France will keep troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-pullout-from-syria-says-time-for-others-to-finally-fight-185539">contrary to the US view</a>, and has started talks with the United States on the conditions and calendar of its withdrawal, officials said.

France is a leading member of the US-led coalition fighting militants in Syria and Iraq and has around 1,000 troops including special forces based in the north of the country, deployed alongside local Kurdish and Arab forces.

French diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all 2,000 US troops from the region had taken Paris by surprise. US officials justified the decision by saying Islamic State had been defeated.

"It shows that we can have different priorities and that we must count on ourselves first," Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau told C-News television. "For now, of course we are staying in Syria because the fight against Islamic State is essential."

France is especially sensitive to the Islamic State threat after several major deadly attacks on its soil and officials believe the militant group continues to pose a threat. Hundreds of French nationals have joined the group in Syria.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said Paris and its coalition allies had started talks with Washington on the timeframe and conditions for the U.S withdrawal.

"The protection of the populations of northeastern Syria and the stability of this zone must be taken into account by the United States to avoid any new humanitarian drama and any return of the terrorists," it said.

It said Paris would be careful to ensure the security of all the U.S. partners in the area, including the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, who fear an assault from Turkey.

President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Trump on Wednesday, diplomats said. In April, when Trump previously announced a U.S. withdrawal, Macron persuaded the U.S. leader that Washington should stay engaged by citing the threat of Iran in the region.

"Islamic State has not been wiped from the map nor have its roots. The last pockets of this terrorist organisation must be defeated militarily once and for all," Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Twitter..

French officials are scrambling to find out from U.S. agencies exactly what Trump's announcement means. The United States has been unclear on when the troops will be withdrawn.

"We’re used to it now with the Trump administration. The devil is in the detail," said a French diplomat.

France has about 1,100 troops as part of its Chammal operation against Islamic State. About 500 provide logistics, training and heavy artillery support with the remainder either working from Jordan, where most fighter jets take off to strike targets, vessels in the Mediterranean and Gulf or smaller contingents in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

Its presence in Syria includes dozens of special forces, military advisers and some foreign office personnel.

France will keep troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out, contrary to the US view, and has started talks with the United States on the conditions and calendar of its withdrawal, officials said.

France will keep troops in northern Syria for now because Islamic State militants have not been wiped out, contrary to the US view, and has started talks with the United States on the conditions and calendar of its withdrawal, officials said. France is a leading member of the US-led coalition fighting militants in Syria and Iraq and has around 1,000 troops including special forces based in the north of the country, deployed alongside local Kurdish and Arab forces. French diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw all 2,000 US troops from the region had taken Paris by surprise. US officials justified the decision by saying Islamic State had been defeated. "It shows that we can have different priorities and that we must count on ourselves first," Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau told C-News television. "For now, of course we are staying in Syria because the fight against Islamic State is essential." France is especially sensitive to the Islamic State threat after several major deadly attacks on its soil and officials believe the militant group continues to pose a threat. Hundreds of French nationals have joined the group in Syria. In a statement, the foreign ministry said Paris and its coalition allies had started talks with Washington on the timeframe and conditions for the U.S withdrawal. "The protection of the populations of northeastern Syria and the stability of this zone must be taken into account by the United States to avoid any new humanitarian drama and any return of the terrorists," it said. It said Paris would be careful to ensure the security of all the U.S. partners in the area, including the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, who fear an assault from Turkey. President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Trump on Wednesday, diplomats said. In April, when Trump previously announced a U.S. withdrawal, Macron persuaded the U.S. leader that Washington should stay engaged by citing the threat of Iran in the region. "Islamic State has not been wiped from the map nor have its roots. The last pockets of this terrorist organisation must be defeated militarily once and for all," Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Twitter.. French officials are scrambling to find out from U.S. agencies exactly what Trump's announcement means. The United States has been unclear on when the troops will be withdrawn. "We’re used to it now with the Trump administration. The devil is in the detail," said a French diplomat. France has about 1,100 troops as part of its Chammal operation against Islamic State. About 500 provide logistics, training and heavy artillery support with the remainder either working from Jordan, where most fighter jets take off to strike targets, vessels in the Mediterranean and Gulf or smaller contingents in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Its presence in Syria includes dozens of special forces, military advisers and some foreign office personnel.

