, which it considers a terrorist group, from the Afrin region of northern Syria

Turkish troops and tanks entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rockets hit border towns in apparent retaliation and the United States urged Ankara to show restraint. Turkey on Saturday launched operation "Olive Branch" seeking to oust from the Afrin region of northern Syria the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara considers a terror group. But the campaign risks further increasing tensions with Turkey's NATO ally Washington, which has supported the YPG in the fight against Islamic State (IS) jihadists and warned Ankara about distracting the focus from that fight. The United States, which has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State, has urged Ankara to show restraint × In its first reaction to the offensive, the US State Department urged Turkey Sunday "to exercise restraint and ensure that its military operations remain limited in scope and duration and scrupulous to avoid civilian casualties". "We call on all parties to remain focused on the central goal of defeating" IS, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said troops crossed into YPG-controlled region in Syria at 0805 GMT, the Dogan news agency reported. Thirty-two Turkish planes destroyed a total of 45 targets including ammunition dumps and refuges used by the YPG on the second day of the operation, the Turkish army said. Turkish troops were advancing alongside forces from the Ankara-backed rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) and were already five kilometres (three miles) inside Syria, state media said. An AFP photographer saw more Turkish tanks lined up at the border waiting to cross into Syrian territory. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in televised comments several villages had already been taken in the advance. But a YPG spokesman claimed Turkish forces seeking to enter Afrin had been "blocked" and that it had hit two Turkish tanks. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a total of 18 civilians had been killed so far in the two-day operation. Ankara denied any civilian casualties, with Cavusoglu accusing the YPG of sending out "nonsense propaganda and baseless lies". 'A very short time' In his first comments on the offensive since it began, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope the "operation will be finished in a very short time" and vowed "we will not take a step back". Following calls from some Turkish pro-Kurdish politicians for people to take to the streets, he warned that anyone protesting in Turkey against the operation would pay "a heavy price". Police stopped demonstrations against the campaign taking place in the mainly Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir and in Istanbul, making arrests, AFP correspondents said. In a sign of the risks to Turkey, six rockets fired from Syria hit the Turkish border town of Reyhanli Sunday, killing one Syrian refugee and wounding 32 people, its mayor said. Earlier, several rockets hit the Turkish border town of Kilis without causing fatalities. The operation is Turkey's second major incursion into Syria during the seven-year civil war after the August 2016-March 2017 Euphrates Shield campaign in an area to the east of Afrin, against both the YPG and IS. Turkey accuses the YPG of being the Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which has waged a rebellion in Turkey for more than three decades and is regarded as a terror group by Ankara and the EU and US. Afrin is an enclave of YPG control, cut off from the longer strip of northern Syria that the group controls to the east, extending to the Iraqi border which has a US military presence. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag ruled out the risk of a clash with American forces, saying they were not present in the Afrin region. Yildirim was quoted as saying that the Turkish forces aimed to create a security zone some 30 kilometres (18 miles) deep inside Syria. 'Brutal degradation' French Defence Minister Florence Parly said the fighting "must stop" as it could deter YPG fighters helping the international coalition against IS. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France was calling the UN Security Council meeting as it was deeply worried by the "brutal degradation of the situation" in flashpoints like Afrin. Crucial is the attitude of Russia, which has a military presence in the area and is also working with Turkey on a drive to end the civil war. The Russian foreign ministry voiced concern and urged Turkey to show restraint, while the defence ministry said its troops were withdrawing from the Afrin area to ensure their security and prevent any "provocation". The Turkish foreign ministry said it had informed the Syrian regime -- through its Istanbul consulate -- of the operation despite being at odds with Damascus throughout the civil war. But the Syrian foreign ministry strongly denied this and President Bashar al-Assad slammed the offensive as "support for terrorism".

Turkish troops, tanks enter Syria to fight Kurdish militia

Turkish ground troops entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rocket fire hit a border town in apparent retaliation.

Turkey on Saturday launched operation &quot;Olive Branch&quot; seeking to oust from the Afrin region of northern Syria the Peoples&#39; Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara considers a terror group.

But the campaign risks further increasing tensions with Turkey&#39;s NATO ally the United States -- which has supported the YPG in the fight against Islamic State jihadists -- and also needs at least the tacit support of Russia to succeed.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said troops crossed into the YPG-controlled region in Syria at 0805 GMT, the Dogan news agency reported.

Turkish artillery and warplanes pounded YPG sites around Afrin and total of 153 targets, including YPG refuges and weapons stores have now been hit, according to the army.

