Two Turkish soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in an airstrike in&nbsp;Syria's northwestern province of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Idlib</a>, the defence ministry said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Turkey, which supports several rebel groups in the area, immediately responded to the attack by hitting Syrian "regime targets", the ministry said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-rules-out-smallest-step-back-in-syrias-idlib-282938">Erdogan rules out 'smallest step back' in Syria's Idlib</a>

The latest casualties have brought the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-rules-out-smallest-step-back-in-syrias-idlib-282938">Turkish security</a> personnel killed in regime fire in Idlib this month to 19. &nbsp;

Damascus backed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Russian airstrikes </a>has pressed an offensive to take back the last rebel bastion of Idlib.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia</a>

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes since December in the largest displacement since the civil war in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;broke out almost nine years ago.

The attacks on Turkish forces have caused strains between the regime's key ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idlib-fighting-turkey-defence-minister-threatens-to-activate-s-400-missiles-against-russia-281961">Russia</a> and Turkey.

Ankara urged the regime to pull back by the end of February from behind its military posts in Idlib.&nbsp;

Russian diplomats and military officials were due to hold the second round of negotiations with their Turkish counterparts on Thursday.&nbsp;

Two Turkish soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in an airstrike in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Turkey, which supports several rebel groups in the area, immediately responded to the attack by hitting Syrian "regime targets", the ministry said on Twitter.

Two Turkish soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in an airstrike in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the defence ministry said on Thursday. Turkey, which supports several rebel groups in the area, immediately responded to the attack by hitting Syrian "regime targets", the ministry said on Twitter. Also read: Erdogan rules out 'smallest step back' in Syria's Idlib The latest casualties have brought the number of Turkish security personnel killed in regime fire in Idlib this month to 19. Damascus backed by Russian airstrikes has pressed an offensive to take back the last rebel bastion of Idlib. Also read: Idlib fighting: Turkey defence minister threatens to activate S-400 missiles against Russia Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes since December in the largest displacement since the civil war in Syria broke out almost nine years ago. The attacks on Turkish forces have caused strains between the regime's key ally Russia and Turkey. Ankara urged the regime to pull back by the end of February from behind its military posts in Idlib. Russian diplomats and military officials were due to hold the second round of negotiations with their Turkish counterparts on Thursday.

Two Turkish troops killed in Syria's Idlib: Defence ministry

US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign said on Wednesday that it had filed a libel suit against New York Times, accusing it of intentionally publishing false and defamatory opinion piece which claimed Trump's "overarching deal" with Russia in the 2016 elections.

Responding to the questions on the suit during White House press conference, Trump said that the news organisation "got a lot wrong over the last number of years".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-asks-new-york-times-to-disclose-sources-that-us-is-ramping-up-cyber-attacks-on-russia-228519">Donald Trump asks New York Times to disclose sources that US is ramping up cyber attacks on Russia</a>

"If you read it, you'll see it's beyond an opinion. That's not an opinion. That's something much more than an opinion. They did a bad thing. And there'll be more coming."

The lawsuit is on the opinion published in the New York Times on March 27, 2017 by Max Frankel, with a headline: "The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo”. A subhead from the opinion piece said: "The campaign and the Kremlin had an overarching deal: help beat Hillary Clinton for a new pro-Russian foreign policy."&nbsp;

The opinion added: “Collusion – or a lack of it – turns out to have been the rhetorical trap that ensnared President Trump’s pursuers.”

“There was no need for detailed electoral collusion between the Trump campaign and Vladimir Putin’s oligarchy because they had an overarching deal: the quid of help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton for the quo of a new pro-Russian foreign policy, starting with relief from the Obama administration’s burdensome economic sanctions. The Trumpites knew about the quid and held out the prospect of the quo.”

The New York Times knowingly "published false and defamatory statements" against Trump, the draft copy of the suit said. &nbsp;

"The Times' own previous reporting had confirmed the falsity of these statements. But The Times published these statements anyway, knowing them to be false, and knowing it would misinform and mislead its own readers," it said, blaming the media organisation's "extreme bias against and animosity toward the campaign", and "exuberance to improperly influence the presidential election in November 2020".&nbsp;

Replying to the suit, a New York Times spokesperson said: "The Trump campaign has turned to the courts to try to punish an opinion writer for having an opinion they find unacceptable. Fortunately, the law protects the right of Americans to express their judgements and conclusions, especially about events of public importance. We look forward to vindicating that right in this case."

US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign said on Wednesday that it had filed a libel suit against New York Times, accusing it of intentionally publishing false and defamatory opinion piece which claimed Trump's "overarching deal" with Russia in the 2016 elections.

US President Donald Trump's re-election campaign said on Wednesday that it had filed a libel suit against New York Times, accusing it of intentionally publishing false and defamatory opinion piece which claimed Trump's "overarching deal" with Russia in the 2016 elections. Responding to the questions on the suit during White House press conference, Trump said that the news organisation "got a lot wrong over the last number of years". Also read: Donald Trump asks New York Times to disclose sources that US is ramping up cyber attacks on Russia "If you read it, you'll see it's beyond an opinion. That's not an opinion. That's something much more than an opinion. They did a bad thing. And there'll be more coming." The lawsuit is on the opinion published in the New York Times on March 27, 2017 by Max Frankel, with a headline: "The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo”. A subhead from the opinion piece said: "The campaign and the Kremlin had an overarching deal: help beat Hillary Clinton for a new pro-Russian foreign policy." The opinion added: “Collusion – or a lack of it – turns out to have been the rhetorical trap that ensnared President Trump’s pursuers.” “There was no need for detailed electoral collusion between the Trump campaign and Vladimir Putin’s oligarchy because they had an overarching deal: the quid of help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton for the quo of a new pro-Russian foreign policy, starting with relief from the Obama administration’s burdensome economic sanctions. The Trumpites knew about the quid and held out the prospect of the quo.” The New York Times knowingly "published false and defamatory statements" against Trump, the draft copy of the suit said. "The Times' own previous reporting had confirmed the falsity of these statements. But The Times published these statements anyway, knowing them to be false, and knowing it would misinform and mislead its own readers," it said, blaming the media organisation's "extreme bias against and animosity toward the campaign", and "exuberance to improperly influence the presidential election in November 2020". Replying to the suit, a New York Times spokesperson said: "The Trump campaign has turned to the courts to try to punish an opinion writer for having an opinion they find unacceptable. Fortunately, the law protects the right of Americans to express their judgements and conclusions, especially about events of public importance. We look forward to vindicating that right in this case."

Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece

Road safety rules in Russia landed even the Batman in trouble&nbsp;on Wednesday after police seized a custom-made batmobile-like vehicle in central Moscow after it&nbsp;found that it was neither registered nor certified as roadworthy.

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In a statement, authorities said&nbsp;the police declared the so-called batmobile as "unsafe"&nbsp;after inspection because it was not "manufactured within factory conditions".

Officials also said that the vehicle's dimensions "exceeded acceptable norms".

According to reports, the 32-year-old owner who was missing when police seized the vehicle, is now being investigated for road safety rules violations.

The charges are related to vehicle's lack of documentation, its excessive weight or size, as well as its irregular features that are not permitted on road-driven vehicles.

Road safety rules in Russia landed even the Batman in trouble on Wednesday after police seized a custom-made batmobile-like vehicle in central Moscow after it found that it was neither registered nor certified as roadworthy.

Road safety rules in Russia landed even the Batman in trouble on Wednesday after police seized a custom-made batmobile-like vehicle in central Moscow after it found that it was neither registered nor certified as roadworthy. In a statement, authorities said the police declared the so-called batmobile as "unsafe" after inspection because it was not "manufactured within factory conditions". Officials also said that the vehicle's dimensions "exceeded acceptable norms". According to reports, the 32-year-old owner who was missing when police seized the vehicle, is now being investigated for road safety rules violations. The charges are related to vehicle's lack of documentation, its excessive weight or size, as well as its irregular features that are not permitted on road-driven vehicles.

Russia: Police seize custom-made 'batmobile' over roadworthy rule

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib.&nbsp;

"We will come together on March 5 and discuss these issues," Erdogan said in a televised speech, following a phone call on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his teleconference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader did not say where the summit would be held but his announcement comes a day after Macron and Merkel called for a four-party Syria summit also involving the Russian leader. &nbsp;

A months-long offensive by Russia-backed Syrian troops against rebels backed by Turkey in northwest Idlib has seen close to one million civilians fleeing the violence.

The two European Union heavyweights on Friday "expressed their willingness to meet President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis," the chancellor's office said.

Russia on Wednesday objected to the UN Security Council adopting a statement that would have called for a ceasefire in Idlib, diplomats said, after a tense closed-door meeting.

Turkey, which has threatened an "imminent" operation in Idlib after its troops have come under intense fire from regime forces, has given Damascus until the end of this month to drive back its army positions.

