Four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-turkish-soldier-killed-during-syria-operation-defence-ministry-255146">Turkish soldiers</a> were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said.

Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets".

The ministry said the soldiers came under attack despite previous coordination on where they would be in the region.

It added Turkey was following the latest developments closely and that the necessary measures would be taken.

Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region as part of a Turkey-Russia deal to prevent a regime offensive.

The deaths come after local media reported Sunday that Turkey's military sent reinforcements to the region to bolster the forces stationed at the posts.

The Syrian regime, supported by Russian airstrikes, has intensified its assault in recent weeks against Idlib, the last major opposition bastion.

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-says-trump-can-waive-sanctions-on-turkey-report-236013">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> last week warned Ankara could use "military force" against Syria as he hit out against the "cruelty" of the Damascus regime.

Turkey, which is home to over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, fears another influx from renewed violence in Idlib.

Hundreds of thousands of people have already been displaced in the region, while many of them have fled towards the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-success-on-turkey-syria-border-safe-zone-created-trump-257746">Turkey-Syria border</a>.

Erdogan previously said Turkey was building homes on the Syrian side of the border to shelter those fleeing.

Four Turkish soldiers were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said. Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets".

Four Turkish soldiers were killed Monday by Syrian regime shelling in the northwestern region of Idlib, Turkey's defence ministry said. Nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Turkish forces retaliated and "destroyed targets". The ministry said the soldiers came under attack despite previous coordination on where they would be in the region. It added Turkey was following the latest developments closely and that the necessary measures would be taken. Turkey has 12 observation posts in the region as part of a Turkey-Russia deal to prevent a regime offensive. The deaths come after local media reported Sunday that Turkey's military sent reinforcements to the region to bolster the forces stationed at the posts. The Syrian regime, supported by Russian airstrikes, has intensified its assault in recent weeks against Idlib, the last major opposition bastion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week warned Ankara could use "military force" against Syria as he hit out against the "cruelty" of the Damascus regime. Turkey, which is home to over 3.5 million Syrian refugees, fears another influx from renewed violence in Idlib. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been displaced in the region, while many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border. Erdogan previously said Turkey was building homes on the Syrian side of the border to shelter those fleeing.

Four Turkish soldiers killed by Syria regime shelling in Idlib

Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Syria</a>'s northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and&nbsp;regime&nbsp;backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave.

An airstrike also killed at least nine civilians in the same area, where the latest government offensive has caused one of the nine-year-old&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;conflict's worst waves of displacement.

The tit-for-tat shelling between Damascus and Ankara was the deadliest since&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Turkey&nbsp;</a>deployed troops in Syria in 2016 and escalated tensions between the conflict's two top foreign brokers.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Airstrikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive</a>

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Recep Tayyip Erdogan </a>offered rare criticism of Russia last week, accusing it of "not honouring" agreements to prevent a&nbsp;regime&nbsp;offensive on the northwestern region of Idlib.

The overnight exchange began with&nbsp;regime&nbsp;shelling on Turkish positions in Idlib, according to the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.

The attack killed four Turkish soldiers and wounded nine others despite previous coordination on where Ankara's forces would be in the region,&nbsp;Turkey's defence ministry said.

Watch:&nbsp;Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian defence ministry said Ankara had failed to give prior warning of its troop movements at the time of the incident.

Retaliatory rocket attacks by Ankara on&nbsp;regime&nbsp;positions later killed at least 13&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government troops and wounded 20 others in Idlib and the neighbouring provinces of Hama and Latakia, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;army had not suffered any casualties.

Ongoing operation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Erdogan </a>called it an "ongoing operation," and said that 30 to 35&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;forces were "neutralised" in the counterattack that targeted 40 locations.

He said it was not possible for&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;to "remain silent" when its forces were being killed, warning Russia not to stand in the way of its response.

The violence in Idlib has displaced more than 388,000 people since December, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations</a>, forcing many of them towards&nbsp;Turkey's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">UN </a>Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for an end to the fighting but airstrikes, many of them carried out by Russian aircraft, have continued.

On Monday, at least nine civilians were killed in an airstrike on northwest Syria where similar raids a day earlier had killed 14 civilians, according to the Observatory..

The&nbsp;regime&nbsp;now controls more than two-thirds of Syria, up from a barely a fifth before Russia's military might came to the rescue in 2015.

Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and regime backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave.

Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday, further raising tension between Ankara and regime backer Moscow over the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave. An airstrike also killed at least nine civilians in the same area, where the latest government offensive has caused one of the nine-year-old Syrian conflict's worst waves of displacement. The tit-for-tat shelling between Damascus and Ankara was the deadliest since Turkey deployed troops in Syria in 2016 and escalated tensions between the conflict's two top foreign brokers. Also read: Airstrikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia last week, accusing it of "not honouring" agreements to prevent a regime offensive on the northwestern region of Idlib. The overnight exchange began with regime shelling on Turkish positions in Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. The attack killed four Turkish soldiers and wounded nine others despite previous coordination on where Ankara's forces would be in the region, Turkey's defence ministry said. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The Russian defence ministry said Ankara had failed to give prior warning of its troop movements at the time of the incident. Retaliatory rocket attacks by Ankara on regime positions later killed at least 13 Syrian government troops and wounded 20 others in Idlib and the neighbouring provinces of Hama and Latakia, the Observatory said. The Syrian army had not suffered any casualties. Ongoing operation Erdogan called it an "ongoing operation," and said that 30 to 35 Syrian forces were "neutralised" in the counterattack that targeted 40 locations. He said it was not possible for Turkey to "remain silent" when its forces were being killed, warning Russia not to stand in the way of its response. The violence in Idlib has displaced more than 388,000 people since December, according to the United Nations, forcing many of them towards Turkey's border. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for an end to the fighting but airstrikes, many of them carried out by Russian aircraft, have continued. On Monday, at least nine civilians were killed in an airstrike on northwest Syria where similar raids a day earlier had killed 14 civilians, according to the Observatory.. The regime now controls more than two-thirds of Syria, up from a barely a fifth before Russia's military might came to the rescue in 2015.

Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria</a>.

"We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria </a>was also "continuously threatening our country with migration," he said during a speech in Ankara.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya</a>

"Turkey with complete sincerity wants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria</a>'s stability and security, and to this end, we will not shy away from doing whatever is necessary including using military force."

He also said Turkey "could not stand by as mere spectators as new threats come towards our borders".

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been displaced in Idlib since December after months of bombardment in the last rebel-held region in Syria's northwest.

Many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border, where Erdogan has said Ankara is building homes in a bid to prevent further migration.

Turkey already shelters more than 3.5 million Syrians.

Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

State news agency Anadolu reported Wednesday that the Turkish army sent reinforcements to Reyhanli, a Turkish border town near Idlib.

Erdogan said the only solution for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-strikes-hit-syria-rebel-bastion-as-army-advances-277566">Syria </a>was a political process involving all citizens.

He hit out at unnamed countries who "give courage to the regime" in a bid to ensure the crisis continues.

Earlier this week, Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia, accusing Moscow of "not honouring" agreements made with Ankara to prevent a regime offensive on Idlib.

Despite Russia assisting Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">Bashar al-Assad </a>and Turkey supporting opposition fighters, Ankara and Moscow have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year war.

Ten civilians were reportedly killed Thursday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russian airstrikes </a>despite a ceasefire announcement, though Moscow denied it.

Turkey has previously launched three military operations against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and a Syrian Kurdish militia in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. "We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hit out Friday at the Damascus regime's "cruelty", warning Turkey was prepared to use "military force" again in Syria. "We will not allow the regime's cruelty towards its own people, with attacks and causing bloodshed," Erdogan said. Syria was also "continuously threatening our country with migration," he said during a speech in Ankara. Also read: Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya "Turkey with complete sincerity wants Syria's stability and security, and to this end, we will not shy away from doing whatever is necessary including using military force." He also said Turkey "could not stand by as mere spectators as new threats come towards our borders". Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been displaced in Idlib since December after months of bombardment in the last rebel-held region in Syria's northwest. Many of them have fled towards the Turkey-Syria border, where Erdogan has said Ankara is building homes in a bid to prevent further migration. Turkey already shelters more than 3.5 million Syrians. Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan State news agency Anadolu reported Wednesday that the Turkish army sent reinforcements to Reyhanli, a Turkish border town near Idlib. Erdogan said the only solution for Syria was a political process involving all citizens. He hit out at unnamed countries who "give courage to the regime" in a bid to ensure the crisis continues. Earlier this week, Erdogan offered rare criticism of Russia, accusing Moscow of "not honouring" agreements made with Ankara to prevent a regime offensive on Idlib. Despite Russia assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey supporting opposition fighters, Ankara and Moscow have worked closely to try to resolve the nine-year war. Ten civilians were reportedly killed Thursday by Russian airstrikes despite a ceasefire announcement, though Moscow denied it. Turkey has previously launched three military operations against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria and a Syrian Kurdish militia in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Turkey President Erdogan threatens 'military force' against Syria

Airstrikes&nbsp;killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>'s rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian </a>defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Syria</a>."

The government and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Russian</a> allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bombing-kills-7-in-syrias-rebel-held-azaz-monitor-276730">Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz</a>

Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains.

Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said.

The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions.

Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks.&nbsp;

Ground offensive 

The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said.

Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/baby-born-as-earthquake-rocks-turkey-276939">Turkey</a> went into effect on January 12.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-pulled-from-rubble-as-turkey-quake-toll-hits-35-276666">Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35</a>

But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance.&nbsp;

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan </a>accused Moscow&nbsp;on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area.

It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> since a 2016 rapprochement.

Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">President Bashar al-Assad</a> in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-12-civilians-monitor-275774">Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians</a>

Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment.

The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to&nbsp;second city Aleppo.

The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive.

Airstrikes killed 10 civilians near a bakery and a medical clinic in Syria's rebel-held Idlib region on Thursday, as government forces kept up a ground offensive. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian warplanes hit the Idlib province town of Ariha, but the Russian defence ministry said its "aviation did not carry out any combat tasks in this area of Syria." The government and its Russian allies have upped their deadly bombardment of Syria's last major rebel bastion, slowly chipping away at it from the south. Also read: Car bombing kills 7 in Syria's rebel-held Azaz Rebel-held territory has shrunk to just over half of Idlib province, along with slivers of neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia, following a series of government gains. Early on Thursday, Russian airstrikes hit near a bakery and the Al-Shami clinic in Ariha which is now out of service, the Observatory said. The monitor says it determines whose planes carried out strikes according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions. Nearby, three entire buildings had collapsed and several vehicles were reduced to mangled wrecks. Ground offensive The latest deaths bring to 21 the number of civilians killed by Russian airstrikes in Idlib since Wednesday, the Observatory said. Earlier this month, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since a ceasefire it agreed with rebel supporter Turkey went into effect on January 12. Also read: Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35 But the truce has since become a dead letter and the number of reported Russian raids has risen sharply in an area dominated by jihadists of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham alliance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Moscow on Wednesday of "not honouring" several deals intended to avert a broad military offensive in the area. It was a rare critical remark from Erdogan, who has largely sought to keep good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin since a 2016 rapprochement. Thousands of Russian troops are deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground. Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep President Bashar al-Assad in power and started a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war. Also read: Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians Government forces pushed north from Maaret al-Numan, on Thursday towards the town of Saraqib, whose residents have mostly fled in the face of heavy bombardment. The front line is now within five kilometres of the town, the Observatory said. Both Maarat al-Numan and Saraqib lie on the key M5 highway connecting the capital Damascus to second city Aleppo. The road has been in the government's sights as it seeks to revive a moribund economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Some 50 kilometres of the M5 remain outside regime control, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Air strikes kill at least 10 in Syria's Idlib as government forces continue offensive

World leaders were poised to commit to ending all foreign meddling in Libya's war at a Berlin summit Sunday, but calls were growing for an international force to ensure that pledges are put into action.