France says Islamic State not defeated, troops to remain in Syria

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria</a>.

"Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight....," he tweeted.

Trump added: "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says</a>, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us.&nbsp;

"I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!"

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After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! <a href="https://t.co/xoNjFzQFTp">pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075528854402256896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home &amp; rebuild. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MAGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MAGA</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075718191253504001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075721703421042688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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....Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075726666574544896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US president faced intense opposition to his abrupt announcement Wednesday that Islamic State had been defeated in the region, and that he was ordering the 2,000 US troops in Syria to exit the country.

Trump's decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike.

"Getting out of Syria was no surprise," Trump wrote in an earlier tweet. "I've been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer.&nbsp;

"Russia, Iran, Syria &amp; others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home &amp; rebuild. #MAGA"

The US withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of whom are thought to remain in Syria.

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria.

The United States does not want to be the "Policeman" of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday, as he defended his controversial decision to pull US forces out of Syria. "Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight....," he tweeted. Trump added: "Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. "I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!" After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018 × Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × ....Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018 × The US president faced intense opposition to his abrupt announcement Wednesday that Islamic State had been defeated in the region, and that he was ordering the 2,000 US troops in Syria to exit the country. Trump's decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike. "Getting out of Syria was no surprise," Trump wrote in an earlier tweet. "I've been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. "Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA" The US withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of whom are thought to remain in Syria.

Trump defends pullout from Syria, says 'time for others to finally fight'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart&nbsp;Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria&nbsp;after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">After </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516">very</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-rupee-top-performer-of-2019-185516"> troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019?</a>

The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-never-fall-in-love-on-facebook-hamid-nihal-ansari-says-after-6-years-in-pakistani-jails-185503">Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails</a>

"Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-treasurer-edulji-attack-coa-chief-over-womens-coach-selection-185513">Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection</a>

Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and&nbsp;Committee of Administrators&nbsp;member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar</a>

Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kushwaha&nbsp;said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces.

Trump is 'right' to pull US troops out of Syria, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he backed US counterpart Donald Trump's decision to order troops back home from Syria after declaring victory over Islamic State forces. After very troubled year, Indian rupee to be a top performer of 2019? The Indian rupee — which has been in constant decline this year, it fell over 13% in 2018 — may be a top performer of 2019, analysts have said. Tumbling oil prices have put the rupee on course for the best quarter in nearly two years. Watch: 'Never fall in love on Facebook,' Hamid Nehal Ansari says after 6 years in Pakistani jails "Never fall in love on Facebook," Hamid Nehal Ansari has said after spending six years in Pakistani jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He was caught and subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for travelling on a fake passport. Edulji, BCCI treasurer attack CoA chief Vinod Rai over women's coach selection Questioning the selection process of the Indian women's cricket coach, BCCI acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji Thursday launched a joint attack on CoA chief Vinod Rai. Days after quitting NDA, Upendra Kushwaha joins 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar Former Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the NDA alliance on December 10, joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Thursday. While addressing a press conference, Kushwaha said one of the reasons why he joined the mahagathbandhan was the "wholeheartedness" of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">after the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops</a> from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Some Israeli officials have said US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's move, announced on Wednesday, could help Iran by removing a US&nbsp;garrison that stems the movement of Iranian forces and weaponry into Syria from Iraq.

Israel also worries that its main ally's exit could reduce its diplomatic leverage with Russia, the Syrian government's big-power backer.

"We will continue to act very aggressively against Iran's efforts to entrench in Syria," Netanyahu said in televised remarks, referring to an Israeli air campaign in Syria against Iranian deployments and arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, carried out with Moscow often turning a blind eye.

"We do not intend to reduce our efforts. We will intensify them, and I know that we do so with the full support and backing of the United States."