Syrian regime fire has killed 17 Turkish personnel this month alone, sparking a war of words between Ankara and Moscow, a key Damascus ally.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib. "We will come together on March 5 and discuss these issues," Erdogan said in a televised speech, following a phone call on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his teleconference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Turkish leader did not say where the summit would be held but his announcement comes a day after Macron and Merkel called for a four-party Syria summit also involving the Russian leader. A months-long offensive by Russia-backed Syrian troops against rebels backed by Turkey in northwest Idlib has seen close to one million civilians fleeing the violence. The two European Union heavyweights on Friday "expressed their willingness to meet President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis," the chancellor's office said. Russia on Wednesday objected to the UN Security Council adopting a statement that would have called for a ceasefire in Idlib, diplomats said, after a tense closed-door meeting. Turkey, which has threatened an "imminent" operation in Idlib after its troops have come under intense fire from regime forces, has given Damascus until the end of this month to drive back its army positions. Syrian regime fire has killed 17 Turkish personnel this month alone, sparking a war of words between Ankara and Moscow, a key Damascus ally.

Erdogan to hold Syria summit with Russia, France and Germany

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say.

The disinformation campaign promotes unfounded conspiracy theories that the United States is behind the COVID-19 outbreak, in an apparent bid to damage the US image around the world by seizing on health concerns.

State Department officials tasked with combating Russian disinformation told AFP that false personas are being used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to advance Russian talking points in multiple languages.

"Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine US institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns," said Philip Reeker, the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-coronavirus-death-sparks-fears-lockdown-in-italian-towns-282140">Second coronavirus death sparks fears, lockdown in Italian towns</a>

"By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response," he said.

The claims that have been circulating in recent weeks include allegations that the virus is a US effort to "wage economic war on China," that it is a biological weapon manufactured by the CIA or part of a Western-led effort "to push anti-China messages."

US individuals including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has spent billions on global health programs, have also been falsely accused of involvement in the virus.

The disinformation campaign was identified by US monitors in mid-January after Chinese officials announced a third death from the new coronavirus in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-steps-up-battle-against-deadly-coronavirus-appoints-six-special-envoys-282134">WHO steps up battle against deadly coronavirus, appoints six special envoys</a>

More than 2,340 people have since died, mostly in China. The number of cases exceeds 76,000 and the virus has reached around 25 countries. Among them is Iran, which on Saturday ordered the closure of schools and universities in two cities, after a fifth death.

Close coordination observed

Several thousand online accounts -- previously identified for airing Russian-backed messages on major events such as the war in Syria, the Yellow Vest protests in France and Chile's mass demonstrations -- are posting "almost near-identical" messages about the novel coronavirus, according to a report prepared for the State Department's Global Engagement Center and seen by AFP.

The accounts -- run by humans, not bots -- post at similar times in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French and can be linked back to Russian proxies, or carry similar messages to Russian-backed outlets such as RT and Sputnik, it said. &nbsp;

Russian state-funded media started pushing anti-Western messages about the cause of the epidemic on January 20, with operators of the social media accounts beginning to post globally the following day, US officials say.

"In this case, we were able to see their full disinformation ecosystem in effect, including state TV, proxy web sites and thousands of false social media personas all pushing the same themes," said Special Envoy Lea Gabrielle, head of the Global Engagement Center, which is tasked with tracking and exposing propaganda and disinformation.

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During many past news events, the accounts would post actively for up to 72 hours. But messages about the new coronavirus have been uploaded every day over the past month -- a sign, US officials said, of Russia's investment in a story unlikely to disappear soon from the headlines.

"In the Russian doctrine of information confrontation, this is classic," said another official from the Global Engagement Center.&nbsp;

"The number of coronavirus cases globally hasn't reached its apex, so the Russian strategy is to very cheaply but very effectively take advantage of the information environment to sow discord between us and China, or for economic purposes."

Experts saw parallels with previous conspiracy theories traced to Moscow, including a KGB disinformation campaign in the 1980s that convinced many around the world that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

US intelligence has also said that Russia interfered through social media manipulation in the 2016 election and seeks to do so again in 2020. The Kremlin has denied the charges and President Donald Trump has scoffed at suggestions of Russian help.

Risks seen in response

Scientists believe the COVID-19 illness originated in late December in Wuhan at a market selling exotic animals for human consumption.

Bats are known carriers of this strain of the coronavirus, whose official name is SARS-CoV-2, but scientists think it spread to humans via another mammal species, possibly pangolins.

The US believes the latest Russian disinformation campaign is making it harder to respond to the epidemic, particularly in Africa and Asia, with some of the public becoming suspicious of the Western response.

The World Health Organization warned Friday that the window to stem the outbreak was narrowing, voicing alarm at a surge of cases with no clear link to China.

A State Department official said that Russian operatives appeared to have been given "carte blanche" to attack the US reputation.

"Whether or not a particular theme is being directed at the highest levels doesn't matter. It's the fact that they have freelance ability to operate in this space to do whatever damage they can, which could have seismic implications."

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say.

Thousands of Russian-linked social media accounts have launched a coordinated effort to spread alarm about the new coronavirus, disrupting global efforts to fight the epidemic, US officials say. The disinformation campaign promotes unfounded conspiracy theories that the United States is behind the COVID-19 outbreak, in an apparent bid to damage the US image around the world by seizing on health concerns. State Department officials tasked with combating Russian disinformation told AFP that false personas are being used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to advance Russian talking points in multiple languages. "Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine US institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns," said Philip Reeker, the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia. Also read: Second coronavirus death sparks fears, lockdown in Italian towns "By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response," he said. The claims that have been circulating in recent weeks include allegations that the virus is a US effort to "wage economic war on China," that it is a biological weapon manufactured by the CIA or part of a Western-led effort "to push anti-China messages." US individuals including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has spent billions on global health programs, have also been falsely accused of involvement in the virus. The disinformation campaign was identified by US monitors in mid-January after Chinese officials announced a third death from the new coronavirus in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. Also read: WHO steps up battle against deadly coronavirus, appoints six special envoys More than 2,340 people have since died, mostly in China. The number of cases exceeds 76,000 and the virus has reached around 25 countries. Among them is Iran, which on Saturday ordered the closure of schools and universities in two cities, after a fifth death. Close coordination observed Several thousand online accounts -- previously identified for airing Russian-backed messages on major events such as the war in Syria, the Yellow Vest protests in France and Chile's mass demonstrations -- are posting "almost near-identical" messages about the novel coronavirus, according to a report prepared for the State Department's Global Engagement Center and seen by AFP. The accounts -- run by humans, not bots -- post at similar times in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French and can be linked back to Russian proxies, or carry similar messages to Russian-backed outlets such as RT and Sputnik, it said. Russian state-funded media started pushing anti-Western messages about the cause of the epidemic on January 20, with operators of the social media accounts beginning to post globally the following day, US officials say. "In this case, we were able to see their full disinformation ecosystem in effect, including state TV, proxy web sites and thousands of false social media personas all pushing the same themes," said Special Envoy Lea Gabrielle, head of the Global Engagement Center, which is tasked with tracking and exposing propaganda and disinformation. × During many past news events, the accounts would post actively for up to 72 hours. But messages about the new coronavirus have been uploaded every day over the past month -- a sign, US officials said, of Russia's investment in a story unlikely to disappear soon from the headlines. "In the Russian doctrine of information confrontation, this is classic," said another official from the Global Engagement Center. "The number of coronavirus cases globally hasn't reached its apex, so the Russian strategy is to very cheaply but very effectively take advantage of the information environment to sow discord between us and China, or for economic purposes." Experts saw parallels with previous conspiracy theories traced to Moscow, including a KGB disinformation campaign in the 1980s that convinced many around the world that US scientists created the HIV virus that causes AIDS. US intelligence has also said that Russia interfered through social media manipulation in the 2016 election and seeks to do so again in 2020. The Kremlin has denied the charges and President Donald Trump has scoffed at suggestions of Russian help. Risks seen in response Scientists believe the COVID-19 illness originated in late December in Wuhan at a market selling exotic animals for human consumption. Bats are known carriers of this strain of the coronavirus, whose official name is SARS-CoV-2, but scientists think it spread to humans via another mammal species, possibly pangolins. The US believes the latest Russian disinformation campaign is making it harder to respond to the epidemic, particularly in Africa and Asia, with some of the public becoming suspicious of the Western response. The World Health Organization warned Friday that the window to stem the outbreak was narrowing, voicing alarm at a surge of cases with no clear link to China. A State Department official said that Russian operatives appeared to have been given "carte blanche" to attack the US reputation. "Whether or not a particular theme is being directed at the highest levels doesn't matter. It's the fact that they have freelance ability to operate in this space to do whatever damage they can, which could have seismic implications."

Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US

US intelligence community's top election security official told lawmakers last week that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">Russia </a>has been&nbsp;interfering in the 2020 election campaign by aiming to cast doubt on the integrity of the vote and boost President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">Donald Trump</a>'s re-election.

According to media reports, last week's briefing, led by election security official Shelby Pierson, addressed the overall picture of Russia's efforts, including hacking, weaponizing social media and attacks on election infrastructure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">Donald Trump warns Russia not to meddle in US election 2020</a>

The officials&nbsp;warned the committee in the classified briefing that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">Russia </a>was working to cast doubt on the integrity of the voting process in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">US presidential election 2020</a> while at the same time boosting Trump's election to a second four-year term.

Media reports quoting a source said that "the Russians are favouring one candidate while they do it," said the person, adding that the briefers identified Trump as the candidate.&nbsp;

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from committee Republicans.

Trump had allegedly rebuked acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire a day after the briefing for allowing his staff to appear before the committee.

Trump said on Wednesday he was replacing Maguire on an acting basis with Richard Grenell, a strong Trump loyalist who has served as ambassador to Germany since 2018.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-wants-russia-to-help-contain-china-158059">US wants Russia to help contain China</a>

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;The office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment.