The presidents of Russia, Turkey and France were among global chiefs at the talks held under the auspices of the United Nations, which wants foreign powers wielding influence in the region to stop interfering in the war -- be it through weapons, troops or financing.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/libya-peace-summit-rivals-their-allies-kick-off-talks-275324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-envoy-to-libya-hopes-but-cannot-predict-the-reopening-of-libya-oil-ports-275203">UN envoy to Libya hopes but 'cannot predict' the reopening of Libya oil ports</a>

Leaders of both warring factions -- strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj -- were also in Berlin for the first such gathering since 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-calls-on-europe-to-support-turkeys-moves-in-libya-275097">Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya</a>

But pro-Haftar forces upped the ante on the eve of the talks by blocking oil exports at Libya's key ports, crippling the country's main income source in protest at Turkey's decision to send troops to shore up Sarraj's Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

Ahead of the talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Haftar, saying he needed to drop his "hostile attitude" if Libya is to have any chance at winning peace.

The flaring oil crisis underlined the devastating impact of foreign influence in the conflict, in which Sarraj's GNA is backed by Turkey and Qatar while Haftar has the support of Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Voicing his "acute concerns over the arrival of Syrian and foreign fighters in the city of Tripoli", France's President Emmanuel Macron said as the Berlin summit opened that "that must end".&nbsp;

If all goes to plan, all sides will sign up to a plan to refrain from interference, and commit to a truce that leads to a lasting end to hostilities, according to a draft of a final communique seen by AFP.&nbsp;

That document also urges all parties to re-commit to a much-violated UN arms embargo and raises the prospect of intra-Libyan political talks in Geneva at the end of the month.

But with warnings multiplying that pledges are often little respected in reality, calls have grown for international monitors to police the promises.

'Protection troops?'&nbsp;

Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Most recently, Sarraj's troops in Tripoli have been under attack since April from Haftar's forces.

Clashes since April have killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displaced tens of thousands, until a fragile ceasefire backed by both Ankara and Moscow was put in place on January 12.

In the latest apparent ceasefire violation, GNA forces on Sunday accused Haftar's militia of opening fire on them in southern Tripoli.

Sarraj has issued a plea for international "protection troops" if Haftar were to keep up his offensive, echoing a similar call by the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell, who stressed that monitors must be present to check that any ceasefire and weapons embargo are respected.

With the idea gathering pace, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said London would be ready to send "people and experts" to help monitor a Libya ceasefire.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte likewise said his country "is ready to bring its contribution".

Russia also appeared open to the idea, with President Vladimir Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov saying that the "idea must be discussed on the basis of consensus."

'Second Syria'&nbsp;

Although Sarraj's government is recognised by the UN, powerful players have broken away to stand behind Haftar -- turning a domestic conflict into what some have described as a proxy war in which international powers jostle to secure their own interests.

Russia has been accused of sending in mercenaries to help Haftar as Moscow seeks to extend its influence in the region, allegations it denies.

For Turkey, the fall of Sarraj's GNA could jeopardise a maritime boundary agreement the parties signed. It gives Ankara extensive rights over the eastern Mediterranean where the recent discovery of undersea gas reserves has triggered a scramble by littoral states.&nbsp;

Erdogan has repeatedly urged Europe to stand united behind Sarraj's government, warning that Tripoli's fall could allow jihadist groups like the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda to regroup.

He has also cautioned that further unrest could prompt a new wave of migrants to head for Europe.

Underlining the stakes involved, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said "we have to make sure Libya doesn't become a second Syria."

World leaders were poised to commit to ending all foreign meddling in Libya's war at a Berlin summit Sunday, but calls were growing for an international force to ensure that pledges are put into action.

World leaders were poised to commit to ending all foreign meddling in Libya's war at a Berlin summit Sunday, but calls were growing for an international force to ensure that pledges are put into action. The presidents of Russia, Turkey and France were among global chiefs at the talks held under the auspices of the United Nations, which wants foreign powers wielding influence in the region to stop interfering in the war -- be it through weapons, troops or financing. Watch: Also read: UN envoy to Libya hopes but 'cannot predict' the reopening of Libya oil ports Leaders of both warring factions -- strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj -- were also in Berlin for the first such gathering since 2018. Also read: Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya But pro-Haftar forces upped the ante on the eve of the talks by blocking oil exports at Libya's key ports, crippling the country's main income source in protest at Turkey's decision to send troops to shore up Sarraj's Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). Ahead of the talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Haftar, saying he needed to drop his "hostile attitude" if Libya is to have any chance at winning peace. The flaring oil crisis underlined the devastating impact of foreign influence in the conflict, in which Sarraj's GNA is backed by Turkey and Qatar while Haftar has the support of Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Voicing his "acute concerns over the arrival of Syrian and foreign fighters in the city of Tripoli", France's President Emmanuel Macron said as the Berlin summit opened that "that must end". If all goes to plan, all sides will sign up to a plan to refrain from interference, and commit to a truce that leads to a lasting end to hostilities, according to a draft of a final communique seen by AFP. That document also urges all parties to re-commit to a much-violated UN arms embargo and raises the prospect of intra-Libyan political talks in Geneva at the end of the month. But with warnings multiplying that pledges are often little respected in reality, calls have grown for international monitors to police the promises. 'Protection troops?' Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Most recently, Sarraj's troops in Tripoli have been under attack since April from Haftar's forces. Clashes since April have killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displaced tens of thousands, until a fragile ceasefire backed by both Ankara and Moscow was put in place on January 12. In the latest apparent ceasefire violation, GNA forces on Sunday accused Haftar's militia of opening fire on them in southern Tripoli. Sarraj has issued a plea for international "protection troops" if Haftar were to keep up his offensive, echoing a similar call by the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell, who stressed that monitors must be present to check that any ceasefire and weapons embargo are respected. With the idea gathering pace, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said London would be ready to send "people and experts" to help monitor a Libya ceasefire. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte likewise said his country "is ready to bring its contribution". Russia also appeared open to the idea, with President Vladimir Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov saying that the "idea must be discussed on the basis of consensus." 'Second Syria' Although Sarraj's government is recognised by the UN, powerful players have broken away to stand behind Haftar -- turning a domestic conflict into what some have described as a proxy war in which international powers jostle to secure their own interests. Russia has been accused of sending in mercenaries to help Haftar as Moscow seeks to extend its influence in the region, allegations it denies. For Turkey, the fall of Sarraj's GNA could jeopardise a maritime boundary agreement the parties signed. It gives Ankara extensive rights over the eastern Mediterranean where the recent discovery of undersea gas reserves has triggered a scramble by littoral states. Erdogan has repeatedly urged Europe to stand united behind Sarraj's government, warning that Tripoli's fall could allow jihadist groups like the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda to regroup. He has also cautioned that further unrest could prompt a new wave of migrants to head for Europe. Underlining the stakes involved, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said "we have to make sure Libya doesn't become a second Syria."

World powers to vow end to Libya meddling at Berlin summit

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-ready-to-teach-a-lesson-to-haftar-if-libyan-forces-continue-attacks-274241">Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>&nbsp;has called on&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;to&nbsp;support&nbsp;its work in&nbsp;Libya, where it is providing military&nbsp;support&nbsp;to the internationally-recognized government if it wants to end the conflict there.

Erdogan&nbsp;made his remarks in a column published on the&nbsp;Politico&nbsp;website on Saturday, ahead of a summit in Berlin on Sunday that will try to stabilize the country.

At the meeting, Germany and the United Nations will push rival&nbsp;Libyan camps fighting over the capital, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-take-part-in-libya-peace-conference-in-germany-274938">Tripoli</a>, to agree to a truce and monitoring mechanism as first steps towards peace, diplomats and a draft communique said.

Turkey&nbsp;supports the government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/general-haftar-ready-to-abide-by-ongoing-ceasefire-in-libya-germany-274749">Fayez al-Serraj</a> in Tripoli and describes Khalifa Haftar, who heads the eastern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-libyan-national-army-and-government-of-national-accord-blame-each-other-for-violating-ceasefire-273802">Libyan National Army</a> (LNA), as a coup plotter.

Watch:&nbsp;9 month long civil war comes to an end, Haftar Committed to Libya Ceasefire

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"Keeping in mind that&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;is less interested in providing military&nbsp;support&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya, the obvious choice is to work with Turkey, which has already promised military assistance,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;wrote.

"We will train&nbsp;Libya's security forces and help them combat terrorism, human trafficking and other serious threats against international security," he added.

Sunday's summit will put pressure on Haftar and the LNA to halt a nine-month offensive against Tripoli after a week-long lull in fighting. But it will not try to broker power-sharing between the two sides, said diplomats briefed on preparations.

Haftar and Serraj are both due in Berlin along with&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;and the leaders of Russia, Egypt, and other Western and Arab powers.&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Erdogan&nbsp;said that if&nbsp;Libya's legitimate government were to fall Islamist militant groups such as Islamic State and Al Qaeda "will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet".

Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Sudanese and Chadian fighters, and most recently Russian mercenaries. France has also given some&nbsp;support.

On the other side, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-lifts-ban-on-worlds-largest-encyclopedia-after-two-years-wikipedia-274791">Turkey</a> has&nbsp;supported Serraj by sending troops to balance out recent gains by Russian snipers. Hundreds of pro-Turkey fighters from Syria's war have also been deployed, diplomats say.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on Europe to support its work in Libya, where it is providing military support to the internationally-recognized government if it wants to end the conflict there.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on Europe to support its work in Libya, where it is providing military support to the internationally-recognized government if it wants to end the conflict there. Erdogan made his remarks in a column published on the Politico website on Saturday, ahead of a summit in Berlin on Sunday that will try to stabilize the country. At the meeting, Germany and the United Nations will push rival Libyan camps fighting over the capital, Tripoli, to agree to a truce and monitoring mechanism as first steps towards peace, diplomats and a draft communique said. Turkey supports the government of Fayez al-Serraj in Tripoli and describes Khalifa Haftar, who heads the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA), as a coup plotter. Watch: 9 month long civil war comes to an end, Haftar Committed to Libya Ceasefire × "Keeping in mind that Europe is less interested in providing military support to Libya, the obvious choice is to work with Turkey, which has already promised military assistance," Erdogan wrote. "We will train Libya's security forces and help them combat terrorism, human trafficking and other serious threats against international security," he added. Sunday's summit will put pressure on Haftar and the LNA to halt a nine-month offensive against Tripoli after a week-long lull in fighting. But it will not try to broker power-sharing between the two sides, said diplomats briefed on preparations. Haftar and Serraj are both due in Berlin along with Erdogan and the leaders of Russia, Egypt, and other Western and Arab powers. Libya has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Erdogan said that if Libya's legitimate government were to fall Islamist militant groups such as Islamic State and Al Qaeda "will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet". Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Sudanese and Chadian fighters, and most recently Russian mercenaries. France has also given some support. On the other side, Turkey has supported Serraj by sending troops to balance out recent gains by Russian snipers. Hundreds of pro-Turkey fighters from Syria's war have also been deployed, diplomats say.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls on Europe to support Turkey's moves in Libya

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Khalifa Haftar </a>to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.

Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.&nbsp;

"We are waiting for our Russian friends to succeed in convincing Haftar," Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-will-retaliate-against-any-sanctions-ahead-of-us-vote-267704">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> told a news conference.

In a statement read by his spokesman Ahmad al-Mesmari, Haftar claimed that a revival of the political process and the country's stability could only be assured by the "eradication of terrorist groups" and the dissolution of militia controlling Tripoli.

An adviser to Haftar later told AFP that Haftar's position did not amount to a rejection of the ceasefire initiative, but rather "conditions that must be fulfilled" ahead of any truce.

Haftar's forces in April launched an offensive against the capital, seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> and his Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-makes-worlds-best-cheese-thanks-to-putins-sanctions-war-264952">Vladimir Putin</a> called for a ceasefire on Wednesday in Istanbul.

Cavusoglu accused "regional nations" -- a reference to Arab countries backing Haftar and also to France -- of opposing a ceasefire.

"France is looking for any means to sabotage any initiative of which is not party to," he said.

Turkey last week started deploying troops in Libya to back the GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj.

Cavusoglu also said Saturday that a new ceasefire brokered by Ankara and Moscow was due to come into force at 0001 GMT Sunday in Idlib, the last rebel bastion in Syria's northwest.

"We hope that it will be lasting this time and that Russia will be able to control the regime forces," he said.