Trump cited what he described as victory over Islamic State militants in Syria as warranting the U.S. withdrawal. Israel has long tried to persuade Washington that Iran and its Shi'ite Muslim militias, sent to reinforce Damascus, pose the greater threat.

"Daesh (Islamic State) has indeed been defeated in Syria, and this is greatly thanks to America," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, said in a statement to Reuters. "But Iran are already moving in, and they are a threat to the whole free world."

Another security cabinet member, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, told Israel's Army Radio: "Of course the American decision is not good for us. But we know that safeguarding Israel's security is also an American interest in the region."

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of US troops from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of US troops from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. Some Israeli officials have said US President Donald Trump's move, announced on Wednesday, could help Iran by removing a US garrison that stems the movement of Iranian forces and weaponry into Syria from Iraq. Israel also worries that its main ally's exit could reduce its diplomatic leverage with Russia, the Syrian government's big-power backer. "We will continue to act very aggressively against Iran's efforts to entrench in Syria," Netanyahu said in televised remarks, referring to an Israeli air campaign in Syria against Iranian deployments and arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, carried out with Moscow often turning a blind eye. "We do not intend to reduce our efforts. We will intensify them, and I know that we do so with the full support and backing of the United States." Trump cited what he described as victory over Islamic State militants in Syria as warranting the U.S. withdrawal. Israel has long tried to persuade Washington that Iran and its Shi'ite Muslim militias, sent to reinforce Damascus, pose the greater threat. "Daesh (Islamic State) has indeed been defeated in Syria, and this is greatly thanks to America," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, said in a statement to Reuters. "But Iran are already moving in, and they are a threat to the whole free world." Another security cabinet member, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, told Israel's Army Radio: "Of course the American decision is not good for us. But we know that safeguarding Israel's security is also an American interest in the region."

Israel will escalate fight against Iran in Syria after US exit: Netanyahu

The United States <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-advisers-he-wants-us-out-of-syria-senior-officials-127432">will withdraw its troops from Syria</a>, a US official told AFP on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said America has "defeated ISIS" in the war-ravaged country.

The stunning move will have extraordinary geopolitical ramifications and throws into question the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists.

"We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," the Republican president tweeted.

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We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075397797929775105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US official said Trump's decision was finalized Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Full withdrawal, all means all," the official said when asked if the troops would be pulled from all of Syria.

Currently, about 2,000 US forces are in Syria, most of them on a train-and-advise mission to support local forces fighting IS.

The official would not provide a timeline for a withdrawal, saying only: "We will ensure force protection is adequately maintained, but as quickly as possible."

The Pentagon would not confirm the US troop pull-out.

"At this time, we continue to work by, with and through our partners in the region," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said.

A large contingent of the main US-backed, anti-IS fighting force in Syria, an alliance known as the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), is Kurdish and is viewed by Turkey as a "terrorist" group.&nbsp;

Ankara has said it plans to launch an operation against the Kurdish militia, known as the YPG (Kurdish People's Protection Units).

While the YPG has spearheaded Washington's fight against IS, US support has strained relations between the NATO allies.

Ties have grown even more fraught since the US set up observation posts in northern Syria close to the border with Turkey to prevent any altercation between Turkish forces and the YPG.

Most US forces are stationed in northern Syria, though a small contingent is based at a garrison in Al-Tanaf, near the Jordanian and Iraqi border.

'Short-sighted and naive' 
The decision to withdraw marks a shocking development not just for Kurds in Syria, but for long-established US doctrine in the region.

Only last week Brett McGurk, the special envoy to defeat IS, said: "nobody is declaring a mission accomplished."

"The military objective is the enduring defeat of ISIS. And if we've learned one thing over the years, enduring defeat of a group like this means you can't just defeat their physical space and then leave."

A US presence in Syria is seen as key to pushing against Iranian influence in the country and across the broader region. Tehran militias have supported the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said the president's decision was shortsighted.&nbsp;

"President @realDonaldTrump is right to want to contain Iranian expansion," Graham said on Twitter.