US officials have long warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-wants-russia-to-help-contain-china-158059">Russia </a>and other countries would try to interfere in the 2020 US presidential election campaign.

The US intelligence community had concluded that Russia used fake news, cyber-attacks and other methods in an operation designed to swing the 2016 presidential election to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-wants-russia-to-help-contain-china-158059">Trump </a>over Democrat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-warns-russia-not-to-meddle-in-us-election-2020-267555">Hillary Clinton</a>.

Russia has denied the allegation.

Trump has repeatedly questioned the finding. At a 2018 summit, he said he found Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of Russian meddling "extremely strong and powerful."

Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded in a report last year that there was no conclusive evidence of coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign.&nbsp;

However, Mueller was unable to clear Trump of obstructing his investigation.

US intelligence community's top election security official told lawmakers last week that Russia has been interfering in the 2020 election campaign by aiming to cast doubt on the integrity of the vote and boost President Donald Trump's re-election.

US intelligence community's top election security official told lawmakers last week that Russia has been interfering in the 2020 election campaign by aiming to cast doubt on the integrity of the vote and boost President Donald Trump's re-election. According to media reports, last week's briefing, led by election security official Shelby Pierson, addressed the overall picture of Russia's efforts, including hacking, weaponizing social media and attacks on election infrastructure. Also read: Donald Trump warns Russia not to meddle in US election 2020 The officials warned the committee in the classified briefing that Russia was working to cast doubt on the integrity of the voting process in the US presidential election 2020 while at the same time boosting Trump's election to a second four-year term. Media reports quoting a source said that "the Russians are favouring one candidate while they do it," said the person, adding that the briefers identified Trump as the candidate. There was no immediate response to a request for comment from committee Republicans. Trump had allegedly rebuked acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire a day after the briefing for allowing his staff to appear before the committee. Trump said on Wednesday he was replacing Maguire on an acting basis with Richard Grenell, a strong Trump loyalist who has served as ambassador to Germany since 2018. Also read: US wants Russia to help contain China The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. US officials have long warned that Russia and other countries would try to interfere in the 2020 US presidential election campaign. The US intelligence community had concluded that Russia used fake news, cyber-attacks and other methods in an operation designed to swing the 2016 presidential election to Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russia has denied the allegation. Trump has repeatedly questioned the finding. At a 2018 summit, he said he found Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials of Russian meddling "extremely strong and powerful." Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded in a report last year that there was no conclusive evidence of coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. However, Mueller was unable to clear Trump of obstructing his investigation.

Russia looking to boost Trump's re-election: US election security official

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emboldened-donald-trump-defends-right-to-interfere-in-criminal-cases-280773">Donald Trump</a> offered to pardon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">WikiLeaks</a>&nbsp;founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Julian Assange</a> if he denied Russia's association with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">WikiLeaks</a>' publication of Democratic Party emails in 2016, a London court heard on Wednesday.

The pardon would come on the condition if&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Assange&nbsp;</a>agreed the Russians were not involved in the email leak that damaged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clinton-accuses-wikileaks-of-blunting-impact-of-crude-trump-tape-22473">Hillary Clinton</a>'s presidential campaign in 2016 against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Trump</a>, Rohrabacher's statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clinton-accuses-wikileaks-of-blunting-impact-of-crude-trump-tape-22473">Clinton says WikiLeaks worked with Russia to deflect attention from infamous Trump tape</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Assange's </a>lawyer Jennifer Robinson said in a document that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Trump </a>relayed the offer through former US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.

The White House quickly denied the assertion and said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jr-reveals-messages-with-wikileaks-during-campaign-24143">Trump </a>had dangled a pardon in exchange for help in the Russia controversy, which has cast a shadow over his first term in office.

"The president barely knows Dana Rohrabacher other than he's an ex-congressman. He's never spoken to him on this subject or almost any subject. It is a complete fabrication and a total lie," Trump's press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.

"This is probably another never-ending hoax and a total lie" by the Democratic Party,"&nbsp;she said, a day after Trump controversially pardoned or issued other forms of clemency to 11 people including a former governor jailed for corruption, and other high-profile white-collar criminals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emboldened-donald-trump-defends-right-to-interfere-in-criminal-cases-280773">Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases</a>

The revelation came at a case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court before Monday's formal start of Washington's extradition request for him to face espionage charges.

Rohrabacher, likewise, said he never spoke with the president about Assange.&nbsp;

In a statement, the former lawmaker denied he had been sent on Trump's behalf and said he was acting on his own when he offered to ask Trump for a pardon if Assange would say how he got the emails.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-may-also-have-colluded-with-wikileaks-mueller-probe-180140">Trump campaign may also have colluded with WikiLeaks: Mueller probe&nbsp;</a>

He said he relayed Assange's willingness to cooperate to Trump's then-chief of staff, John Kelly, but said he heard nothing further from the White House.

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies had concluded that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clinton-accuses-wikileaks-of-blunting-impact-of-crude-trump-tape-22473">Russia </a>interfered in the 2016 election to try to help Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Clinton.

Russia denied meddling and Trump denied any campaign collusion with Moscow. A probe by US&nbsp;Special Counsel Robert Mueller did not establish that members of Trump’s campaign conspired with Russia during the election.

Assange, 48, who spent seven years holed up in Ecuador's London embassy before he was dragged out last April, is wanted in the United States on 18 counts including conspiring to hack government computers and violating an espionage law.

US President Donald Trump offered to pardon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange if he denied Russia's association with WikiLeaks' publication of Democratic Party emails in 2016, a London court heard on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump offered to pardon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange if he denied Russia's association with WikiLeaks' publication of Democratic Party emails in 2016, a London court heard on Wednesday. The pardon would come on the condition if Assange agreed the Russians were not involved in the email leak that damaged Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2016 against Trump, Rohrabacher's statement said. Also read: Clinton says WikiLeaks worked with Russia to deflect attention from infamous Trump tape Assange's lawyer Jennifer Robinson said in a document that Trump relayed the offer through former US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. The White House quickly denied the assertion and said that Trump had dangled a pardon in exchange for help in the Russia controversy, which has cast a shadow over his first term in office. "The president barely knows Dana Rohrabacher other than he's an ex-congressman. He's never spoken to him on this subject or almost any subject. It is a complete fabrication and a total lie," Trump's press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. "This is probably another never-ending hoax and a total lie" by the Democratic Party," she said, a day after Trump controversially pardoned or issued other forms of clemency to 11 people including a former governor jailed for corruption, and other high-profile white-collar criminals. Also read: Emboldened, Donald Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases The revelation came at a case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court before Monday's formal start of Washington's extradition request for him to face espionage charges. Rohrabacher, likewise, said he never spoke with the president about Assange. In a statement, the former lawmaker denied he had been sent on Trump's behalf and said he was acting on his own when he offered to ask Trump for a pardon if Assange would say how he got the emails. Also read: Trump campaign may also have colluded with WikiLeaks: Mueller probe He said he relayed Assange's willingness to cooperate to Trump's then-chief of staff, John Kelly, but said he heard nothing further from the White House. US intelligence agencies had concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to try to help Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Clinton. Russia denied meddling and Trump denied any campaign collusion with Moscow. A probe by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller did not establish that members of Trump’s campaign conspired with Russia during the election. Assange, 48, who spent seven years holed up in Ecuador's London embassy before he was dragged out last April, is wanted in the United States on 18 counts including conspiring to hack government computers and violating an espionage law.

Trump offered to pardon Assange if he denied Russia helped leak Democrats' emails: Lawyer

Syria is almost a decade into civil war, but what's happening in the country now is perhaps its biggest-ever humanitarian crisis.

The troops of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad are trying to take over the last rebel-held province, Idlib, which has become a flashpoint and it looks like Turkey is trying to make the most of it.

The fighting between the rebels and Assad's forces have forced thousands to leave their homes. At least 70,000 people have been displaced - towns and cities have been abandoned, camps are over-crowded and there is a shortage of basic necessities.

But one of the biggest outcomes of Syria's operation Idlib is the intervention of Turkey. Ankara has been involved in the Syrian war&nbsp;since its early days. In the last 9 years, its role has been both diplomatic and military.

Back in 2011, Turkey started off by condemning the Syrian government for the very outbreak of the civil unrest. It went on to slam Asaad for cracking down on the protesters. 
 
WATCH: Turkey threatens an imminent attack on Syria's Idlib&nbsp;

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In 2016, the Turkish armed forces entered Syria - they targetted the people's protection units and the ISIS terrorists.

In 2018, Turkey signed the Sochi accord with Russia, wherein it agreed to the setting up of a de-escalation zone. Today, Turkey has troops at 12 observation posts in Idlib, back home - it hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

But Turkey's role in the Syrian war could change soon, Ankara is threatening to launch an operation in Idlib. Turkey wants to take on Assad's advancing forces.

Turkey says it wants to make Idlib a secure zone. Erdogan is eyeing a bigger role in the region and the world as a whole.

His moves come after the UN warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. There is another incident that Turkey is likely to use to justify an operation in Idlib. Assad's forces fired shells at an observation post that was manned by Turkish troops.

Turkey said that it lost at least a dozen of its soldiers - the question is whether Turkey will really take on the advancing Syrian forces in Idlib?