Russia is a key backer of the Syrian regime of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">Bashar al-Assad</a>.

The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 and has claimed more than 380,000 lives and displaced millions.

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected.

Turkey on Saturday asked Russia to convince eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. Khalifa Haftar to respect a ceasefire initiative by Ankara and Moscow that he has rejected. "We are waiting for our Russian friends to succeed in convincing Haftar," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a news conference. In a statement read by his spokesman Ahmad al-Mesmari, Haftar claimed that a revival of the political process and the country's stability could only be assured by the "eradication of terrorist groups" and the dissolution of militia controlling Tripoli. An adviser to Haftar later told AFP that Haftar's position did not amount to a rejection of the ceasefire initiative, but rather "conditions that must be fulfilled" ahead of any truce. Haftar's forces in April launched an offensive against the capital, seat of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin called for a ceasefire on Wednesday in Istanbul. Cavusoglu accused "regional nations" -- a reference to Arab countries backing Haftar and also to France -- of opposing a ceasefire. "France is looking for any means to sabotage any initiative of which is not party to," he said. Turkey last week started deploying troops in Libya to back the GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj. Cavusoglu also said Saturday that a new ceasefire brokered by Ankara and Moscow was due to come into force at 0001 GMT Sunday in Idlib, the last rebel bastion in Syria's northwest. "We hope that it will be lasting this time and that Russia will be able to control the regime forces," he said. Russia is a key backer of the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 and has claimed more than 380,000 lives and displaced millions.

Turkey asks Russia to convince Libyan general to accept truce

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">killing</a> of a&nbsp;top&nbsp;general and turmoil in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> will hold talks with German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets <a href="https://t.co/ZusR628AYx">https://t.co/ZusR628AYx</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJn09l0VWe">pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe</a>
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E/status/1215291712173694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker.

German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">Heiko Maas</a>, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was the escalating crisis in&nbsp;Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria".

"We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin."

Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters.

Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for a ceasefire in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Tripoli</a> government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government.

Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed&nbsp;top&nbsp;Iranian commander General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a drone strike close to Baghdad.

Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran gives black box to Ukraine

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Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops.

While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East".

Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal.

The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies.

The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people.

Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders.

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Thanked <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> for German support and sympathy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ps752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ps752</a> tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January.
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1215373166224330752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Vadym Prystaiko</a> tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks.

Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany. Russia's Vladimir Putin will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea. #Crimea: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets https://t.co/ZusR628AYx pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe — President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 9, 2020 × Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the meeting was the escalating crisis in Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria". "We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin." Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on Libya later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in Libya on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict. While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed Tripoli government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government. Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire. The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike close to Baghdad. Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region". Watch: Iran gives black box to Ukraine × Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops. While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East". Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal. The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested Iran downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies. The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine. The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people. Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders. Thanked @HeikoMaas for German support and sympathy after #ps752 tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 9, 2020 × Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks. Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by Iran tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

Libya and Iran top agenda in Merkel-Putin meeting

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> will host Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Qasem Soleimani</a> by the United States.&nbsp;

Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea.

TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine.

But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2.

The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey&nbsp;two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet.

They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya.

Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;

Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow.&nbsp;

But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow.

"The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said.&nbsp;

Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship.&nbsp;

Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border.&nbsp;

Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year.

"Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea."

Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system.

Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016.&nbsp;

The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent".

The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles).

The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.

Vladimir Putin visits Turkey to talk Libya, Syria and gas

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-saudi-foreign-minister-faisal-bin-farhan-al-saud-to-visit-today-270275">Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud</a> arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan.

The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport. Both sides, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) office here, discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interest, Dawn reported.

The Saudi foreign minister is also expected to meet Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Imran Khan </a>and other leaders during his one-day trip.

This is the first visit by the current Saudi foreign minister since he assumed office in October.

Earlier, a diplomatic source told Dawn that the purpose of the trip is to thank Prime Minister Imran Khan for not attending Kuala Lumpur Summit.

The source added that the visit was scheduled only a couple of days ago.

"The purpose of the visit is to thank Prime Minister Khan for his decision of not attending Kuala Lumpur summit, and express solidarity with Islamabad after Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>'s allegations that Saudi pressure forced Pakistan to skip the event," he said on conditions of anonymity.

"The Saudis also want to dispel the impression, which was reinforced by Erdogan's allegations, that their attitude towards Islamabad is patronising," he added.

Earlier this month, Khan had decided not to attend the Islamic summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur and was attended by leaders of Muslim countries, including Iran, Qatar, and Turkey as well as religious scholars.

The decision was reportedly taken after Saudi Arabia expressed its displeasure over Pakistan's decision to participate. Riyadh sees the summit as an attempt to present an alternative to the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The decision came as a surprise because the Pakistan prime minister was the one with whom his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad was about to address the summit.

However, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had rejected claims that Khan's decision was taken due to pressure from Riyadh.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan. The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan. The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport. Both sides, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) office here, discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interest, Dawn reported. The Saudi foreign minister is also expected to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and other leaders during his one-day trip. This is the first visit by the current Saudi foreign minister since he assumed office in October. Earlier, a diplomatic source told Dawn that the purpose of the trip is to thank Prime Minister Imran Khan for not attending Kuala Lumpur Summit. The source added that the visit was scheduled only a couple of days ago. "The purpose of the visit is to thank Prime Minister Khan for his decision of not attending Kuala Lumpur summit, and express solidarity with Islamabad after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's allegations that Saudi pressure forced Pakistan to skip the event," he said on conditions of anonymity. "The Saudis also want to dispel the impression, which was reinforced by Erdogan's allegations, that their attitude towards Islamabad is patronising," he added. Earlier this month, Khan had decided not to attend the Islamic summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur and was attended by leaders of Muslim countries, including Iran, Qatar, and Turkey as well as religious scholars. The decision was reportedly taken after Saudi Arabia expressed its displeasure over Pakistan's decision to participate. Riyadh sees the summit as an attempt to present an alternative to the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The decision came as a surprise because the Pakistan prime minister was the one with whom his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad was about to address the summit. However, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had rejected claims that Khan's decision was taken due to pressure from Riyadh.

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Pakistan to thank Imran for pulling out of Malaysia summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-says-muslim-nations-considering-trade-through-gold-barter-system-to-avoid-sanctions-269452">Malaysia </a>as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia.

It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

“Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They (&nbsp;threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers)&nbsp;back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said.&nbsp;

The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute.

Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties".

"This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added.&nbsp;

Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues. &nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily. “Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They ( threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers) back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said. The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations. Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute. Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties". "This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added. Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues.

Saudi pressured Pakistan to withdraw from Malaysia summit: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-foreign-minister-meets-newly-elected-sri-lankan-president-in-colombo-visit-265764">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here.

As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister boycotted Singh`s speech as a mark of protest over India`s move to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution that accorded special status to Kashmir.

In September, Qureshi had similarly boycotted Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar`s speech at a SAARC ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2019-what-to-expect-at-the-74th-session-this-week-251385">UN General Assembly in New York</a>.

The meeting saw high-voltage drama with Qureshi first holding up the meeting and then refusing to attend the conference until Jaishankar finished his statement.

Responding to Pakistan`s disruption of the meeting, Jaishankar left after addressing the gathering which included leaders and representatives from the regional organisation.It was only after Jaishankar left that Qureshi made an entrance at least half an hour after the meeting had commenced.

Meanwhile, Monday`s conference themed `Peace, Partnership, Prosperity` was innagurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the Dolmabahce Palace, located on the Bosphorous Strait.

In his speech, Erdogan called on the international community to boost investments in Afghanistan during "sensitive" times the country has been going through.

"Afghanistan has been going through a sensitive period. As international community, we need to boost the investments we have been making for Afghanistan for the last 18 years," he added.

The initiative "aims to enhance regional cooperation towards Afghanistan," the Turkish foreign ministry said.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process - a regional initiative of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-wants-to-make-a-deal-trump-in-afghanistan-265151">Afghanistan</a> and Turkey launched in 2011 - has two chairs with Afghanistan as the permanent chair, and a co-chair from among the member states that shifts each year.

"The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence-building measures," according to the organisation`s website.

At the ongoing conference, Turkey will hand over its co-chairmanship, which it assumed in 2017 at the 7th Ministerial Conference in Baku, to Tajikistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here. As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here. As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out. The Pakistan Foreign Minister boycotted Singh`s speech as a mark of protest over India`s move to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution that accorded special status to Kashmir. In September, Qureshi had similarly boycotted Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar`s speech at a SAARC ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting saw high-voltage drama with Qureshi first holding up the meeting and then refusing to attend the conference until Jaishankar finished his statement. Responding to Pakistan`s disruption of the meeting, Jaishankar left after addressing the gathering which included leaders and representatives from the regional organisation.It was only after Jaishankar left that Qureshi made an entrance at least half an hour after the meeting had commenced. Meanwhile, Monday`s conference themed `Peace, Partnership, Prosperity` was innagurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the Dolmabahce Palace, located on the Bosphorous Strait. In his speech, Erdogan called on the international community to boost investments in Afghanistan during "sensitive" times the country has been going through. "Afghanistan has been going through a sensitive period. As international community, we need to boost the investments we have been making for Afghanistan for the last 18 years," he added. The initiative "aims to enhance regional cooperation towards Afghanistan," the Turkish foreign ministry said. The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process - a regional initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey launched in 2011 - has two chairs with Afghanistan as the permanent chair, and a co-chair from among the member states that shifts each year. "The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence-building measures," according to the organisation`s website. At the ongoing conference, Turkey will hand over its co-chairmanship, which it assumed in 2017 at the 7th Ministerial Conference in Baku, to Tajikistan.

Pakistan Finance Minister Qureshi boycotts V K Singh's speech at Istanbul conference

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slams Emmanuel Macron over the NATO remarks. Watch this video to know more.

Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks

Turkey said Friday it had expelled more than 40,000 refugees living in Istanbul and sent them back to the provinces where they were initially registered.&nbsp;

A campaign was run from July through to the end of October, aimed at reducing the number of refugees in Turkey's biggest city and economic hub.&nbsp;

The country hosts some 3.6 million Syrian refugees -- more than any other country -- though technically they are only under "temporary protection" because the government does not offer them formal refugee status.

Under the system, they must stay in the province to which they were initially assigned, and can only visit other cities with short-term passes.

The Istanbul governor's office said 42,888 migrants were rounded up by police and sent back to their assigned provinces between July and October, without specifying their nationalities.&nbsp;

It said in July that 547,000 Syrians were officially registered in Istanbul and that no new registrations were being accepted.&nbsp;

Turkey has faced limited social problems despite the refugee influx from the eight-year conflict in its southern neighbour.&nbsp;

But an economic downturn has sharpened tensions, and analysts say the refugee issue likely contributed to the ruling party's surprise defeat in the Istanbul mayoral election this year.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought to defuse the issue with plans to create a "safe zone" in northern Syria to which refugees can return, though rights groups have cast doubt on the feasibility of the plan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Turkey said Friday it had expelled more than 40,000 refugees living in Istanbul and sent them back to the provinces where they were initially registered. A campaign was run from July through to the end of October, aimed at reducing the number of refugees in Turkey's biggest city and economic hub.

Turkey said Friday it had expelled more than 40,000 refugees living in Istanbul and sent them back to the provinces where they were initially registered. A campaign was run from July through to the end of October, aimed at reducing the number of refugees in Turkey's biggest city and economic hub. The country hosts some 3.6 million Syrian refugees -- more than any other country -- though technically they are only under "temporary protection" because the government does not offer them formal refugee status. Under the system, they must stay in the province to which they were initially assigned, and can only visit other cities with short-term passes. The Istanbul governor's office said 42,888 migrants were rounded up by police and sent back to their assigned provinces between July and October, without specifying their nationalities. It said in July that 547,000 Syrians were officially registered in Istanbul and that no new registrations were being accepted. Turkey has faced limited social problems despite the refugee influx from the eight-year conflict in its southern neighbour. But an economic downturn has sharpened tensions, and analysts say the refugee issue likely contributed to the ruling party's surprise defeat in the Istanbul mayoral election this year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought to defuse the issue with plans to create a "safe zone" in northern Syria to which refugees can return, though rights groups have cast doubt on the feasibility of the plan.