The state-run Anadolu news agency said the Turkish troops, whose number was not specified, were advancing alongside forces from the pro-Ankara rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) and were already five kilometres (three miles) inside Syria.

An AFP correspondent on the southwestern edge of the Afrin region saw a warplane bombing the western outskirts of the area early on Sunday.&nbsp;

A small unit from a Turkish-backed rebel group was manning a monitoring point on a hilltop overlooking several Kurdish-controlled villages below.

&#39;No need to worry&#39;&nbsp;

The operation is Turkey&#39;s second major incursion into Syria during the seven-year civil war after the August 2016-March 2017 Euphrates Shield campaign in an area to the east of Afrin against both the YPG and IS.

The army said IS was also being targeted in this operation although it no longer has any major presence in the Afrin area.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had repeatedly vowed that Turkey would root out the &quot;nests of terror&quot; in Syria of the YPG, which Ankara accuses of being the Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK).

The PKK, which has waged a rebellion in the Turkish southeast for more than three decades, is regarded as a terror group not just by Ankara and but also its Western allies.

Afrin is an enclave of YPG control, cut off from the longer strip of northern Syria that the group controls to the east extending to the Iraqi border. Turkey wants the YPG to retreat east of the Euphrates River.

Yildirim was quoted as saying that the Turkish forces aimed to create a security zone some 30 kilometres (18 miles) deep inside Syria.

The YPG said that after the first strikes on Saturday 10 people were killed, including seven civilians. The Turkish army said there were casualties but insisted they were all members either of the YPG or the PKK.

A YPG spokesman claimed that the Turkish forces had sought to enter Afrin &quot;but we blocked the attack&quot;.

In a sign of the risks to Turkey, four rockets fired by the YPG hit the border town of Kilis early Sunday, damaging one building and lightly wounding a woman.

&quot;No one lost their life,&quot; Kilis governor Mehmet Tekinarslan said, quoted by Dogan. &quot;They can fire one rocket at us and we will fire 100 back. There is no need to worry.&quot;

&#39;Russian green light?&#39; 

Turkey risks entering a diplomatic minefield with its action in Syria and the foreign ministry lost no time in inviting the ambassadors of all major powers to be briefed on the offensive.

The ministry said it had even informed Damascus through its Istanbul consulate. But the Syrian regime, which is at odds with Turkey, strongly denied this, denouncing the operation as a &quot;brutal Turkish aggression&quot;.

There was no immediate comment from the United States on the offensive but ahead of its launch, a senior State Department official had raised concerns it risked being harmful for security in the region.

But even more crucial is the attitude of Russia, which has a military presence in the area and is also working with Turkey on a drive to end the civil war.

The Russian foreign ministry voiced concern and urged Turkey to show restraint. And the defence ministry said its troops were withdrawing from the Afrin area to ensure their security and prevent any &quot;provocation&quot;. 
Timur Akhmetov, Ankara-based researcher at the Russian International Affairs Council, told AFP that Russia appeared to have given the &quot;green light&quot; to the operation but made clear it should not lead to destabilisation elsewhere.

&quot;I don&#39;t think Russia will agree to let Turkey occupy the whole Afrin region and insists on keeping the Syrian government in charge,&quot; he added.

Turkey on Saturday launched operation "Olive Branch" seeking to oust from the Afrin region of northern Syria the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara considers a terror group.