And what about Russia? Will Erdogan's quest for power force him to take on Putin? Russia and Turkey have way too many joint interests. Russia has built nuclear reactors for Turkey. Recently, Turkey also purchased the Russian S-400 Missile System.

A confrontation between the two countries wouldn't be the best idea.

At the end of the day, while countries try to play the war to its benefit - it's the people who have everything to lose.

In Idlib alone, over 900,000 people have been forced from their homes and shelters in less than 3 months. In the last 2 months alone, more than 200 civilians have died.

The Syrian and Russian forces were responsible for 93 per cent of these deaths. Turkey may be trying to play a messiah here, but one must not forget Erdogan's men too have blood on their hands. The Turkish troops killed around 500 Syrians who were fleeing the civil war and 78 of them were children. 
 
&nbsp;

Syria is almost a decade into civil war, but what's happening in the country now is perhaps its biggest-ever humanitarian crisis. The troops of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad are trying to take over the last rebel-held province, Idlib, which has become a flashpoint and it looks like Turkey is trying to make the most of it.

Syria is almost a decade into civil war, but what's happening in the country now is perhaps its biggest-ever humanitarian crisis. The troops of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad are trying to take over the last rebel-held province, Idlib, which has become a flashpoint and it looks like Turkey is trying to make the most of it. The fighting between the rebels and Assad's forces have forced thousands to leave their homes. At least 70,000 people have been displaced - towns and cities have been abandoned, camps are over-crowded and there is a shortage of basic necessities. But one of the biggest outcomes of Syria's operation Idlib is the intervention of Turkey. Ankara has been involved in the Syrian war since its early days. In the last 9 years, its role has been both diplomatic and military. Back in 2011, Turkey started off by condemning the Syrian government for the very outbreak of the civil unrest. It went on to slam Asaad for cracking down on the protesters. WATCH: Turkey threatens an imminent attack on Syria's Idlib × In 2016, the Turkish armed forces entered Syria - they targetted the people's protection units and the ISIS terrorists. In 2018, Turkey signed the Sochi accord with Russia, wherein it agreed to the setting up of a de-escalation zone. Today, Turkey has troops at 12 observation posts in Idlib, back home - it hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. But Turkey's role in the Syrian war could change soon, Ankara is threatening to launch an operation in Idlib. Turkey wants to take on Assad's advancing forces. Turkey says it wants to make Idlib a secure zone. Erdogan is eyeing a bigger role in the region and the world as a whole. His moves come after the UN warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. There is another incident that Turkey is likely to use to justify an operation in Idlib. Assad's forces fired shells at an observation post that was manned by Turkish troops. Turkey said that it lost at least a dozen of its soldiers - the question is whether Turkey will really take on the advancing Syrian forces in Idlib? And what about Russia? Will Erdogan's quest for power force him to take on Putin? Russia and Turkey have way too many joint interests. Russia has built nuclear reactors for Turkey. Recently, Turkey also purchased the Russian S-400 Missile System. A confrontation between the two countries wouldn't be the best idea. At the end of the day, while countries try to play the war to its benefit - it's the people who have everything to lose. In Idlib alone, over 900,000 people have been forced from their homes and shelters in less than 3 months. In the last 2 months alone, more than 200 civilians have died. The Syrian and Russian forces were responsible for 93 per cent of these deaths. Turkey may be trying to play a messiah here, but one must not forget Erdogan's men too have blood on their hands. The Turkish troops killed around 500 Syrians who were fleeing the civil war and 78 of them were children.

Explained: Turkey's role in the Syrian civil war

Syrian families fleeing Idlib take shelter on the road

Today in history: Thomas Edison patents phonograph, Supreme Privy Council in Russia, and more!

Government airstrikes have hit hospitals and refugee camps in northwest Syria and killed about 300 civilians as President Bashar al-Assad's forces press an assault against the last rebel stronghold, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Government airstrikes have hit hospitals and refugee camps in northwest Syria and killed about 300 civilians as President Bashar al-Assad's forces press an assault against the last rebel stronghold, the United Nations said on Tuesday. UN officials said relief agencies were overwhelmed by the humanitarian crisis as nearly one million civilians, most of them women and children, had fled towards the Turkish border in bitter winter conditions to escape the onslaught. "Civilians fleeing the fighting are being squeezed into areas without safe shelter that is shrinking in size by the hour. And still, they are bombed. They simply have nowhere to go," UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said. Also Read: Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes underway Syrian and Russian warplanes meanwhile kept up raids on the town of Darat Izza in Aleppo province on Tuesday, witnesses said, a day after two hospitals there were badly damaged. At Al Kinana Hospital, blown-out walls and dust-covered medical cables and supplies were strewn about the hospital after two staff were wounded on Monday, witnesses said. Ankara said talks with Moscow on Idlib were "not satisfactory" and Turkey would deploy more troops to the region. Turkish and Russian officials held a second day of talks in Moscow with no apparent agreement on Idlib, where the latest push by Russian-backed Syrian government forces has killed several Turkish troops. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive Russia said both sides restated their commitment to existing agreements aimed at reducing tension in Idlib. A statement did not mention Turkey's demand for Syrian government forces to pull back. Turkey says it cannot cope with a new refugee influx in addition to the 3.6 million Syrian refugees already stranded inside its borders. Appearing on national television on Monday, Assad said the rapid military gains presaged the eventual defeat of the nine-year-old insurgency against him although it could still take time. The rebel factions include Turkish-backed rebels and jihadist militants. Possible war crimes UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville, asked if Syria and Russia were deliberately targeting civilians and protected buildings, said: "The sheer quantity of attacks on hospitals, medical facilities, and schools would suggest they cannot all be accidental." The attacks could constitute war crimes, Colville told a briefing in Geneva. The UN human rights office said it had recorded 299 civilian deaths since January 1, about 93 per cent caused by the Syrian government and its allies. Also Read: 250,000 migrants fleeing from Syria's Idlib towards Turkey: Tayyip Erdogan The swift advance of government troops, backed by Russian airstrikes, through northwest Syria has caused the biggest displacement of the war as people flee towards a shrinking pocket near the Turkish frontier where insurgents hold their last strongholds. A UN spokesman, David Swanson, said close to 900,000 people have fled conflict zones in Idlib province and western Aleppo since December, more than 80 per cent of them women and children. Many have been unable to find shelter and are sleeping outside in freezing temperatures, burning plastic to stay warm and at risk of disease and death. "Only half of all the health facilities in the northwest are still functioning now," Swanson said. Hurras Network, a Save the Children partner in Idlib, said seven children including a seven-month-old baby had died from freezing temperatures and bleak conditions in camps. About 525,000 children are among those trapped, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said. Also Read: Will not withdraw from army posts in Syria's Idlib: Turkey The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in the Aleppo countryside. The M5 highway linking Damascus to Aleppo, the focus of recent fighting, was re-opened to civilian traffic on Tuesday after government forces recaptured it last week, the Syrian Observatory war monitoring group reported. The opposition said airstrikes in southern areas of Idlib province had left dozens of towns and villages in ruins in what is called a "scorched earth policy". The Russian and Turkish delegations met in Moscow to reconcile their differences over Idlib, which has raised questions over the durability of their cooperation. Also Read: Syria regime must halt 'escalation of violence': European Union Turkey has sent thousands of troops and convoys of military equipment to reinforce its observation posts in Idlib, established under a 2018 de-escalation agreement with Russia. Moscow has accused Turkey of flouting their agreements and failing to rein in militants it said were attacking Syrian and Russian forces. In one positive note, Turkish and Russian troops have restarted joint patrols near the border that had been halted since October, a Russian defence ministry official said. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said the WHO was sending essential medicines and supplies across the border, including trauma kits for Idlib.

Air strikes hit hospitals, camps in northwest Syria; 300 civilian casualties

Indian candidates start training for Gaganyaan in Russia

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

Millions&nbsp;quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Read more</a>

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">Read more</a>

99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454

Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">Read more</a>

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from&nbsp;Storm&nbsp;Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-wreaks-havoc-across-united-kingdom-parts-of-france-281173">Read more</a>

UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer

The&nbsp;British government&nbsp;will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-invest-16-billion-in-weather-and-climate-supercomputer-281035">Read more</a>

Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern&nbsp;Burkina Faso. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-four-killed-in-burkina-faso-church-attack-governor-281154">Read more</a>

14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of&nbsp;Cameroon, according to the&nbsp;United Nations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-children-among-up-to-22-dead-in-cameroon-massacre-united-nations-281151">Read more</a>

United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant

The&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-arab-emirates-issues-operating-licence-for-arab-worlds-first-nuclear-plant-281148">Read more</a>

Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations

UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-libya-arms-embargo-has-become-a-joke-un-281003">Read more</a>

Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week

Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pole-vaulting-wonder-boy-armand-duplantis-breaks-his-world-record-within-a-week-281080">Read more</a>

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities. Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Read more President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. Read more 99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454 Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. Read more Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from Storm Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. Read more UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer The British government will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. Read more Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso. Read more 14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations. Read more United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant The United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. Read more Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up". Read more Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll rises, US and Turkey call out Russia on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount. "Russia is managing the war there right now at the highest level," Erdogan said, according to the Hurriyet daily. Turkey and Russia are currently engaged in a war of words over Syria where the two countries support opposing sides. Likewise in Libya, Ankara supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli while Russia backs military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria to pay heavy price' vows Erdogan The president has repeated the accusation that Russian security company Wagner is supporting Haftar despite Moscow's denials. "They are presently managing Wagner," Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board his plane after a visit to Pakistan this week. "Yet they still stand up and say, 'there's no link'," he added. The Wagner Group is a shadowy private security firm and thousands of its security contractors are believed to be in foreign conflicts from Syria to Ukraine to the Central African Republic. Also Read: Erdogan battles on multiple fronts in risky regional power bid Erdogan insisted Turkey would continue to support the GNA as part of a security deal signed late last year. He also hit out at the West over backing Haftar without directly naming any country. "The West still supports this man.... (He) is given arms, ammunition and money." Earlier on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticised the "very dangerous" meddling by some Gulf countries during the Munich Security Conference. "Those countries believe that democracy in one Arab country or the region is the biggest threat for their own regime," the top Turkish diplomat added.

Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level'

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated".

"The West is winning and we're winning together,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">Pompeo&nbsp;</a>said at the Munich Security Conference.

The annual gathering of world leaders, generals and diplomats to discuss security challenges has been dominated by fears of diminishing Western influence in the face of a more assertive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;spoke a day after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">United States</a> rejected "even the idea of an international community" and was acting "at the expense of neighbours and partners".

"Those statements don't reflect reality. I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over-exaggerated,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said, paraphrasing a famous Mark Twain quote.

He said Washington played a key role in keeping Europe safe by reinforcing NATO's eastern flank on the border with Russia, and had led a multinational effort to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">US-China trade pact fails to resolve three fundamental issues</a>

"Is this an America that 'rejects the international community'?" he asked.

"The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives."&nbsp;

He also warned of the threats posed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia's </a>territorial ambitions, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China's </a>military buildup in the South <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-pact-fails-to-resolve-three-fundamental-issues-274848">China </a>Sea and Iran's "campaigns of terror" through proxy conflicts in the Middle East.

In a nod to concerns about European reliance on Russian natural gas,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;also announced that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US </a>would finance energy projects in eastern EU countries.

"The United States through our International Development Finance Corporation, and with the support of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taliban-reach-violence-reduction-pact-that-could-lead-to-us-withdrawal-280783">US </a>Congress intends to provide up to $1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told the conference.

"Our aim is to galvanise private sector investment in their energy sectors."

The pledge comes amid fierce US opposition to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double the country's gas shipments to Germany.

Washington believes the pipeline will give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday rejected European pessimism about Washington's retreat from the global stage, saying the death of the transatlantic bond is "grossly over-exaggerated". "The West is winning and we're winning together," Pompeo said at the Munich Security Conference. The annual gathering of world leaders, generals and diplomats to discuss security challenges has been dominated by fears of diminishing Western influence in the face of a more assertive China and Russia. Also read: US, Taliban reach violence reduction pact that could lead to US withdrawal Pompeo spoke a day after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the United States rejected "even the idea of an international community" and was acting "at the expense of neighbours and partners". "Those statements don't reflect reality. I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly over-exaggerated," Pompeo said, paraphrasing a famous Mark Twain quote. He said Washington played a key role in keeping Europe safe by reinforcing NATO's eastern flank on the border with Russia, and had led a multinational effort to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group. Also read: US-China trade pact fails to resolve three fundamental issues "Is this an America that 'rejects the international community'?" he asked. "The free West has a brighter future than illiberal alternatives." He also warned of the threats posed by Russia's territorial ambitions, China's military buildup in the South China Sea and Iran's "campaigns of terror" through proxy conflicts in the Middle East. In a nod to concerns about European reliance on Russian natural gas, Pompeo also announced that the US would finance energy projects in eastern EU countries. "The United States through our International Development Finance Corporation, and with the support of the US Congress intends to provide up to $1 billion in financing to the Central and Eastern European countries of the Three Seas Initiative," Pompeo told the conference. "Our aim is to galvanise private sector investment in their energy sectors." The pledge comes amid fierce US opposition to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, set to double the country's gas shipments to Germany. Washington believes the pipeline will give Russia too much influence over security and economic issues in western Europe.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejects claims that US has quit global role

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

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

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

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

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../erdogan-battles-on-multiple-fronts-in-risky- regional-power-bid-280217">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault</a>

Erdogan's threats follow direct clashes between Turkish and the Syrian regime forces over the past 10 days, which have also strained his relations with Moscow, the key backer of President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey has beefed up its positions in Idlib the last rebel bastion in Syria&nbsp;with hundreds of vehicles carrying commandos, howitzers, and soldiers crossing the border over the last few days.

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"I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the Sochi deal if any tiny bit of harm comes to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere," Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling party in parliament.

He said 14 Turks have been killed and 45 wounded by regime shelling in Idlib since February 3.

Assad's forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have pressed ahead with an offensive to retake the province from rebel groups despite the 2018 Sochi ceasefire deal agreed between Turkey and Russia.

The offensive has killed hundreds of civilians since December and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing for safety in harsh winter conditions.

In a rare move on Wednesday, Erdogan was directly critical of Russia.

"The regime, backed by Russian forces and Iran-backed militants, are continuously attacking civilians, committing massacres and shedding blood," he said.

He added that Turkey would do "whatever necessary" to push Syrian forces back behind the 12 observation posts it set up in Idlib under the Sochi deal.

An AFP correspondent in Idlib said a new convoy of Turkish armoured vehicles arrived Wednesday in the town of Binnish, northeast of Idlib city, in a new deployment.

But Syrian forces have been relentlessly advancing, seizing numerous towns and retaking full control of the crucial M5 highway that links major cities for the first time since 2012.

"We are determined to push back (regime forces) behind the borders of the Sochi deal by the end of February," said Erdogan.

"We will do whatever is necessary both on the ground and in the air without any hesitation and without any delay."

Erdogan also said that aircraft striking settlements in Idlib would "no longer move freely".

That followed reports that Turkish forces shot down a Syrian military helicopter this week in Idlib, though that has not been confirmed by Ankara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan spoke by phone on Wednesday, with the Kremlin saying they remained determined to implement existing ceasefire agreements.

The Turkish presidency confirmed the call but did not provide details.

A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara this week, but no concrete agreement emerged.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a Turkish delegation would now go to Moscow "in the next few days."

"Continuing to work with Russia, we are working to secure a lasting ceasefire. But even if nothing results from this, our determination is clear and we will do what is necessary," he said.

US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for meetings with Turkish officials.

Meanwhile, Syrian regime forces pushed on with their offensive on Wednesday, securing further areas along the M5 highway.\

Turkey, which already hosts some 3.7 million refugees from Syria, fears a fresh influx if Idlib falls to the regime and has kept its border closed to newly displaced people.

A furious Erdogan blasted "profound silence" from the international community over the violence in Idlib.

"Even if everyone turns a blind eye, turns their back, and freezes their conscience, Turkey will not remain a bystander to this situation."

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib.

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib. Also read: Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault Erdogan's threats follow direct clashes between Turkish and the Syrian regime forces over the past 10 days, which have also strained his relations with Moscow, the key backer of President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey has beefed up its positions in Idlib the last rebel bastion in Syria with hundreds of vehicles carrying commandos, howitzers, and soldiers crossing the border over the last few days. × "I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the Sochi deal if any tiny bit of harm comes to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere," Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling party in parliament. He said 14 Turks have been killed and 45 wounded by regime shelling in Idlib since February 3. Assad's forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have pressed ahead with an offensive to retake the province from rebel groups despite the 2018 Sochi ceasefire deal agreed between Turkey and Russia. The offensive has killed hundreds of civilians since December and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing for safety in harsh winter conditions. In a rare move on Wednesday, Erdogan was directly critical of Russia. "The regime, backed by Russian forces and Iran-backed militants, are continuously attacking civilians, committing massacres and shedding blood," he said. He added that Turkey would do "whatever necessary" to push Syrian forces back behind the 12 observation posts it set up in Idlib under the Sochi deal. An AFP correspondent in Idlib said a new convoy of Turkish armoured vehicles arrived Wednesday in the town of Binnish, northeast of Idlib city, in a new deployment. But Syrian forces have been relentlessly advancing, seizing numerous towns and retaking full control of the crucial M5 highway that links major cities for the first time since 2012. "We are determined to push back (regime forces) behind the borders of the Sochi deal by the end of February," said Erdogan. "We will do whatever is necessary both on the ground and in the air without any hesitation and without any delay." Erdogan also said that aircraft striking settlements in Idlib would "no longer move freely". That followed reports that Turkish forces shot down a Syrian military helicopter this week in Idlib, though that has not been confirmed by Ankara. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan spoke by phone on Wednesday, with the Kremlin saying they remained determined to implement existing ceasefire agreements. The Turkish presidency confirmed the call but did not provide details. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara this week, but no concrete agreement emerged. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a Turkish delegation would now go to Moscow "in the next few days." "Continuing to work with Russia, we are working to secure a lasting ceasefire. But even if nothing results from this, our determination is clear and we will do what is necessary," he said. US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for meetings with Turkish officials. Meanwhile, Syrian regime forces pushed on with their offensive on Wednesday, securing further areas along the M5 highway.\ Turkey, which already hosts some 3.7 million refugees from Syria, fears a fresh influx if Idlib falls to the regime and has kept its border closed to newly displaced people. A furious Erdogan blasted "profound silence" from the international community over the violence in Idlib. "Even if everyone turns a blind eye, turns their back, and freezes their conscience, Turkey will not remain a bystander to this situation."