40,000 refugees expelled from Istanbul

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Turkey and others in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-says-frances-macron-comments-on-nato-dangerous-261350">international community</a> were very disappointed in a French statement about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, at a White House meeting flanked by US&nbsp;senators and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently said that NATO was experiencing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-says-nato-experiencing-brain-death-260582">"brain death,"</a> citing a lack of coordination and US&nbsp;unpredictability under Trump. He also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all.

"I think (Erdogan), I think I can say this, because other people know it, and many other people feel the same way, they were very disappointed and he was very disappointed in the statement made by France having to do with commitment and NATO," Trump said.

"I think that bothered the president very much and I don't think he was very happy about it, and a lot of other people feel that way too."

Trump did not clarify who else he was referring to felt the same way.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Turkey and others in the international community were very disappointed in a French statement about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, at a White House meeting flanked by US senators and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Turkey and others in the international community were very disappointed in a French statement about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, at a White House meeting flanked by US senators and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. French President Emmanuel Macron recently said that NATO was experiencing "brain death," citing a lack of coordination and US unpredictability under Trump. He also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all. "I think (Erdogan), I think I can say this, because other people know it, and many other people feel the same way, they were very disappointed and he was very disappointed in the statement made by France having to do with commitment and NATO," Trump said. "I think that bothered the president very much and I don't think he was very happy about it, and a lot of other people feel that way too." Trump did not clarify who else he was referring to felt the same way.

Trump describes Turkish disappointment in French NATO statement

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Wednesday pushed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to walk away from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-scrap-russian-missile-system-or-face-us-sanctions-white-house-official-261262">purchase of a Russian missile</a> defence system, calling it a "very serious challenge" to bilateral ties, even though he described a meeting between the two leaders as "wonderful."

After the much anticipated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/behind-trump-erdogan-bromance-a-white-house-meeting-to-repair-us-turkey-ties-261682">meeting at the White House</a> to address a crisis in relations, Trump said he was "a great fan" of the Turkish leader and that they had a "productive" encounter.

But both leaders fell short of explaining in concrete terms how they would overcome the mounting differences they have on numerous issues, from Erdogan's incursion in Syria against America's Kurdish allies to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

"Turkey's acquisition of sophisticated Russian military equipment, such as the S-400, creates some very serious challenges for us and we are talking about it constantly," Trump told a joint news conference.

"We talked about it today, we're talking about it in the future, hopefully we'll be able to resolve that situation."

Minutes after their news conference, the White House released a statement using firmer language than the two leaders, who boast of having a warm personal relationship while their governments are largely on icy terms.

"In order to achieve progress on other fronts, it is vital that we resolve the issues involving Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system, strengthening our defence partnership," it said.

Washington says Ankara's purchase of the Russian system is not compatible with NATO defences and also poses a threat to the F-35 'stealth' fighter jet Lockheed Martin&nbsp;is developing. It is concerned that Turkey, a bulwark against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, is deepening ties with Moscow at the expense of its partnership with the United States.

Turkey had shrugged off threats of US&nbsp;sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. To punish Turkey, the United States has banned sales of F-35s to the country and removed it from a multinational programme to produce the warplane.

On Wednesday, both leaders said they will work to resolve the issue, without saying how. "We've asked our secretary of state and minister of foreign affairs and our respective national security advisers to immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue," Trump said.

Erdogan said the two countries could only overcome the dispute through dialogue. "We are in agreement to further Turkish-American ties on a healthy ground. We have agreed to open a new page in our relationship," he said.

Despite the tensions on policy issues, Trump gave a warm welcome to Erdogan. It was in sharp contrast to anger in the US&nbsp;Congress over Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out a Kurdish militia that has been Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State.

"We've been friends for a long time, almost from Day 1. We understand each others' country. We understand where we are coming from," Trump told Erdogan as they sat next to each other in the Oval Office. "They're highly respected in their country and in the region," Trump said of Erdogan and his wife, Emine.

Bilateral relations hit a fresh low last month when Erdogan began his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-developments-in-turkeys-offensive-in-syria-256638">cross-border incursion</a> against the Kurds.

Trump has come under intense pressure from his fellow Republicans for withdrawing US&nbsp;troops from the area and clearing the way for Turkey's incursion. On Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey was the best partner for the United States to help fight Islamic State.

"Turkey and the United States can work together to finish Islamic State and bring peace to Syria. The most reliable US&nbsp;partner in the region to do this is Turkey," Erdogan said.

At a speech later in Washington, Erdogan said he asked Trump to cease support for the Kurdish YPG militia, who are seen as hostile by Ankara but form the backbone of the SDF, the main US&nbsp;partner in Syria fighting against Islamic State. He did not say how Trump responded.

A day ago, both senior administration officials and a State Department official in separate briefings told reporters that Washington had no intention of ending its partnership with the SDF.

Trump brought in five Republican senators to the White House to speak with Erdogan about the Syrian Kurds and the delivery of S-400s. Following the meeting, Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator close to Trump and who advocated imposing sanctions on Turkey over its incursion, said the discussion at the White House with Erdogan was "candid and frank."

"I'm hoping to salvage this relationship, but only time will tell if that is possible," Graham said in a statement.

Erdogan was critical of the US&nbsp;Congress, particularly of a House of Representatives vote last month in favour of a non-binding resolution recognising the killings of 1.5 million Armenians a century ago as a genocide, a symbolic but historic vote denounced by Turkey.

At his speech later, he called the House resolution as "shameful" and "against historical realities."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pushed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to walk away from the purchase of a Russian missile defence system, calling it a "very serious challenge" to bilateral ties, even though he described a meeting between the two leaders as "wonderful.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday pushed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to walk away from the purchase of a Russian missile defence system, calling it a "very serious challenge" to bilateral ties, even though he described a meeting between the two leaders as "wonderful." After the much anticipated meeting at the White House to address a crisis in relations, Trump said he was "a great fan" of the Turkish leader and that they had a "productive" encounter. But both leaders fell short of explaining in concrete terms how they would overcome the mounting differences they have on numerous issues, from Erdogan's incursion in Syria against America's Kurdish allies to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. "Turkey's acquisition of sophisticated Russian military equipment, such as the S-400, creates some very serious challenges for us and we are talking about it constantly," Trump told a joint news conference. "We talked about it today, we're talking about it in the future, hopefully we'll be able to resolve that situation." Minutes after their news conference, the White House released a statement using firmer language than the two leaders, who boast of having a warm personal relationship while their governments are largely on icy terms. "In order to achieve progress on other fronts, it is vital that we resolve the issues involving Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system, strengthening our defence partnership," it said. Washington says Ankara's purchase of the Russian system is not compatible with NATO defences and also poses a threat to the F-35 'stealth' fighter jet Lockheed Martin is developing. It is concerned that Turkey, a bulwark against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, is deepening ties with Moscow at the expense of its partnership with the United States. Turkey had shrugged off threats of US sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. To punish Turkey, the United States has banned sales of F-35s to the country and removed it from a multinational programme to produce the warplane. On Wednesday, both leaders said they will work to resolve the issue, without saying how. "We've asked our secretary of state and minister of foreign affairs and our respective national security advisers to immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue," Trump said. Erdogan said the two countries could only overcome the dispute through dialogue. "We are in agreement to further Turkish-American ties on a healthy ground. We have agreed to open a new page in our relationship," he said. Despite the tensions on policy issues, Trump gave a warm welcome to Erdogan. It was in sharp contrast to anger in the US Congress over Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out a Kurdish militia that has been Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State. "We've been friends for a long time, almost from Day 1. We understand each others' country. We understand where we are coming from," Trump told Erdogan as they sat next to each other in the Oval Office. "They're highly respected in their country and in the region," Trump said of Erdogan and his wife, Emine. Bilateral relations hit a fresh low last month when Erdogan began his cross-border incursion against the Kurds. Trump has come under intense pressure from his fellow Republicans for withdrawing US troops from the area and clearing the way for Turkey's incursion. On Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey was the best partner for the United States to help fight Islamic State. "Turkey and the United States can work together to finish Islamic State and bring peace to Syria. The most reliable US partner in the region to do this is Turkey," Erdogan said. At a speech later in Washington, Erdogan said he asked Trump to cease support for the Kurdish YPG militia, who are seen as hostile by Ankara but form the backbone of the SDF, the main US partner in Syria fighting against Islamic State. He did not say how Trump responded. A day ago, both senior administration officials and a State Department official in separate briefings told reporters that Washington had no intention of ending its partnership with the SDF. Trump brought in five Republican senators to the White House to speak with Erdogan about the Syrian Kurds and the delivery of S-400s. Following the meeting, Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator close to Trump and who advocated imposing sanctions on Turkey over its incursion, said the discussion at the White House with Erdogan was "candid and frank." "I'm hoping to salvage this relationship, but only time will tell if that is possible," Graham said in a statement. Erdogan was critical of the US Congress, particularly of a House of Representatives vote last month in favour of a non-binding resolution recognising the killings of 1.5 million Armenians a century ago as a genocide, a symbolic but historic vote denounced by Turkey. At his speech later, he called the House resolution as "shameful" and "against historical realities."

Despite 'wonderful' meeting, Trump and Erdogan fail to resolve conflicts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-developments-in-turkeys-offensive-in-syria-256638">Turkey's military incursion in Syria</a> has given President Tayyip Erdogan a bump in opinion polls and exposed potential cracks in an informal political alliance that claimed surprise victories over his ruling party in local elections this year.

The operation in northeast Syria came after months of stagnant approval ratings for Erdogan, who had appeared vulnerable after his AK Party (AKP) lost control of Turkey's two biggest cities for the first time since he took power in 2003.

Opposition lawmakers told Reuters they suspected Ankara's decision to launch cross-border attacks on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia was taken largely to revive Erdogan's political fortunes at home. The government denies any such motive.

Erdogan's popularity had come under pressure after last year's currency crisis caused a recession that sent unemployment soaring, and also from criticism by former prominent AKP members who are expected soon to launch new parties.

But some three-quarters of Turks support the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-in-bombing-in-turkish-controlled-northeast-syria-261218">Syrian incursion</a>, launched on October&nbsp;9, polls show, despite international condemnation, including by Ankara's NATO allies.

Erdogan's own approval rating rose last month to 48 per cent, a Metropole survey showed, its highest since shortly before the height of the currency crisis last year. His disapproval rating was at its lowest since a coup attempt in 2016.

Ankara says the YPG is a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants at home. It has struck deals with Moscow and Washington to push back from the border region YPG fighters, who for years were US&nbsp;allies in the fight against Islamic State in Syria.

The incursion put the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in a bind: its conditional support for the action put it at odds with the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) that helped it win the Istanbul and Ankara mayoralties.

The leftist HDP, mainly backed by Kurds who make up some 18 per cent&nbsp;of the population, is the only major party opposing the mission.

Earlier this year the HDP offered outside support to an alliance of the secularist CHP and the nationalist Iyi Party, who oppose what they see as Erdogan's authoritarianism and handed him stinging losses in March and June local elections.

Any splintering between these parties would be a further boon for Erdogan, though one CHP lawmaker said he expected their cooperation to continue.

"It is clear that the aim (of Erdogan)... is to demolish this democracy alliance that the CHP has formed... and to weaken the relationship that it has formed with Kurdish voters," said Sezgin Tanrikulu, who opposes the Syria operation.

"It has created a disenchantment but in my opinion, this is not irreparable. The period ahead of us will be a period in which... the relationship of trust will be established again."

Commenting on Erdogan's improved ratings, Lutfu Turkkan, deputy group chairman of the Iyi Party, said polling firms were confusing support for the troops with support for the president.

"The soldiers have succeeded but the politicians and diplomats have yet to achieve something (in Syria)," he said.

But Turkkan also dismissed the HDP's criticism of the incursion. "The HDP's rhetoric on this has no meaning for us" because removing terrorists from Turkey's borders is a matter of national survival, he said.