"However, withdrawal of our forces in Syria mightily undercuts that effort and put our allies, the Kurds at risk."

Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, called the decision "extraordinarily short-sighted and naive."

"This move will look like a 'withdrawal,' not a 'victory,' and yet more evidence of the dangerous unpredictability of the US president," Lister said.&nbsp;

"This is not just a dream scenario for ISIS, but also for Russia, Iran and the Assad regime, all of whom stand to benefit substantially from a US withdrawal."

IS swept across large swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq in 2014, implementing their brutal interpretation of Islamic law in areas they controlled.

But they have since seen their dream of a state crumble, as they have lost most of that territory to various offensives.

In Syria, IS fighters are holding out in what remains of the pocket that once included Hajin, including the villages of Al-Shaafa and Sousa.

The United States will withdraw its troops from Syria, a US official told AFP on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said America has "defeated ISIS" in the war-ravaged country.

The United States will withdraw its troops from Syria, a US official told AFP on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said America has "defeated ISIS" in the war-ravaged country. The stunning move will have extraordinary geopolitical ramifications and throws into question the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists. "We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," the Republican president tweeted. We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018 × The US official said Trump's decision was finalized Tuesday. "Full withdrawal, all means all," the official said when asked if the troops would be pulled from all of Syria. Currently, about 2,000 US forces are in Syria, most of them on a train-and-advise mission to support local forces fighting IS. The official would not provide a timeline for a withdrawal, saying only: "We will ensure force protection is adequately maintained, but as quickly as possible." The Pentagon would not confirm the US troop pull-out. "At this time, we continue to work by, with and through our partners in the region," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said. A large contingent of the main US-backed, anti-IS fighting force in Syria, an alliance known as the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), is Kurdish and is viewed by Turkey as a "terrorist" group. Ankara has said it plans to launch an operation against the Kurdish militia, known as the YPG (Kurdish People's Protection Units). While the YPG has spearheaded Washington's fight against IS, US support has strained relations between the NATO allies. Ties have grown even more fraught since the US set up observation posts in northern Syria close to the border with Turkey to prevent any altercation between Turkish forces and the YPG. Most US forces are stationed in northern Syria, though a small contingent is based at a garrison in Al-Tanaf, near the Jordanian and Iraqi border. 'Short-sighted and naive' The decision to withdraw marks a shocking development not just for Kurds in Syria, but for long-established US doctrine in the region. Only last week Brett McGurk, the special envoy to defeat IS, said: "nobody is declaring a mission accomplished." "The military objective is the enduring defeat of ISIS. And if we've learned one thing over the years, enduring defeat of a group like this means you can't just defeat their physical space and then leave." A US presence in Syria is seen as key to pushing against Iranian influence in the country and across the broader region. Tehran militias have supported the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said the president's decision was shortsighted. "President @realDonaldTrump is right to want to contain Iranian expansion," Graham said on Twitter. "However, withdrawal of our forces in Syria mightily undercuts that effort and put our allies, the Kurds at risk." Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, called the decision "extraordinarily short-sighted and naive." "This move will look like a 'withdrawal,' not a 'victory,' and yet more evidence of the dangerous unpredictability of the US president," Lister said. "This is not just a dream scenario for ISIS, but also for Russia, Iran and the Assad regime, all of whom stand to benefit substantially from a US withdrawal." IS swept across large swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq in 2014, implementing their brutal interpretation of Islamic law in areas they controlled. But they have since seen their dream of a state crumble, as they have lost most of that territory to various offensives. In Syria, IS fighters are holding out in what remains of the pocket that once included Hajin, including the villages of Al-Shaafa and Sousa.

Trump says Islamic State defeated, US will pull all forces out of Syria

The United States has defeated the Islamic State in Syria, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday, adding that it was the only reason he had kept troops in the country.

"We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1075397797929775105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Wednesday, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters that they were considering a total withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle Eastern country.