Erdogan threatens Damascus, slams Moscow over Idlib 'massacre'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia's Federal Security Service</a> (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms.

It said the measure would affect a string of Russian internet services that have been added to a list of entities obliged to hand over user data and messages to Russian law enforcement agencies on request.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia opposes US OneWeb satellite service, cites security concerns</a>

The list, drawn up by Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, contains more than 200 entities such as popular messenger service Telegram, some Yandex&nbsp; services, social network VK and classified advertisement website Avito.ru.

Reuters was unable to immediately confirm the report.

The Bell said the orders, which the companies received last year, demanded they install equipment allowing FSB employees to have continuous access to their information systems and the keys to decode users' communications.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-thanks-donald-trump-for-intelligence-that-foiled-attack-270901">Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack</a>

Companies that fail to comply can be blocked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia</a>'s increased regulation of the internet has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and sparked protests by activists who are concerned about what they say is the state's growing presence in the online world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposes-us-oneweb-satellite-service-cites-security-concerns-173323">Russia </a>has in the past attempted to block access to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/russia-threatens-to-block-telegram-messaging-app-17274">Telegram messenger</a> service after it refused to give state security access to users' secret messages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/russia-threatens-to-block-telegram-messaging-app-17274">Russia threatens to block Telegram messaging app</a>

The authorities have also started to focus their attention on foreign services as well, including dating app Tinder.

Tinder said last year that it had agreed to be added to Roskomnadzor's register but had not divulged users' personal information. The Bell did not say whether Tinder had been ordered by the FSB to hand over users' data and communications.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has ordered some of the country's major internet companies to give it continuous access to their systems, The Bell investigative website reported late on Tuesday, citing three sources at the firms. It said the measure would affect a string of Russian internet services that have been added to a list of entities obliged to hand over user data and messages to Russian law enforcement agencies on request. Also read: Russia opposes US OneWeb satellite service, cites security concerns The list, drawn up by Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, contains more than 200 entities such as popular messenger service Telegram, some Yandex services, social network VK and classified advertisement website Avito.ru. Reuters was unable to immediately confirm the report. The Bell said the orders, which the companies received last year, demanded they install equipment allowing FSB employees to have continuous access to their information systems and the keys to decode users' communications. Also read: Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for intelligence that foiled attack Companies that fail to comply can be blocked. Russia's increased regulation of the internet has drawn criticism from some opposition politicians and sparked protests by activists who are concerned about what they say is the state's growing presence in the online world. Russia has in the past attempted to block access to the Telegram messenger service after it refused to give state security access to users' secret messages. Also read: Russia threatens to block Telegram messaging app The authorities have also started to focus their attention on foreign services as well, including dating app Tinder. Tinder said last year that it had agreed to be added to Roskomnadzor's register but had not divulged users' personal information. The Bell did not say whether Tinder had been ordered by the FSB to hand over users' data and communications.

Russia's security service tells internet firms to hand over user data: The Bell

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody.

Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month.

On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests.

If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more.

Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests.

At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar.

Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state.

The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott.

Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law.

Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe.

As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships.

As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority.

The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis.

Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country.

Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle.

The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.”

Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation.

Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia.

In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region.

With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid.

One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular.

"What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party.

Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya.

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month. On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests. If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more. Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests. At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar. Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state. The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott. Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law. Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe. As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships. As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority. The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis. Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country. Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle. The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.” Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation. Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia. In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region. With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid. One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular. "What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party. Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Erdogan battles on multiple fronts in risky regional power bid

Oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;on Monday extended their decline from an early January peak above $70 as the spectre of excess supplies loomed over the market after the spreading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-inflation-rises-as-coronavirus-disrupts-supply-chains-279720">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>outbreak hit&nbsp;demand&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-inflation-rises-as-coronavirus-disrupts-supply-chains-279720">China</a>, the world's largest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;importer.

Brent crude&nbsp;hit a low of $53.63 a barrel and was at $54.09,&nbsp;down 38 cents. US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate fell 38 cents to $49.94 a barrel after striking a low of $49.56.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-inflation-rises-as-coronavirus-disrupts-supply-chains-279720"> China inflation rises as coronavirus disrupts supply chains</a>

Worries&nbsp;over supply were not alleviated on Friday when Russia said it need more time to decide on a recommendation from a technical committee that has advised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-oil-falls-1-as-demand-fears-outweigh-hopes-for-bigger-opec-cuts-278841">Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries</a> (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-oil-falls-1-as-demand-fears-outweigh-hopes-for-bigger-opec-cuts-278841">OPEC</a>) and its allies to cut production by a further 600,000 barrels per day.

Russia Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow needed more time to assess the situation, adding that US&nbsp;crude production growth would slow and global&nbsp;demand&nbsp;was still solid.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate</a>

The proposal for the further cuts "failed to alleviate the pressure on&nbsp;oil, in part because the proposal has yet to be formally discussed by OPEC ministers and because Russia continues to push back against further cuts," said Stephen Innes, chief market strategist at AxiCorp.

"If the cartel fails to reach an agreement, there will be more pain to come in&nbsp;oil&nbsp;(on the) downside."

Oil&nbsp;traders also said they are concerned the proposed reduction would not be sufficient to tighten global markets.

Oil prices on Monday extended their decline from an early January peak above $70 as the spectre of excess supplies loomed over the market after the spreading coronavirus outbreak hit demand in China, the world's largest oil importer.

Oil prices on Monday extended their decline from an early January peak above $70 as the spectre of excess supplies loomed over the market after the spreading coronavirus outbreak hit demand in China, the world's largest oil importer. Brent crude hit a low of $53.63 a barrel and was at $54.09, down 38 cents. US West Texas Intermediate fell 38 cents to $49.94 a barrel after striking a low of $49.56. Also read: China inflation rises as coronavirus disrupts supply chains Worries over supply were not alleviated on Friday when Russia said it need more time to decide on a recommendation from a technical committee that has advised the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies to cut production by a further 600,000 barrels per day. Russia Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow needed more time to assess the situation, adding that US crude production growth would slow and global demand was still solid. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate The proposal for the further cuts "failed to alleviate the pressure on oil, in part because the proposal has yet to be formally discussed by OPEC ministers and because Russia continues to push back against further cuts," said Stephen Innes, chief market strategist at AxiCorp. "If the cartel fails to reach an agreement, there will be more pain to come in oil (on the) downside." Oil traders also said they are concerned the proposed reduction would not be sufficient to tighten global markets.

Oil prices fall on oversupply worries as virus hits China demand

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syria </a>has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Turkey</a>.

Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive</a>

At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent.&nbsp;

Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath.

Watch: 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 latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Russia </a>and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory.

Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest.

The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">United Nations </a>and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war.

But heightened bombardment has continued.&nbsp;

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey.

Russian and regime bombardment on the last major rebel enclave in Syria has killed 29 civilians in a day, a monitor said Monday, as the regime's inexorable northward push raises tensions with Turkey. Six children were among nine civilians killed early Monday in raids on the village of Abin Semaan, in Aleppo province where Russian-backed regime forces have been waging a fierce offensive to retake a key highway, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Also read: Several civilians killed as Syrian government presses Idlib offensive At the site of the raids, a rescue worker carried out the body of a little girl in a thick woollen blanket, while one of her relatives pleaded to take the body, said an AFP correspondent. Volunteers shivering in near-freezing temperatures hacked away at mounds of rubble, rescuing a dust-covered man and a little child who had been trapped beneath. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The latest airstrikes follow a night of heavy bombardment by Russia and the regime that had already killed at least 20 civilians in the neighbouring provinces of Idlib and Aleppo, according to the Observatory. Since December, Syrian government forces backed by Moscow have pressed a blistering assault against the Idlib region in Syria's northwest. The violence has killed more than 350 civilians and sent some 586,000 fleeings towards relative safety near the Turkish border. The United Nations and aid groups have appealed for an end to hostilities, warning that the exodus risks creating one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the nearly nine-year war. But heightened bombardment has continued.

Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-bomb-threats-prompt-mass-evacuations-in-moscow-area-195422">Muscovites </a>are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life.

The warnings of planted bombs, all of them false, have been sent to numerous Russian cities, but particularly targeted the capital, where around 16 million live and work, with up to 1,000 threats per day.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-bomb-threats-prompt-mass-evacuations-in-moscow-area-195422">Fake bomb threats prompt mass evacuations in Moscow area</a>

Since late November, more than 1.6 million people have been evacuated from buildings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-bomb-threats-prompt-mass-evacuations-in-moscow-area-195422">Moscow</a>, the Interfax news agency said citing sources.

Yet, both the authorities and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warmest-december-forces-moscow-to-bring-artificial-snow-271255">Kremlin</a>-controlled television channels stay mostly clear of the topic.

Yulia Olshanskaya, a local government official, said her daughter Maria's school was evacuated "sometimes several times a day" throughout December.

"We can't keep count of how many times it's happened," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warmest-december-forces-moscow-to-bring-artificial-snow-271255">Warmest December forces Moscow to bring artificial snow</a>

"Sometimes our lessons were cancelled or postponed on those days and they also evacuated people," said 13-year-old Maria Olshanskaya.