The CHP and Iyi Party have 139 and 39 seats respectively in Turkey's 600-seat parliament. They both backed a mandate extending military operations in Syria and Iraq while the HDP, with 62 seats, opposed it as a violation of international law.

The opposition cannot afford to splinter if it hopes to challenge Erdogan on a national level given roughly half of Turks have strongly backed him for years.

A source close to Erdogan's AKP said&nbsp;"it will be extremely important who sides with whom" in the next election, adding "there is a warming" between the Iyi Party and the AKP.

Iyi Party chairwoman Meral Aksener has previously denied the two parties were getting closer.

The incursion has deepened a sense of alienation among Turkey's Kurds, especially after Ankara ousted some HDP mayors and arrested dozens of people in the country's southeast.

Underlining the CHP's dilemma, a poll shared among its members and seen by Reuters showed some 46 per cent&nbsp;of its voters either disapproved of the Syria operation or were undecided. The CHP backed the mission even while it carved out policy differences from the AKP including calling for dialogue with Damascus.

"This support (from the CHP) was a lifeline for the AKP. That was what they wanted and they got it," said HDP lawmaker Meral Danis Bestas, adding that her party would now have to decide on its future cooperation with other parties.

Turkey's military conducted two other operations in northern Syria over the last three years. Shortly after each, Turks were sent to the polls for a referendum in 2017 and for nationwide elections in 2018.

"This pattern suggests this was the main motivation for the mission," said Unal Cevikoz, the CHP's deputy chairman.

Turkey's military incursion in Syria has given President Tayyip Erdogan a bump in opinion polls and exposed potential cracks in an informal political alliance that claimed surprise victories over his ruling party in local elections this year.

Turkey's military incursion in Syria has given President Tayyip Erdogan a bump in opinion polls and exposed potential cracks in an informal political alliance that claimed surprise victories over his ruling party in local elections this year. The operation in northeast Syria came after months of stagnant approval ratings for Erdogan, who had appeared vulnerable after his AK Party (AKP) lost control of Turkey's two biggest cities for the first time since he took power in 2003. Opposition lawmakers told Reuters they suspected Ankara's decision to launch cross-border attacks on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia was taken largely to revive Erdogan's political fortunes at home. The government denies any such motive. Erdogan's popularity had come under pressure after last year's currency crisis caused a recession that sent unemployment soaring, and also from criticism by former prominent AKP members who are expected soon to launch new parties. But some three-quarters of Turks support the Syrian incursion, launched on October 9, polls show, despite international condemnation, including by Ankara's NATO allies. Erdogan's own approval rating rose last month to 48 per cent, a Metropole survey showed, its highest since shortly before the height of the currency crisis last year. His disapproval rating was at its lowest since a coup attempt in 2016. Ankara says the YPG is a terrorist group with links to Kurdish militants at home. It has struck deals with Moscow and Washington to push back from the border region YPG fighters, who for years were US allies in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. The incursion put the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in a bind: its conditional support for the action put it at odds with the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) that helped it win the Istanbul and Ankara mayoralties. The leftist HDP, mainly backed by Kurds who make up some 18 per cent of the population, is the only major party opposing the mission. Earlier this year the HDP offered outside support to an alliance of the secularist CHP and the nationalist Iyi Party, who oppose what they see as Erdogan's authoritarianism and handed him stinging losses in March and June local elections. Any splintering between these parties would be a further boon for Erdogan, though one CHP lawmaker said he expected their cooperation to continue. "It is clear that the aim (of Erdogan)... is to demolish this democracy alliance that the CHP has formed... and to weaken the relationship that it has formed with Kurdish voters," said Sezgin Tanrikulu, who opposes the Syria operation. "It has created a disenchantment but in my opinion, this is not irreparable. The period ahead of us will be a period in which... the relationship of trust will be established again." Commenting on Erdogan's improved ratings, Lutfu Turkkan, deputy group chairman of the Iyi Party, said polling firms were confusing support for the troops with support for the president. "The soldiers have succeeded but the politicians and diplomats have yet to achieve something (in Syria)," he said. But Turkkan also dismissed the HDP's criticism of the incursion. "The HDP's rhetoric on this has no meaning for us" because removing terrorists from Turkey's borders is a matter of national survival, he said. The CHP and Iyi Party have 139 and 39 seats respectively in Turkey's 600-seat parliament. They both backed a mandate extending military operations in Syria and Iraq while the HDP, with 62 seats, opposed it as a violation of international law. The opposition cannot afford to splinter if it hopes to challenge Erdogan on a national level given roughly half of Turks have strongly backed him for years. A source close to Erdogan's AKP said "it will be extremely important who sides with whom" in the next election, adding "there is a warming" between the Iyi Party and the AKP. Iyi Party chairwoman Meral Aksener has previously denied the two parties were getting closer. The incursion has deepened a sense of alienation among Turkey's Kurds, especially after Ankara ousted some HDP mayors and arrested dozens of people in the country's southeast. Underlining the CHP's dilemma, a poll shared among its members and seen by Reuters showed some 46 per cent of its voters either disapproved of the Syria operation or were undecided. The CHP backed the mission even while it carved out policy differences from the AKP including calling for dialogue with Damascus. "This support (from the CHP) was a lifeline for the AKP. That was what they wanted and they got it," said HDP lawmaker Meral Danis Bestas, adding that her party would now have to decide on its future cooperation with other parties. Turkey's military conducted two other operations in northern Syria over the last three years. Shortly after each, Turks were sent to the polls for a referendum in 2017 and for nationwide elections in 2018. "This pattern suggests this was the main motivation for the mission," said Unal Cevikoz, the CHP's deputy chairman.

Turkey's Syria operation reveals cracks among Erdogan's political foes

Turkey removed four more mayors on Wednesday as part of a widening government crackdown on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-starts-repatriation-of-captured-islamic-state-militants-report-261349">pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party</a> (HDP), bringing to 20 the number of mayors who have been dismissed after being elected earlier this year.

President Tayyip Erdogan and his government accuse the HDP of having links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, leading to prosecutions of thousands of its members and some leaders. The HDP denies such links.

Turkey's interior ministry appointed local governors in place of the mayors in the two districts of Diyarbakir, the largest city in the country's mainly Kurdish southeast. Two mayors from districts of Sirnak and Tunceli provinces were also removed.

The HDP governs many cities in the southeast of Turkey and typically appoints one male and one female co-mayor to promote gender equality.

The former co-leaders of the HDP have both been jailed since 2016 on terrorism charges, with several other prominent members accused of supporting terrorism over what the government says are links to the PKK.

The moves against the HDP come amid a Turkish military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-in-bombing-in-turkish-controlled-northeast-syria-261218">offensive in neighbouring Syria </a>against the YPG Kurdish militia, which Ankara also accuses of ties to the PKK.

The HDP is the only party in the Turkish parliament that opposed the offensive in northeast Syria that began on October&nbsp;9.

Turkey removed four more mayors on Wednesday as part of a widening government crackdown on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), bringing to 20 the number of mayors who have been dismissed after being elected earlier this year.

Turkey removed four more mayors on Wednesday as part of a widening government crackdown on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), bringing to 20 the number of mayors who have been dismissed after being elected earlier this year. President Tayyip Erdogan and his government accuse the HDP of having links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, leading to prosecutions of thousands of its members and some leaders. The HDP denies such links. Turkey's interior ministry appointed local governors in place of the mayors in the two districts of Diyarbakir, the largest city in the country's mainly Kurdish southeast. Two mayors from districts of Sirnak and Tunceli provinces were also removed. The HDP governs many cities in the southeast of Turkey and typically appoints one male and one female co-mayor to promote gender equality. The former co-leaders of the HDP have both been jailed since 2016 on terrorism charges, with several other prominent members accused of supporting terrorism over what the government says are links to the PKK. The moves against the HDP come amid a Turkish military offensive in neighbouring Syria against the YPG Kurdish militia, which Ankara also accuses of ties to the PKK. The HDP is the only party in the Turkish parliament that opposed the offensive in northeast Syria that began on October 9.

Turkey removes four more Kurdish mayors over alleged terror links

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue.

Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the region. The move prompted widespread concern over the fate of Islamic State prisoners in the region.

The YPG is the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a leading US&nbsp;ally in beating back Islamic State in the region and has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeastern Syria. The United States and Turkey's Western allies have said Ankara's offensive could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence.

Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies. It has repeatedly called on European countries to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists.

Speaking to reporters, Soylu said Turkey would send back any captured Islamic State fighters to their countries even if their citizenships are revoked.

"We will send back those in our hands, but the world has come up with a new method now: revoking their citizenships," Soylu said. "They are saying they should be tried where they have been caught. This is a new form of international law, I guess."

"It is not possible to accept this. We will send back Daesh (Islamic State) members in our hands to their own countries whether they revoke their citizenships or not," he said.

Soylu had warned at the weekend that Turkey would send back Islamic State members captured by Turkey to their home countries and complained of European inaction on the matter.

The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria, where Turkey and Russia have troops. While Baghdadi's death was hailed by world leaders, including Turkey, the group has vowed revenge against the United States.

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue.

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue. Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the region. The move prompted widespread concern over the fate of Islamic State prisoners in the region. The YPG is the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a leading US ally in beating back Islamic State in the region and has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeastern Syria. The United States and Turkey's Western allies have said Ankara's offensive could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence. Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies. It has repeatedly called on European countries to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists. Speaking to reporters, Soylu said Turkey would send back any captured Islamic State fighters to their countries even if their citizenships are revoked. "We will send back those in our hands, but the world has come up with a new method now: revoking their citizenships," Soylu said. "They are saying they should be tried where they have been caught. This is a new form of international law, I guess." "It is not possible to accept this. We will send back Daesh (Islamic State) members in our hands to their own countries whether they revoke their citizenships or not," he said. Soylu had warned at the weekend that Turkey would send back Islamic State members captured by Turkey to their home countries and complained of European inaction on the matter. The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria, where Turkey and Russia have troops. While Baghdadi's death was hailed by world leaders, including Turkey, the group has vowed revenge against the United States.

Will send back Islamic State prisoners even if citizenships revoked: Turkey

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Thursday said he did not want to make an "enemy" of neighbouring Turkey despite the stand-off between their forces in the north of the country.

Assad said however that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself was an "enemy" due to policies hostile to Syria and opposed by most of his country's political elite.

"We must ensure that we don't turn Turkey into an enemy and here comes the role of friends" such as Russia and Iran, the president said in a pre-recorded interview on state television.

Turkey supports Syrian rebel forces who have battled Assad's government during the eight-year-long war that has killed more than 370,000 people.&nbsp;

This month Ankara launched an operation across Syria's northern border against Kurdish forces.

The Kurds spearheaded a US-backed military campaign against the Islamic State group that deprived the jihadists' of their final slither of Syrian territory in March this year but Ankara views the Kurdish forces as "terrorists".&nbsp;

Abandoned by their ally Washington -- which early this month pulled its own troops back from the border area, effectively allowing Turkey to attack -- the Kurds turned to Damascus which swiftly deployed and reclaimed swathes of territory it lost years ago.

Assad said the deployment is a prelude to reinstating complete central government control over the region in a process he said would be "gradual" and would "respect new realities on the ground."&nbsp;

Turkey last week struck a deal with Russia to halt its &nbsp;weeks-long operation&nbsp;

The agreement calls for the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish fighters from areas along Turkey's border with Syria, with a view to setting up a "safe zone" where Ankara plans to repatriate some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts.

Joint Turkish-Russian patrols are due to start in areas near the Syrian border on Friday after the Kremlin said that Syrian Kurdish fighters had withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the deal between Ankara and Moscow.

On Thursday, Assad said the deal is "temporary."

"We have to distinguish between ultimate or strategic goals... and tactical approaches," he said, stressing that his forces will eventually reclaim territory taken by Ankara in its latest offensive.

The situation around the northwestern region of Idlib showed how the regime could bypass Ankara, he said.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey last year reached a ceasefire deal that was meant to protect the Idlib region of three million people from an all-out regime assault.

As part of the deal, Turkish forces deployed around Idlib in a bid to ensure the withdrawal of jihadist fighters and allied rebels from a de-escalation zone there.