Turkish ground troops entered Syria on Sunday to push an offensive against Kurdish militia as rocket fire hit a border town in apparent retaliation. Turkey on Saturday launched operation "Olive Branch" seeking to oust from the Afrin region of northern Syria the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) which Ankara considers a terror group. But the campaign risks further increasing tensions with Turkey's NATO ally the United States -- which has supported the YPG in the fight against Islamic State jihadists -- and also needs at least the tacit support of Russia to succeed. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said troops crossed into the YPG-controlled region in Syria at 0805 GMT, the Dogan news agency reported. Turkish artillery and warplanes pounded YPG sites around Afrin and total of 153 targets, including YPG refuges and weapons stores have now been hit, according to the army. The state-run Anadolu news agency said the Turkish troops, whose number was not specified, were advancing alongside forces from the pro-Ankara rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) and were already five kilometres (three miles) inside Syria. An AFP correspondent on the southwestern edge of the Afrin region saw a warplane bombing the western outskirts of the area early on Sunday. A small unit from a Turkish-backed rebel group was manning a monitoring point on a hilltop overlooking several Kurdish-controlled villages below. 'No need to worry' The operation is Turkey's second major incursion into Syria during the seven-year civil war after the August 2016-March 2017 Euphrates Shield campaign in an area to the east of Afrin against both the YPG and IS. The army said IS was also being targeted in this operation although it no longer has any major presence in the Afrin area. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had repeatedly vowed that Turkey would root out the "nests of terror" in Syria of the YPG, which Ankara accuses of being the Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, which has waged a rebellion in the Turkish southeast for more than three decades, is regarded as a terror group not just by Ankara and but also its Western allies. Afrin is an enclave of YPG control, cut off from the longer strip of northern Syria that the group controls to the east extending to the Iraqi border. Turkey wants the YPG to retreat east of the Euphrates River. Yildirim was quoted as saying that the Turkish forces aimed to create a security zone some 30 kilometres (18 miles) deep inside Syria. The YPG said that after the first strikes on Saturday 10 people were killed, including seven civilians. The Turkish army said there were casualties but insisted they were all members either of the YPG or the PKK. A YPG spokesman claimed that the Turkish forces had sought to enter Afrin "but we blocked the attack". In a sign of the risks to Turkey, four rockets fired by the YPG hit the border town of Kilis early Sunday, damaging one building and lightly wounding a woman. "No one lost their life," Kilis governor Mehmet Tekinarslan said, quoted by Dogan. "They can fire one rocket at us and we will fire 100 back. There is no need to worry." 'Russian green light?' Turkey risks entering a diplomatic minefield with its action in Syria and the foreign ministry lost no time in inviting the ambassadors of all major powers to be briefed on the offensive. The ministry said it had even informed Damascus through its Istanbul consulate. But the Syrian regime, which is at odds with Turkey, strongly denied this, denouncing the operation as a "brutal Turkish aggression". There was no immediate comment from the United States on the offensive but ahead of its launch, a senior State Department official had raised concerns it risked being harmful for security in the region. But even more crucial is the attitude of Russia, which has a military presence in the area and is also working with Turkey on a drive to end the civil war. The Russian foreign ministry voiced concern and urged Turkey to show restraint. And the defence ministry said its troops were withdrawing from the Afrin area to ensure their security and prevent any "provocation". Timur Akhmetov, Ankara-based researcher at the Russian International Affairs Council, told AFP that Russia appeared to have given the "green light" to the operation but made clear it should not lead to destabilisation elsewhere. "I don't think Russia will agree to let Turkey occupy the whole Afrin region and insists on keeping the Syrian government in charge," he added.

Turkish troops enter Syria in operation against Kurdish militia

Air strikes by US-led coalition warplanes and artillery fire from Turkey killed eight Islamic State fighters in northern Syria, state-run Anadolu Agency cited the Turkish military as saying today. 
 
Ten Islamic State targets were hit in the strikes, which also destroyed one building used by the militants as a base, the agency said. 
 
It said Turkish army howitzers fired on the militants as they were preparing to open fire on Turkey on Saturday from the areas of Baragitah, Tel Ahmar and Shabaniye in northern Syria. 
 
Turkey and the coalition have carried out regular strikes against Islamic State in the area in recent months after rocket attacks by the militants on the Turkish border town of Kilis. 
 
Kilis, just across the frontier from an Islamic State-controlled region of Syria, has been hit by rockets more than 70 times this year. More than 20 people have been killed. 
 
(Reuters)

Ten IS targets were hit in the strikes, which also destroyed a building used by the militants as a base, Anadolu Agency reported

Air strikes by US-led coalition warplanes and artillery fire from Turkey killed eight Islamic State fighters in northern Syria, state-run Anadolu Agency cited the Turkish military as saying today. Ten Islamic State targets were hit in the strikes, which also destroyed one building used by the militants as a base, the agency said. It said Turkish army howitzers fired on the militants as they were preparing to open fire on Turkey on Saturday from the areas of Baragitah, Tel Ahmar and Shabaniye in northern Syria. Turkey and the coalition have carried out regular strikes against Islamic State in the area in recent months after rocket attacks by the militants on the Turkish border town of Kilis. Kilis, just across the frontier from an Islamic State-controlled region of Syria, has been hit by rockets more than 70 times this year. More than 20 people have been killed. (Reuters)

US-led coalition air strikes, Turkish artillery fire kill 8 Islamic State militants

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Turkish troops, tanks enter Syria to fight Kurdish militia

Turkish troops enter Syria in operation against Kurdish militia

US-led coalition air strikes, Turkish artillery fire kill 8 Islamic State militants