Another Muscovite, Yulia Grebenchenko, said her daughter's school has been evacuated 13 times since the start of December.

"Some parents even hired a dog handler to check the school more quickly because you never know how long the sniffer dog units will take," said the office worker.

Cathedral, metro, swimming pools

The threats are always issued in the same way: a slew of emails are sent from encrypted providers to organisations and companies that according to the law must be inspected or evacuated.

No one has totted up the exact cost of the upheaval, but the financial damage from a similar wave of telephone bomb hoaxes in 2017 amounted to millions of dollars, Russian officials said.

On a single day, February 5, 1,500 locations were affected including the central Church of Christ the Saviour, some 30 courts, 150 educational institutions, 232 metro stations, more than a dozen clinics, 75 swimming pools and about 50 shopping centres, an "informed source" told the Interfax news agency.

"I've just wasted several working hours," said Sergei, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/switzerland-lgbt-groups-face-public-discrimination-even-after-legal-laws-279553">LGBT</a> rights activist, as he waited for sniffer dogs to arrive at Moscow's Basmanny district court on Thursday after everyone had been forced to leave.

Watch: LGBT groups face public discrimination even after legal laws

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/switzerland-lgbt-groups-face-public-discrimination-even-after-legal-laws-279553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The authorities have said almost nothing.

At the end of January, the FSB security service, the successor to the KGB, and state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor in terse statements announced that two encrypted email providers based abroad had been blocked after being used to send false threats.

They did not name suspects or give any leads or motive, nor did they issue any reassurance to the public despite the major disruption.

Social media and some media reports have yielded a few more clues.

The Telegram messenger account of Saint Petersburg courts has posted scans of messages referring to a shadowy blackmail scheme involving the Bitcoin virtual currency.

They include demands for the return of 120 bitcoins ($1.2 million at the current rate) that were allegedly stolen by Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeyev using the now-defunct WEX cryptocurrency platform.

'Completely powerless'

This ultra-conservative oligarch&nbsp;targeted by Western sanctions and reportedly close to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and the Russian security service has denied any involvement.

Experts suggested that authorities are at an impasse, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/therapy-dogs-bring-stress-relief-to-travellers-at-moscow-airport-271410">Kremlin</a>-controlled television largely ignores the bomb hoaxes.

"This incident shows the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/therapy-dogs-bring-stress-relief-to-travellers-at-moscow-airport-271410">Russian </a>state is completely powerless," said Valery Shiryayev, a former KGB officer who writes on military matters for Novaya Gazeta independent newspaper.

"If they discussed this on national TV, people would have even less confidence in the authorities," he told AFP.

Even Roskomnadzor admitted that blocking encrypted e-mails only has a limited effect since users can simply use a different provider or a VPN.

"It's possible that technology is so complex today and offer criminals so many tools that even secret services with the best equipment can't stop them," said Shiryayev.

And he warned that the same tactic could be used elsewhere.

"Currently this weapon has only been used against Russia... but bear in mind that it could strike anyone."

Muscovites are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life.

Muscovites are mystified by a flood of bomb hoaxes forcing the evacuation of courts, schools and malls while authorities appear unable to find the culprits even after months of disruption to public life. The warnings of planted bombs, all of them false, have been sent to numerous Russian cities, but particularly targeted the capital, where around 16 million live and work, with up to 1,000 threats per day. Also read: Fake bomb threats prompt mass evacuations in Moscow area Since late November, more than 1.6 million people have been evacuated from buildings in Moscow, the Interfax news agency said citing sources. Yet, both the authorities and Kremlin-controlled television channels stay mostly clear of the topic. Yulia Olshanskaya, a local government official, said her daughter Maria's school was evacuated "sometimes several times a day" throughout December. "We can't keep count of how many times it's happened," she said. Also read: Warmest December forces Moscow to bring artificial snow "Sometimes our lessons were cancelled or postponed on those days and they also evacuated people," said 13-year-old Maria Olshanskaya. Another Muscovite, Yulia Grebenchenko, said her daughter's school has been evacuated 13 times since the start of December. "Some parents even hired a dog handler to check the school more quickly because you never know how long the sniffer dog units will take," said the office worker. Cathedral, metro, swimming pools The threats are always issued in the same way: a slew of emails are sent from encrypted providers to organisations and companies that according to the law must be inspected or evacuated. No one has totted up the exact cost of the upheaval, but the financial damage from a similar wave of telephone bomb hoaxes in 2017 amounted to millions of dollars, Russian officials said. On a single day, February 5, 1,500 locations were affected including the central Church of Christ the Saviour, some 30 courts, 150 educational institutions, 232 metro stations, more than a dozen clinics, 75 swimming pools and about 50 shopping centres, an "informed source" told the Interfax news agency. "I've just wasted several working hours," said Sergei, an LGBT rights activist, as he waited for sniffer dogs to arrive at Moscow's Basmanny district court on Thursday after everyone had been forced to leave. Watch: LGBT groups face public discrimination even after legal laws The authorities have said almost nothing. At the end of January, the FSB security service, the successor to the KGB, and state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor in terse statements announced that two encrypted email providers based abroad had been blocked after being used to send false threats. They did not name suspects or give any leads or motive, nor did they issue any reassurance to the public despite the major disruption. Social media and some media reports have yielded a few more clues. The Telegram messenger account of Saint Petersburg courts has posted scans of messages referring to a shadowy blackmail scheme involving the Bitcoin virtual currency. They include demands for the return of 120 bitcoins ($1.2 million at the current rate) that were allegedly stolen by Russian billionaire Konstantin Malofeyev using the now-defunct WEX cryptocurrency platform. 'Completely powerless' This ultra-conservative oligarch targeted by Western sanctions and reportedly close to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and the Russian security service has denied any involvement. Experts suggested that authorities are at an impasse, while Kremlin-controlled television largely ignores the bomb hoaxes. "This incident shows the Russian state is completely powerless," said Valery Shiryayev, a former KGB officer who writes on military matters for Novaya Gazeta independent newspaper. "If they discussed this on national TV, people would have even less confidence in the authorities," he told AFP. Even Roskomnadzor admitted that blocking encrypted e-mails only has a limited effect since users can simply use a different provider or a VPN. "It's possible that technology is so complex today and offer criminals so many tools that even secret services with the best equipment can't stop them," said Shiryayev. And he warned that the same tactic could be used elsewhere. "Currently this weapon has only been used against Russia... but bear in mind that it could strike anyone."

1000 bomb hoaxes a day in Moscow: Wave of blast threats sweeps country

Turkey reinforced its military presence in Syria's northwestern Idlib province on Saturday as Turkish and Russian officials held talks about the Syrian government offensive there, which has displaced more than half a million people in two months.

Turkey reinforced its military presence in Syria's northwestern Idlib province on Saturday as Turkish and Russian officials held talks about the Syrian government offensive there, which has displaced more than half a million people in two months. Turkey says the advances by Russian-backed Syrian troops and their allies threaten a fresh humanitarian disaster, driving another wave of potential refugees to its southern border, and has threatened to act if they do not pull back. Witnesses at the border said convoys of Turkish military vehicles had been crossing into Idlib since Friday, delivering supplies before turning back to return with more. The beefing up of Turkish forces has failed to stem the advance by Syrian government forces, which took control of a strategic town close to the provincial capital and also made gains to the east of Idlib - the last major enclave of opposition to President Bashar al-Assad. In Ankara, officials from Turkey and Russia held three hours of apparently inconclusive talks, agreeing to meet again next week. The two countries support opposing sides in Syria's nearly nine-year civil war, but have forged a series of agreements since 2017 aimed at containing the bloodshed. "The situation in Idlib was discussed," Turkey's foreign ministry said after the talks. "Steps that could be taken to establish peace on the ground as soon as possible and advance the political process were evaluated." The escalation in Idlib has displaced around 600,000 people since the beginning of December, according to the United Nations, and disrupted the fragile cooperation between Russia and Turkey, which already hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who backs some of the rebels who once aimed to topple Assad, threatened this week to repel the Russian-backed Syrian forces unless they withdraw from the region by the end of the month. Syrian government forces have pressed their advances, surrounding several Turkish observation posts. On Monday, eight Turkish military personnel were killed in shelling by Syrian government forces. "Our checkpoints in Idlib continue their duties as usual and are capable of protecting themselves," Turkey's Defence Ministry said, adding they would respond to any new attack "in the harshest manner in accordance with legitimate defence". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said on Saturday that 430 Turkish military vehicles had crossed into Idlib in the last 24 hours. Turkish forces were setting up a new post at Al-Mastoumah, on the southern approach to Idlib city, the Observatory said. Syrian state TV broadcast live on Saturday from the strategic town of Saraqeb, located at the junction of the two main highways in Idlib that Assad seeks full control of, and lies less than 10 miles (15 km) southeast of Idlib city. It said the army had taken full control over the town. The military media unit of the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which supports Assad, said it had also taken control of Syrian government force had also taken the town of Al-Eis east of Idlib, close to the main north-south highway leading to Aleppo.

Turkey reinforces troops in Syria's Idlib, talks with Russia

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation.