But Assad's opponents did not pull back and last week Syria's president said that winning the Idlib front would be key to winning the war. He noted that his troops had completed preparations for an offensive.

Idlib province is the last major opposition bastion outside the regime's control.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Thursday said he did not want to make an "enemy" of neighbouring Turkey despite the stand-off between their forces in the north of the country.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Thursday said he did not want to make an "enemy" of neighbouring Turkey despite the stand-off between their forces in the north of the country. Assad said however that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself was an "enemy" due to policies hostile to Syria and opposed by most of his country's political elite. "We must ensure that we don't turn Turkey into an enemy and here comes the role of friends" such as Russia and Iran, the president said in a pre-recorded interview on state television. Turkey supports Syrian rebel forces who have battled Assad's government during the eight-year-long war that has killed more than 370,000 people. This month Ankara launched an operation across Syria's northern border against Kurdish forces. The Kurds spearheaded a US-backed military campaign against the Islamic State group that deprived the jihadists' of their final slither of Syrian territory in March this year but Ankara views the Kurdish forces as "terrorists". Abandoned by their ally Washington -- which early this month pulled its own troops back from the border area, effectively allowing Turkey to attack -- the Kurds turned to Damascus which swiftly deployed and reclaimed swathes of territory it lost years ago. Assad said the deployment is a prelude to reinstating complete central government control over the region in a process he said would be "gradual" and would "respect new realities on the ground." Turkey last week struck a deal with Russia to halt its weeks-long operation The agreement calls for the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish fighters from areas along Turkey's border with Syria, with a view to setting up a "safe zone" where Ankara plans to repatriate some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts. Joint Turkish-Russian patrols are due to start in areas near the Syrian border on Friday after the Kremlin said that Syrian Kurdish fighters had withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the deal between Ankara and Moscow. On Thursday, Assad said the deal is "temporary." "We have to distinguish between ultimate or strategic goals... and tactical approaches," he said, stressing that his forces will eventually reclaim territory taken by Ankara in its latest offensive. The situation around the northwestern region of Idlib showed how the regime could bypass Ankara, he said. Russia and Turkey last year reached a ceasefire deal that was meant to protect the Idlib region of three million people from an all-out regime assault. As part of the deal, Turkish forces deployed around Idlib in a bid to ensure the withdrawal of jihadist fighters and allied rebels from a de-escalation zone there. But Assad's opponents did not pull back and last week Syria's president said that winning the Idlib front would be key to winning the war. He noted that his troops had completed preparations for an offensive. Idlib province is the last major opposition bastion outside the regime's control.

Syria's Assad says he does not want Turkey as an 'enemy'

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey would "clear terrorists" on its border in northern Syria if Syrian Kurdish militia did not withdraw by the end of a deadline agreed with Russia.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey would "clear terrorists" on its border in northern Syria if Syrian Kurdish militia did not withdraw by the end of a deadline agreed with Russia. "If the terrorists are not cleared at the end of the 150 hours, we will take control and clean it ourselves," Erdogan said during a speech in Istanbul, referring to the YPG militia which Turkey views as a "terrorist" offshoot of Kurdish PKK insurgents. Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed a deal in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday in which Moscow will "facilitate the removal" of the fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the border. The deadline ends at 6pm local time (1500 GMT) on Tuesday October 29. Despite his threat, Erdogan said Turkey had "to a large extent" reached its goal in terms of setting up a "safe zone" to protect against attacks from the so-called Islamic State (IS) extremist group and the Kurdish YPG militia. Turkey has repeatedly criticised American support to the YPG, who spearheaded the fight against IS under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) banner. For Ankara, the YPG is as dangerous as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. Erdogan also urged the international community to support establishing a "safe zone" for some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. "If there is no support for the projects we are developing for between one and two million in the first stage for their return, we will have no option but to open our doors, and let them go to Europe," he warned. After similar threats were accused of being blackmail, Erdogan insisted he was "not blackmailing anyone" but "putting forward a solution". Earlier this month, Turkey and the US reached an agreement on the YPG's withdrawal from a 120-kilometre zone between Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain following Ankara's operation supporting Syrian proxies against the Kurdish fighters, which began on October 9. The US said this had been completed and in return, Ankara agreed to halt its offensive. 'Unrealistic' German plan Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier Saturday said a German suggestion for an international force to establish a "safe zone" in northern Syria was not realistic. Speaking at a press conference in Ankara alongside his German counterpart Heiko Maas, Cavusoglu said: "At this point, we don't find it really realistic." Earlier this week, German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer suggested a "security zone" could allow international forces, including European troops, to resume the fight against IS as well as to "stabilise the region". Maas also appeared to pour cold water on Kramp-Karrenbauer's idea, saying that he and Cavusoglu "had no time for issues of a theoretical nature because the people in Syria don't have time for theoretical debates". "We are told by everyone that this is not a realistic proposal," Maas added. Maas represents Merkel's junior, centre-left coalition partners the SPD, while Kramp-Karrenbauer is leader of the chancellor's conservative CDU party. The German government has been sharply divided over Kramp-Karrenbauer's plan. The commander of Kurdish forces in Syria has welcomed the plan, as has the US, but so far it has gained little further traction and few details are available.

Erdogan says will clear 'terrorists' from Syria border if Sochi deal fails

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched legal proceedings against a French magazine which branded Turkey's president "The Eradicator" after he sent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pushes-offensive-in-syria-despite-sanctions-and-calls-to-stop-256184">troops into Syria</a> to push back Kurdish forces, media reported Friday.

The complaint was filed against Le Point director Etienne Gernelle and the head of the magazine's international service Romain Gubert, the official Anadolu news agency reported.

On this week's cover, Le Point published a picture of Erdogan giving a military salute with the subtitle "Ethnic cleansing: the Erdogan method", provoking sharp criticism from Turkish government officials.

The cover's headline called Erdogan "The Eradicator" and asked: "Will he be allowed to massacre the Kurds,&nbsp;and threaten Europe?"

In a petition presented to the Ankara prosecutor's office, Erdogan's lawyer Huseyin Aydin said the cover was "publicly insulting" to the president, a crime in Turkey.

"It is a typical example of stupidity from a country whose history is full of dramatic examples of genocide and massacres to attempt to teach something to Mr President... and level baseless accusations," the lawyer said, quoted by Anadolu.

A source in the Ankara public prosecutor's office told AFP that an investigation had been launched after the complaint.

Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin took to Twitter on Thursday, writing in French: "The Kurds are not your agents and will never be. Your days of colonisation are over."

The Turkish army launched a military offensive on October 9 against Kurdish militants in Syria, sparking widespread condemnation from the West -- including France, which saw Kurdish forces as an effective tool in the fight against Islamic State jihadists.

French President Emmanuel Macron this month called for an end to Turkey's offensive which he said risked creating "unbearable humanitarian conditions" while helping IS jihadists "re-emerge in the region".

On Thursday, Erdogan, without referring explicitly to Le Point, lashed out at France for criticising the Turkish military action.

"First look in the mirror, look at yourself at where you are. There is no such thing in our history," he said, referring to France's colonial past.

Last year Le Point said it had suffered harassment and intimidation by Erdogan's supporters after labelling him "The Dictator" on the front cover.

A poster of the cover was targeted at a newspaper kiosk in the town of Valence.

Macron had then rallied behind the magazine calling the harassment "totally unacceptable".

"You cannot put a price on freedom of the press, without it, it's a dictatorship," he tweeted.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched legal proceedings against a French magazine which branded Turkey's president "The Eradicator" after he sent troops into Syria to push back Kurdish forces, media reported Friday.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched legal proceedings against a French magazine which branded Turkey's president "The Eradicator" after he sent troops into Syria to push back Kurdish forces, media reported Friday. The complaint was filed against Le Point director Etienne Gernelle and the head of the magazine's international service Romain Gubert, the official Anadolu news agency reported. On this week's cover, Le Point published a picture of Erdogan giving a military salute with the subtitle "Ethnic cleansing: the Erdogan method", provoking sharp criticism from Turkish government officials. The cover's headline called Erdogan "The Eradicator" and asked: "Will he be allowed to massacre the Kurds, and threaten Europe?" In a petition presented to the Ankara prosecutor's office, Erdogan's lawyer Huseyin Aydin said the cover was "publicly insulting" to the president, a crime in Turkey. "It is a typical example of stupidity from a country whose history is full of dramatic examples of genocide and massacres to attempt to teach something to Mr President... and level baseless accusations," the lawyer said, quoted by Anadolu. A source in the Ankara public prosecutor's office told AFP that an investigation had been launched after the complaint. Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin took to Twitter on Thursday, writing in French: "The Kurds are not your agents and will never be. Your days of colonisation are over." The Turkish army launched a military offensive on October 9 against Kurdish militants in Syria, sparking widespread condemnation from the West -- including France, which saw Kurdish forces as an effective tool in the fight against Islamic State jihadists. French President Emmanuel Macron this month called for an end to Turkey's offensive which he said risked creating "unbearable humanitarian conditions" while helping IS jihadists "re-emerge in the region". On Thursday, Erdogan, without referring explicitly to Le Point, lashed out at France for criticising the Turkish military action. "First look in the mirror, look at yourself at where you are. There is no such thing in our history," he said, referring to France's colonial past. Last year Le Point said it had suffered harassment and intimidation by Erdogan's supporters after labelling him "The Dictator" on the front cover. A poster of the cover was targeted at a newspaper kiosk in the town of Valence. Macron had then rallied behind the magazine calling the harassment "totally unacceptable". "You cannot put a price on freedom of the press, without it, it's a dictatorship," he tweeted.

Turkey's Erdogan sues French magazine over 'eradicator' cover

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his warning to the Kurdish forces. Watch this video to know more.

Turkish President reiterates warning to Kurdish forces

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday lashed out at Western states, accusing them of "standing by terrorists" in failing to support Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish fighters.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday lashed out at Western states, accusing them of "standing by terrorists" in failing to support Turkey's operation against Syrian Kurdish fighters. "Can you imagine the whole West stood by the terrorists and all attacked us including NATO member states and European Union countries?" Erdogan said in Istanbul. "Since when did you start to side with terror? Did PYD-YPG (Syrian Kurdish forces) join NATO and we do not know about it?" he asked. 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 EU. Ankara's military action against Kurdish forces who played a key role in the fight against the Islamic State group has drawn widespread international criticism and prompted some NATO countries to suspend new arms sales. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly voiced "serious concerns" about the military operation launched on October 9 to push Syrian Kurdish forces back from the border. Erdogan denied any territorial ambition saying: "Turkey does not have an eye on any country's territory ... We consider such an accusation as the biggest insult directed to us." Turkey has announced a 120-hour suspension of the offensive following a deal with US Vice President Mike Pence, under which Kurdish fighters were to withdraw to allow a "safe zone" to be set up along the border. Erdogan was to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Turkish President Erdogan accuses the West of 'standing by terrorists' in Syria

Turkey will set up a dozen observation posts across northeast Syria, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-to-restart-syria-operation-tuesday-if-deal-not-respected-256748">Tayyip Erdogan</a> said on Friday, insisting that a planned "safe zone" will extend much farther than US officials said was covered under a fragile ceasefire deal.

Less than 24 hours after he agreed to the five-day truce to allow Kurdish forces time to pull back from Turkey's crossborder assault, Erdogan underlined Ankara's ambition to establish a presence along 300 miles of territory inside Syria.

On the border, itself shelling could be heard near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-erdogan-told-him-he-wants-ceasefire-to-work-256782">Syrian town of Ras al-Ain</a> on Friday morning despite Thursday's deal, and a spokesman for the Kurdish-led forces said Turkey was violating the ceasefire, hitting civilian targets in the town.

But Reuters journalists at the border said the bombardment subsided around mid-morning and a US&nbsp;official said most of the fighting had stopped, although it would "take time for things to completely quiet down".

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he had spoken with Erdogan who told him there had been some "minor" sniper and mortar fire in northeastern Syria despite the truce, but that it had been quickly eliminated.

"He very much wants the ceasefire, or pause, to work," Trump said in a post on Twitter. "Likewise, the Kurds want it, and the ultimate solution, to happen."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just spoke to President <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> of Turkey. He told me there was minor sniper and mortar fire that was quickly eliminated. He very much wants the ceasefire, or pause, to work. Likewise, the Kurds want it, and the ultimate solution, to happen. Too bad there wasn’t.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1185219641972539392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs described the situation as "reportedly calm in most areas, with the exception of Ras al-Ain, where shelling and gunfire continued to be reported earlier today," UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The truce, announced by US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence after talks in Ankara with Erdogan, sets out a five-day pause to let the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia pull out of the Turkish "safe zone".

The deal was aimed at easing a crisis that saw Trump order a hasty and unexpected US&nbsp;retreat, which his critics say amounted to abandoning loyal Kurdish allies that fought for years alongside US&nbsp;troops against Islamic State.

Turkey's offensive created a new humanitarian crisis in Syria with 200,000 civilians taking flight, according to Red Cross estimates. It also prompted a security alert over thousands of Islamic State fighters held in Kurdish jails.

Trump has praised the deal with NATO-ally Turkey as one that would save lives. Turkey cast it as a victory in its campaign to control territory more than 30 km (around 20 miles) deep into Syria and drive out Kurdish fighters from the YPG, the SDF's main Kurdish component. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group because of its links to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey.

"As of now, the 120-hour period is on. In this 120-hour period, the terrorist organisation, the YPG, will leave the area we identified as a safe zone," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul. The safe zone would be 32 km deep, and run "440 km from the very west to the east", he said.

But the US special envoy for Syria, James Jeffrey, said the accord covered a smaller area where Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies were fighting, between the two border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad, just 120 km away.

Speaking to journalists later on Friday, Erdogan said Turkey plans to set up 12 observation posts in northeast Syria. A map of the region showed the planned posts stretching from the Iraq border in the east to the Euphrates river 300 miles to the west.

Nato discussions

In Brussels on Friday night at NATO headquarters, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "we also saw some very positive activity - the beginning of a coordination that will be required so that there can, in fact, be a safe withdrawal of the YPG fighters that are inside the Turkish-controlled area that is covered by the agreement."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that northern Syria was of concern and matters to all NATO allies.

"We all understand that we have a common enemy - Daesh," Stoltenberg said, using another name for Islamic State. "We must not jeopardise the gains we have made in the fight against our common enemy Daesh."

NATO defence ministers would address the issue when they meet next week, Stoltenberg said.

A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States would continue aerial surveillance in northeastern Syria to monitor prisons holding Islamic State militants.

Russia, Iran fill vacuum

With the United States pulling its entire 1,000-strong contingent from northern Syria, the extent of Turkey's ambitions is likely to be determined by Russia and Iran, filling the vacuum created by the US&nbsp;retreat.

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Moscow and Tehran, has already taken up positions in territory formerly protected by Washington, invited by the Kurds.

Jeffrey acknowledged that Turkey was now negotiating with Moscow and Damascus over control of areas that Washington was vacating and were not covered by the U.S.-Turkish truce pact.

"As you know we have a very convoluted situation now with Russian, Syrian army, Turkish, American, SDF and some Daesh elements all floating around in a very wild way," Jeffrey said.

"Now, the Turks have their own discussions going on with the Russians and the Syrians in other areas of the northeast and in Manbij to the west of the Euphrates. Whether they incorporate that later into a Turkish-controlled safe zone, it was not discussed in any detail."

Lifting sanctions?

The joint US-Turkish statement released after Thursday's talks said Washington and Ankara would cooperate on handling Islamic State fighters and family members held in prisons and camps - an important international concern.

Pence said US&nbsp;sanctions imposed on Tuesday would be lifted once the ceasefire became permanent.

In Washington, US&nbsp;senators who have criticised the Trump administration for failing to prevent the Turkish assault said they would press ahead with legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote in an op-ed in the Washington Post that the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces from Syria was "a grave strategic mistake."

The Turkish assault began after Trump moved US&nbsp;troops out of the way following an October&nbsp;6 phone call with Erdogan.

Turkey says the "safe zone" would make room to settle up to 2 million Syrian war refugees - roughly half the number it is currently hosting - and would push back the YPG militia.

Turkey will set up a dozen observation posts across northeast Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, insisting that a planned "safe zone" will extend much farther than US officials said was covered under a fragile ceasefire deal.

Turkey will set up a dozen observation posts across northeast Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, insisting that a planned "safe zone" will extend much farther than US officials said was covered under a fragile ceasefire deal. Less than 24 hours after he agreed to the five-day truce to allow Kurdish forces time to pull back from Turkey's crossborder assault, Erdogan underlined Ankara's ambition to establish a presence along 300 miles of territory inside Syria. On the border, itself shelling could be heard near the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain on Friday morning despite Thursday's deal, and a spokesman for the Kurdish-led forces said Turkey was violating the ceasefire, hitting civilian targets in the town. But Reuters journalists at the border said the bombardment subsided around mid-morning and a US official said most of the fighting had stopped, although it would "take time for things to completely quiet down". US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had spoken with Erdogan who told him there had been some "minor" sniper and mortar fire in northeastern Syria despite the truce, but that it had been quickly eliminated. "He very much wants the ceasefire, or pause, to work," Trump said in a post on Twitter. "Likewise, the Kurds want it, and the ultimate solution, to happen." Just spoke to President @RTErdogan of Turkey. He told me there was minor sniper and mortar fire that was quickly eliminated. He very much wants the ceasefire, or pause, to work. Likewise, the Kurds want it, and the ultimate solution, to happen. Too bad there wasn’t..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2019 × The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs described the situation as "reportedly calm in most areas, with the exception of Ras al-Ain, where shelling and gunfire continued to be reported earlier today," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The truce, announced by US Vice President Mike Pence after talks in Ankara with Erdogan, sets out a five-day pause to let the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia pull out of the Turkish "safe zone". The deal was aimed at easing a crisis that saw Trump order a hasty and unexpected US retreat, which his critics say amounted to abandoning loyal Kurdish allies that fought for years alongside US troops against Islamic State. Turkey's offensive created a new humanitarian crisis in Syria with 200,000 civilians taking flight, according to Red Cross estimates. It also prompted a security alert over thousands of Islamic State fighters held in Kurdish jails. Trump has praised the deal with NATO-ally Turkey as one that would save lives. Turkey cast it as a victory in its campaign to control territory more than 30 km (around 20 miles) deep into Syria and drive out Kurdish fighters from the YPG, the SDF's main Kurdish component. Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist group because of its links to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey. "As of now, the 120-hour period is on. In this 120-hour period, the terrorist organisation, the YPG, will leave the area we identified as a safe zone," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul. The safe zone would be 32 km deep, and run "440 km from the very west to the east", he said. But the US special envoy for Syria, James Jeffrey, said the accord covered a smaller area where Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies were fighting, between the two border towns of Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad, just 120 km away. Speaking to journalists later on Friday, Erdogan said Turkey plans to set up 12 observation posts in northeast Syria. A map of the region showed the planned posts stretching from the Iraq border in the east to the Euphrates river 300 miles to the west. Nato discussions In Brussels on Friday night at NATO headquarters, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "we also saw some very positive activity - the beginning of a coordination that will be required so that there can, in fact, be a safe withdrawal of the YPG fighters that are inside the Turkish-controlled area that is covered by the agreement." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that northern Syria was of concern and matters to all NATO allies. "We all understand that we have a common enemy - Daesh," Stoltenberg said, using another name for Islamic State. "We must not jeopardise the gains we have made in the fight against our common enemy Daesh." NATO defence ministers would address the issue when they meet next week, Stoltenberg said. A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States would continue aerial surveillance in northeastern Syria to monitor prisons holding Islamic State militants. Russia, Iran fill vacuum With the United States pulling its entire 1,000-strong contingent from northern Syria, the extent of Turkey's ambitions is likely to be determined by Russia and Iran, filling the vacuum created by the US retreat. The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Moscow and Tehran, has already taken up positions in territory formerly protected by Washington, invited by the Kurds. Jeffrey acknowledged that Turkey was now negotiating with Moscow and Damascus over control of areas that Washington was vacating and were not covered by the U.S.-Turkish truce pact. "As you know we have a very convoluted situation now with Russian, Syrian army, Turkish, American, SDF and some Daesh elements all floating around in a very wild way," Jeffrey said. "Now, the Turks have their own discussions going on with the Russians and the Syrians in other areas of the northeast and in Manbij to the west of the Euphrates. Whether they incorporate that later into a Turkish-controlled safe zone, it was not discussed in any detail." Lifting sanctions? The joint US-Turkish statement released after Thursday's talks said Washington and Ankara would cooperate on handling Islamic State fighters and family members held in prisons and camps - an important international concern. Pence said US sanctions imposed on Tuesday would be lifted once the ceasefire became permanent. In Washington, US senators who have criticised the Trump administration for failing to prevent the Turkish assault said they would press ahead with legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote in an op-ed in the Washington Post that the withdrawal of US forces from Syria was "a grave strategic mistake." The Turkish assault began after Trump moved US troops out of the way following an October 6 phone call with Erdogan. Turkey says the "safe zone" would make room to settle up to 2 million Syrian war refugees - roughly half the number it is currently hosting - and would push back the YPG militia.

Turkey plans presence across northeast Syria, says Erdogan

Turkey on Saturday accused Kurdish forces of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plans-presence-across-northeast-syria-says-erdogan-256798">violating an agreement to suspend its Syria offensive</a> if they withdraw from a "safe zone" along the border.

"The Turkish armed forces fully abide by the agreement" reached on Thursday with the United States, the defence ministry said in a statement.

"Despite this, terrorists... carried out a total of 14 attacks in the last 36 hours."

Watch: Turkish President Erdogan reacts after US-Turkey deal

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The ministry said 12 of the attacks came from Ras al-Ain in northeastern Syria, one from Tal Abyad and another from Tal Tamr region, adding that various light and heavy weaponry including rockets were used.

Turkey had agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Friday he would resume a full-scale operation against Kurdish forces if they do not withdraw from a border "safe zone."

The defence ministry said "for the agreement to hold soundly and to keep the calm with exception of self-defence", Turkey was coordinating with the United States.&nbsp;

Turkey on Saturday accused Kurdish forces of violating an agreement to suspend its Syria offensive if they withdraw from a "safe zone" along the border. "The Turkish armed forces fully abide by the agreement" reached on Thursday with the United States, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Turkey on Saturday accused Kurdish forces of violating an agreement to suspend its Syria offensive if they withdraw from a "safe zone" along the border. "The Turkish armed forces fully abide by the agreement" reached on Thursday with the United States, the defence ministry said in a statement. "Despite this, terrorists... carried out a total of 14 attacks in the last 36 hours." Watch: Turkish President Erdogan reacts after US-Turkey deal × The ministry said 12 of the attacks came from Ras al-Ain in northeastern Syria, one from Tal Abyad and another from Tal Tamr region, adding that various light and heavy weaponry including rockets were used. Turkey had agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Friday he would resume a full-scale operation against Kurdish forces if they do not withdraw from a border "safe zone." The defence ministry said "for the agreement to hold soundly and to keep the calm with exception of self-defence", Turkey was coordinating with the United States.

'Terrorists carried out 14 attacks in last 36 hours': Turkey accuses Syrian Kurd forces of violating ceasefire

'Ceasefire' or a 'pause'? What happened when Washington, Ankara met over Syria offensive

Key developments in Turkey's offensive in Syria

Shelling and gunfire resounded around the northeast Syrian town of Ras al-Ain on Friday, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-agrees-with-us-to-pause-syria-assault-while-kurds-withdraw-256571">Turkey agreed with the United States to pause its offensive in Syria</a> for five days to let Kurdish forces withdraw.

Machine-gun fire and shelling could be heard from the Turkish town of Ceylanpinar across the border from Ras al-Ain, and smoke rose from one part of the Syrian town.

The truce was announced some 13 hours earlier by US Vice President Mike Pence after talks in Ankara with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey agreed to the five-day pause to let the Kurdish-led SDF militia withdraw from a "safe zone" Ankara had sought to capture.

The deal was praised by US President Donald Trump, who said it would save "millions of lives," while Turkey cast it as a complete victory.