Russia's foreign minister on Friday slammed US sanctions against Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, providing a public show of support for President Nicolas Maduro as Washington mulls ramping up pressure on the South American nation. Sergei Lavrov arrived in Caracas on Thursday, only hours after the US State Department suggested its Venezuela sanctions program could begin targeting Russia, whose oil companies have helped Maduro by buying much of the OPEC nation's crude. Assistance from Russia could be decisive for Maduro to boost oil production and restore economic growth after a surprise opening of the economy last year that followed years of hyperinflation and the exodus of 5 million people. [ Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "We have agreed to deepen our economic, commercial and investment cooperation in several areas despite the illegitimate sanctions," Lavrov said alongside Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez following an afternoon meeting with Maduro. "The most promising sectors are energy, natural resources and industry," Lavrov said in comments broadcast on state television, without providing details. US President Donald Trump met at the White House this week with opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate president. Also Read: Venezuela opposition calls on US to step up pressure on Maduro ally Russia "We consider sanctions to be unacceptable," Lavrov said during an earlier televised meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza, and other Venezuelan officials. "It is outrageous that unilateral actions by the United States affect social and humanitarian projects." Lavrov also said "unilateral" actions by Washington could interfere with humanitarian projects. He voiced support for a government-backed dialogue effort as an alternative to "uprisings and interventions." Opposition leaders have said Maduro uses dialogue proceedings as a stalling tactic. The US Special Representative to Venezuela Elliott Abrams said on Thursday that Russia's support for Maduro's government may "no longer be cost-free." On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it imposed sanctions on Venezuela state-run airline Conviasa, which it said was being used to "shuttle corrupt officials around the world." "The Trump administration will not allow Maduro and his proxies to continue stealing from the Venezuelan people and abusing state-owned assets to advance their own corrupt and destabilizing activities," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. It is not evident that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on Russian oil companies due to the potential impact on crude markets.

Russia foreign minister slams US sanctions during visit to Venezuela

Today in History: Coronation of Elizabeth II, start of the Russo-Japanese War and more

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russian</a>-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Syrian </a>air defences,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia</a>'s defence ministry said on Friday.

The&nbsp;Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles&nbsp;which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strike-kill-five-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-275154">Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria</a>

It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war.

Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-army-enters-rebel-held-northwestern-saraqeb-town-in-latest-advance-report-279203">Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance</a>

It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues.&nbsp;Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight&nbsp;Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria.

The incident took place a month after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Boeing 737-800</a> operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Ukraine International Airlines</a> crashed shortly after take-off from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Tehran</a>, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran</a>

The&nbsp;Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ps-752-disaster-in-tehran-273148">Syria</a>.&nbsp;Israel has declined to comment.

The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday.

A passenger plane carrying 172 passengers from Tehran to Damascus made an emergency landing at the Russian-controlled Khmeimim airbase on Thursday after coming under fire from Syrian air defences, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday. The Syrian forces almost hit the Russian plane while intercepting Israeli missiles which had hit the suburbs of Damascus, Russian media cited spokesman Igor Konashenkov as saying. Also read: Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqeb in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads, which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake in order to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Meanwhile, Turkey has sent more reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Also read: Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance It also warned Russia and Syria of retaliation if the fighting continues. Tensions escalated between Ankara and Moscow after eight Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Russia hit back at Turkey saying that Ankara was not able to curb 'terror groups' in its zone of responsibility in Syria. The incident took place a month after a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Iran later said it had been shot down unintentionally due to human error. Also see: In first fatal incident for Ukraine airline, plane crashes in Iran The Syrian defence ministry said on Thursday it had intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria. Israel has declined to comment. The Airbus A320 had been coming into land at Damascus International Airport when it was forced to divert to the nearest alternative airfield, the Khmeimim airbase.

Passenger plane makes emergency landing after coming under fire in Syria

Russian-led&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces on Thursday entered&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;town&nbsp;in&nbsp;northwestern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Idlib</a> province in the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;push to capture the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;stronghold, state media said.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Bashar al-Assad</a>'s swift military&nbsp;advance&nbsp;through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a>, whose leader has threatened to drive back the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;forces.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting</a>

Turkish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said on Thursday that Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Russia </a>to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back.

"We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a> says has displaced nearly 1 million people.

Syrian&nbsp;forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered&nbsp;Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses.

Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-can-be-possible-outcome-from-un-emergency-meet-on-syria-279043/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;town&nbsp;lies at the junction of two main roads that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Assad </a>seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war.

Rebel&nbsp;fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;in an attack from the northern part of the&nbsp;town&nbsp;that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said.

Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area.

Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The fighting, taking place despite a January&nbsp;12 ceasefire deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia</a>, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces and Russian military infrastructure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Tayyip Erdogan</a> to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia </a>also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting.

The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Middle East</a> since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011.

Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to&nbsp;rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war.

Early on Thursday,&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;defence ministry said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said. President Bashar al-Assad's swift military advance through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with Turkey, whose leader has threatened to drive back the Syrian forces. Also read: Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday that Ankara expected Russia to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back. "We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which Turkey says has displaced nearly 1 million people. Syrian forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses. Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria? The town lies at the junction of two main roads that Assad seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last rebel bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war. Rebel fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of Saraqeb in an attack from the northern part of the town that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said. Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area. Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan The fighting, taking place despite a January 12 ceasefire deal between Turkey and Russia, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict. The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack Syrian government forces and Russian military infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed. Russia also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting. The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider Middle East since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war. Early on Thursday, Syrian air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the Syrian defence ministry said.

Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance: Report

The United Nation's&nbsp;Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It&nbsp;comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">Syrian army advanced</a> into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib province</a>.

The town sits on a junction of two key roads&nbsp;which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">backed by Russia</a> continue to advance despite Turkey's warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Turkey has chosen</a> to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on&nbsp;the Turkish border.

Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province.

The United Nation's Security Council has called for an emergency session on Syria as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces escalated. It comes as the Syrian army advanced into the strategic town of Saraqib in the rebel-held Idlib province. The town sits on a junction of two key roads which President Bashar al-Assad's government is seeking to retake to revive an economy ravaged by almost nine years of war. Syrian forces which are backed by Russia continue to advance despite Turkey's warning. Turkey has chosen to retaliate by sending reinforcements to the so-called de-escalation zone in Syria. Tensions had escalated between Ankara and Moscow after 8 Turkish soldiers were killed in shelling by Syrian forces. Also Read: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned Syria and Russia of retaliation if the fighting continues. The escalations have taken its toll on civilians. Hundreds of people have fled the besieged town of Saraqib on the Turkish border. Fighting is not limited to rebel-held areas. According to reports, Syrian air defences intercepted missiles over Damascus. Missiles were fired at Syrian forces and Iranian militias.

Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting

A youtube blogger from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>who was an outspoken critic of the country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room.

According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers</a>

The 44-year-old ran a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">YouTube </a>channel which frequently criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>regime which is backed by Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.&nbsp;

The police believes that the victim knew his murderer.

They are hunting down the 35-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>man who police believe is the primary suspect.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murder-of-anti-kremlin-war-reporter-shocks-russian-opposition-141014">Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition</a>

The police believes the motive behind the murder is political.

The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment.

The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association.

Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''. Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck. Also read: Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers The 44-year-old ran a YouTube channel which frequently criticised the Chechen regime which is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The police believes that the victim knew his murderer. They are hunting down the 35-year-old Chechen man who police believe is the primary suspect. Also read: Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition The police believes the motive behind the murder is political. The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment. The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' Ramzan Kadyrov, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association. Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Outspoken Chechen blogger murdered 'violently' in French hotel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO&nbsp;</a>chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Jens Stoltenberg</a> said on&nbsp;Monday that a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;transfer of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>and allied troops to Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;as part of a military exercise was not aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia</a>.

About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;2020.

This is "the largest&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>troops to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said.

Also said:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games</a>

The exercise "shows the strong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>commitment to&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;and to the freedom and security of&nbsp;Europe," he added.

The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States.

The US will move 20,000 soldiers to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in the coming months.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-floats-expanding-nato-to-add-middle-east-273325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said.</div>

"This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">United States</a> to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;to help protect other&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Allies if needed," he said.&nbsp;

The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend&nbsp;Europe.&nbsp;

After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;as "obsolete".&nbsp;

But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance.&nbsp;

NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-attack-says-nato-mission-273657">Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission</a>

The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;and built the capability for rapid&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of troops in the event of conflict.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg underlined that&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Portions of "Defender&nbsp;Europe" were to be held in the three countries.&nbsp;

"Russia&nbsp;has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg.

A&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of&nbsp;Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th.&nbsp;

"The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year."&nbsp;

"We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany."&nbsp;

Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;(OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia. About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender Europe 2020. This is "the largest deployment of US troops to Europe in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said. Also said: Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games The exercise "shows the strong US commitment to NATO and to the freedom and security of Europe," he added. The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States. The US will move 20,000 soldiers to Europe in the coming months. Watch: Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East "Defender Europe is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said. "This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the United States to Europe to help protect other NATO Allies if needed," he said. The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend Europe. After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described NATO as "obsolete". But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance. NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern NATO members. Also read: Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe and built the capability for rapid deployment of troops in the event of conflict. Stoltenberg underlined that NATO members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union. Portions of "Defender Europe" were to be held in the three countries. "Russia has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg. A NATO official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th. "The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year." "We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany." Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed Russia and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

Russia not target in US army's massive Europe deployment: National Atlantic Treaty Organisation

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

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