If implemented, the deal would achieve all the main objectives Turkey announced when it launched its assault on October 9, control of a strip of Syria more than 30 km (20 miles) deep, with the SDF forces - once US allies in the years-long fight against Islamic State - obliged to pull out.

Watch: Turkey-Syria conflict - Trump's flip flop baffles allies

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Republican and Democratic senators accused Trump of having betrayed the Kurdish allies who were vital in fighting Islamic State militants, of brushing aside the humanitarian costs of Turkey's invasion and of being outwitted by Ankara.

It was unclear whether there was&nbsp;any damage&nbsp;from the shelling heard on Friday.

It was also unclear whether the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would fully comply with the agreement, which would leave Turkish forces in charge of a swathe of territory that the Kurds once held with US military support.

SDF commander Mazloum Kobani told Kurdish broadcaster Ronahi TV late on Thursday the group would accept the ceasefire agreement but said it was limited to the border areas running between Ras al-Ain and the town of Tal Abyad.

The joint US-Turkish statement released after the talks in Ankara said: "The safe zone will be primarily enforced by the Turkish Armed Forces."

It said Washington and Ankara would cooperate on handling Islamic State fighters and family members held in prisons and camps, a major international concern. Pence said US sanctions imposed on Tuesday would be lifted once the ceasefire became permanent.

In Washington, US senators who have criticised the Trump administration for failing to prevent the Turkish assault in the first place said on Thursday they would press ahead with legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey despite the ceasefire announcement.

A Turkish official told Reuters that Ankara got "exactly what we wanted" from the talks with the United States.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu described the deal as a pause, solely to allow the Kurdish fighters to withdraw. They would be forced to give up their heavy weapons and their positions would be destroyed, he said.

He declined to call the agreement a "ceasefire", saying ceasefires could be agreed only by legitimate sides, and not by a Kurdish militia that Turkey considers a terrorist group.

"When the terrorist elements completely leave the safe zone, we can stop the operation," Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Humanitarian crisis

The Turkish assault began after Trump moved US troops out following an October 6 phone call with Erdogan.

It has created a new humanitarian crisis in Syria with - according to Red Cross estimates - 200,000 civilians taking flight, a security alert over thousands of Islamic State fighters potentially abandoned in Kurdish jails, and a political maelstrom at home for Trump.

The House of Representatives condemned his policy in a vote backed by a majority of his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats. Trump announced sanctions on Turkey on Tuesday, after the assault began, but critics said these were too little, too late.

If successful, the ceasefire deal could smooth over a major rift between the United States and Turkey, the only Muslim NATO ally.

But the US withdrawal also leaves US adversaries Russia and Iran in a far stronger position in Syria. The Kurds responded to the US withdrawal by effectively switching allegiances and inviting Syrian government forces, backed by Moscow and Tehran, into towns and cities in areas they control.

There could be friction both along the edges of the new safe zone claimed by Turkey, and within it, where Syrian government forces have advanced in recent days.

While Pence said Washington had already been in contact with the SDF and that it was already pulling out, the Kurdish position was not clear.

Kobani, the SDF commander, said the agreement was "just the beginning" and would not achieve Turkey's goals. Aldar Xelil, a leading Syrian Kurdish politician, said the Kurds would abide by the ceasefire but would defend themselves.

There was more uncertainty around the flashpoint Syrian border town of Kobani. Pence said the deal provided for Turkey not to engage in military operations there, while Cavusoglu said Turkey had given no commitments about Kobani.

US Special Representative for Syria Engagement, James Jeffrey, said late on Thursday the agreement covered central northeastern Syria, adding Turkey was in separate talks with the Russians and the Syrians about other parts of the region.

"We have a very (convoluted) situation with Russian, Syrian Army, Turkish, American, SDF and some Daesh (Islamic State) elements all floating around in a very wild way," he said. 
&nbsp;

Shelling and gunfire resounded around the northeast Syrian town of Ras al-Ain on Friday, a day after Turkey agreed with the United States to pause its offensive in Syria for five days to let Kurdish forces withdraw.

Shelling and gunfire resounded around the northeast Syrian town of Ras al-Ain on Friday, a day after Turkey agreed with the United States to pause its offensive in Syria for five days to let Kurdish forces withdraw. Machine-gun fire and shelling could be heard from the Turkish town of Ceylanpinar across the border from Ras al-Ain, and smoke rose from one part of the Syrian town. The truce was announced some 13 hours earlier by US Vice President Mike Pence after talks in Ankara with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey agreed to the five-day pause to let the Kurdish-led SDF militia withdraw from a "safe zone" Ankara had sought to capture. The deal was praised by US President Donald Trump, who said it would save "millions of lives," while Turkey cast it as a complete victory. If implemented, the deal would achieve all the main objectives Turkey announced when it launched its assault on October 9, control of a strip of Syria more than 30 km (20 miles) deep, with the SDF forces - once US allies in the years-long fight against Islamic State - obliged to pull out. Watch: Turkey-Syria conflict - Trump's flip flop baffles allies × Republican and Democratic senators accused Trump of having betrayed the Kurdish allies who were vital in fighting Islamic State militants, of brushing aside the humanitarian costs of Turkey's invasion and of being outwitted by Ankara. It was unclear whether there was any damage from the shelling heard on Friday. It was also unclear whether the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would fully comply with the agreement, which would leave Turkish forces in charge of a swathe of territory that the Kurds once held with US military support. SDF commander Mazloum Kobani told Kurdish broadcaster Ronahi TV late on Thursday the group would accept the ceasefire agreement but said it was limited to the border areas running between Ras al-Ain and the town of Tal Abyad. The joint US-Turkish statement released after the talks in Ankara said: "The safe zone will be primarily enforced by the Turkish Armed Forces." It said Washington and Ankara would cooperate on handling Islamic State fighters and family members held in prisons and camps, a major international concern. Pence said US sanctions imposed on Tuesday would be lifted once the ceasefire became permanent. In Washington, US senators who have criticised the Trump administration for failing to prevent the Turkish assault in the first place said on Thursday they would press ahead with legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey despite the ceasefire announcement. A Turkish official told Reuters that Ankara got "exactly what we wanted" from the talks with the United States. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu described the deal as a pause, solely to allow the Kurdish fighters to withdraw. They would be forced to give up their heavy weapons and their positions would be destroyed, he said. He declined to call the agreement a "ceasefire", saying ceasefires could be agreed only by legitimate sides, and not by a Kurdish militia that Turkey considers a terrorist group. "When the terrorist elements completely leave the safe zone, we can stop the operation," Cavusoglu said on Thursday. Humanitarian crisis The Turkish assault began after Trump moved US troops out following an October 6 phone call with Erdogan. It has created a new humanitarian crisis in Syria with - according to Red Cross estimates - 200,000 civilians taking flight, a security alert over thousands of Islamic State fighters potentially abandoned in Kurdish jails, and a political maelstrom at home for Trump. The House of Representatives condemned his policy in a vote backed by a majority of his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats. Trump announced sanctions on Turkey on Tuesday, after the assault began, but critics said these were too little, too late. If successful, the ceasefire deal could smooth over a major rift between the United States and Turkey, the only Muslim NATO ally. But the US withdrawal also leaves US adversaries Russia and Iran in a far stronger position in Syria. The Kurds responded to the US withdrawal by effectively switching allegiances and inviting Syrian government forces, backed by Moscow and Tehran, into towns and cities in areas they control. There could be friction both along the edges of the new safe zone claimed by Turkey, and within it, where Syrian government forces have advanced in recent days. While Pence said Washington had already been in contact with the SDF and that it was already pulling out, the Kurdish position was not clear. Kobani, the SDF commander, said the agreement was "just the beginning" and would not achieve Turkey's goals. Aldar Xelil, a leading Syrian Kurdish politician, said the Kurds would abide by the ceasefire but would defend themselves. There was more uncertainty around the flashpoint Syrian border town of Kobani. Pence said the deal provided for Turkey not to engage in military operations there, while Cavusoglu said Turkey had given no commitments about Kobani. US Special Representative for Syria Engagement, James Jeffrey, said late on Thursday the agreement covered central northeastern Syria, adding Turkey was in separate talks with the Russians and the Syrians about other parts of the region. "We have a very (convoluted) situation with Russian, Syrian Army, Turkish, American, SDF and some Daesh (Islamic State) elements all floating around in a very wild way," he said.

Shelling heard around Syrian town after Turkish-US ceasefire deal

Turkey's week-old offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced more than 300,000 people, a war monitor said Thursday.

"More than 300,000 civilians have been displaced since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strategically-brilliant-trump-defends-syria-pullout-condemned-by-house-in-bipartisan-vote-256357">start of the offensive</a>," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

He said the jump in the number of people forced to flee was due to a fresh wave of displacement over the past few days from areas around Tal Abyad and Kobane and in Hasakeh province.

Most displaced people tried to move in with relatives in safer areas, some were sleeping rough in orchards and others in some of the 40 schools that have been turned into emergency shelters, Abdel Rahman said.

Turkey and its Syrian proxies launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas on October 9, after US troops pulled back from the border and started withdrawing from the northeast altogether.

Watch: Syrians flee to Iraqi Kurdish region

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Dozens of civilians -- mostly on the Kurdish side -- have been killed since the start of the offensive, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to halt despite mounting international pressure.

Meanwhile, Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies gained ground&nbsp;in Ras al-Ain, a key border town where Kurdish fighters had been putting up stiff resistance, a war monitor said.

"There have been intensive airstrikes on Ras al-Ain over the past three days," Rahman said.

Turkish forces and the mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels they use as a ground force had "taken about half of the town" by Thursday morning, he said.

Massively outgunned by the Turkish army and its airforce, Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) quickly lost a long stretch of border when the assault was launched on October 9.

They organised a defence of Ras al-Ain however with a dense network of tunnels, berms and trenches that held off Turkish forces and their proxies for about a week.

An AFP correspondent on the Turkish side of the Ras al-Ain front line said the sound of gunfire and blasts from artillery and airstrikes was constant.

Turkey wants to create a 30-kilometre-deep buffer on the Syrian side of the border to keep Kurdish militias at bay and set up a resettlement zone for some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees living on its soil.

Turkey's week-old offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced more than 300,000 people, a war monitor said Thursday. "More than 300,000 civilians have been displaced since the start of the offensive," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

Turkey's week-old offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced more than 300,000 people, a war monitor said Thursday. "More than 300,000 civilians have been displaced since the start of the offensive," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said. He said the jump in the number of people forced to flee was due to a fresh wave of displacement over the past few days from areas around Tal Abyad and Kobane and in Hasakeh province. Most displaced people tried to move in with relatives in safer areas, some were sleeping rough in orchards and others in some of the 40 schools that have been turned into emergency shelters, Abdel Rahman said. Turkey and its Syrian proxies launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas on October 9, after US troops pulled back from the border and started withdrawing from the northeast altogether. Watch: Syrians flee to Iraqi Kurdish region × Dozens of civilians -- mostly on the Kurdish side -- have been killed since the start of the offensive, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to halt despite mounting international pressure. Meanwhile, Turkish troops and their Syrian proxies gained ground in Ras al-Ain, a key border town where Kurdish fighters had been putting up stiff resistance, a war monitor said. "There have been intensive airstrikes on Ras al-Ain over the past three days," Rahman said. Turkish forces and the mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels they use as a ground force had "taken about half of the town" by Thursday morning, he said. Massively outgunned by the Turkish army and its airforce, Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) quickly lost a long stretch of border when the assault was launched on October 9. They organised a defence of Ras al-Ain however with a dense network of tunnels, berms and trenches that held off Turkish forces and their proxies for about a week. An AFP correspondent on the Turkish side of the Ras al-Ain front line said the sound of gunfire and blasts from artillery and airstrikes was constant. Turkey wants to create a 30-kilometre-deep buffer on the Syrian side of the border to keep Kurdish militias at bay and set up a resettlement zone for some of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees living on its soil.

Turkey assault in northeast Syria displaced 300,000: Monitor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday he would not meet with US Vice President Mike Pence during his visit to Ankara to discuss Turkey's military operation in Syria.

Erdogan Says Won't Meet US Vice President

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