Meanwhile, a US official told AFP that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-advisers-he-wants-us-out-of-syria-senior-officials-127432">the United States is to fully withdraw its troops from all of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-advisers-he-wants-us-out-of-syria-senior-officials-127432">Syria</a>, after President Donald Trump said the Islamic State group had been "defeated."

"Full withdrawal," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"We will ensure force protection is adequately maintained, but as quickly as possible," the official added when asked for a timeline.

 
&nbsp;

The United States has defeated the Islamic State in Syria, US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday, adding that it was the only reason he had kept troops in the country.

The United States has defeated the Islamic State in Syria, US President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday, adding that it was the only reason he had kept troops in the country. "We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," Trump wrote on Twitter. We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018 × Earlier on Wednesday, US officials told Reuters that they were considering a total withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle Eastern country. Meanwhile, a US official told AFP that the United States is to fully withdraw its troops from all of Syria, after President Donald Trump said the Islamic State group had been "defeated." "Full withdrawal," the official said on condition of anonymity. "We will ensure force protection is adequately maintained, but as quickly as possible," the official added when asked for a timeline.

Trump says the US has defeated Islamic State in Syria

A car bomb killed at least nine people including five civilians near a pro-Turkey rebel post in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-would-consider-working-with-assad-if-he-won-a-democratic-syrian-election-184596">northern Syrian city</a> of Afrin on Sunday, a British-based war monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear who was behind the blast in the city, which was seized from Kurdish forces earlier this year.

The explosion comes after the Turkish president on Wednesday threatened to launch a new offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria.

The Observatory said the blast wounded dozens, and the toll was likely to rise.

"The car bomb exploded near a position of pro-Turkey fighters" in a market, killing five civilians and four fighters, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

At the site of the explosion, fresh herbs and vegetables were strewn on the ground near blackened market stalls.

Vegetable seller Abu Yazan al-Qabuni told AFP he was in the market towards midday when he saw a van enter.

"We thought it was carrying vegetables," he said.

After a huge blast rocked the area, he ran to the site of the explosion, finding wounded people and body parts on the ground.

"I put them in a bag and buried them," he said.

"There are no armed gangs, no terrorists here. We're a vegetable market," he added, indignant.

The city of Afrin was captured in March this year from the YPG by Turkish armed forces and Syrian rebels backed by Ankara.

Turkey accuses the YPG of being "terrorists", but the Kurdish militia also forms the backbone of a US-backed alliance fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.

YPG forces are present in areas along the Turkish border to the east of Afrin.

On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was planning to launch a new offensive within the "next few days" against the YPG in northern Syria.

A day later, a Turkish soldier was killed in the Afrin region after coming under fire from the YPG, the Turkish defence ministry said.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump agreed with Erdogan on "more effective coordination" between both countries in the war-torn country.

American forces are present in an area along the Turkish border east of Afrin, as part of the US-led coalition fighting IS.

Erdogan has strongly criticised Washington's support for the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces fighting IS in their last holdout in the far east of the country.

Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

It has since spiralled into a complex conflict involving jihadists and world powers.

A car bomb killed at least nine people including five civilians near a pro-Turkey rebel post in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Sunday, a British-based war monitor said.

A car bomb killed at least nine people including five civilians near a pro-Turkey rebel post in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Sunday, a British-based war monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear who was behind the blast in the city, which was seized from Kurdish forces earlier this year. The explosion comes after the Turkish president on Wednesday threatened to launch a new offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria. The Observatory said the blast wounded dozens, and the toll was likely to rise. "The car bomb exploded near a position of pro-Turkey fighters" in a market, killing five civilians and four fighters, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. At the site of the explosion, fresh herbs and vegetables were strewn on the ground near blackened market stalls. Vegetable seller Abu Yazan al-Qabuni told AFP he was in the market towards midday when he saw a van enter. "We thought it was carrying vegetables," he said. After a huge blast rocked the area, he ran to the site of the explosion, finding wounded people and body parts on the ground. "I put them in a bag and buried them," he said. "There are no armed gangs, no terrorists here. We're a vegetable market," he added, indignant. The city of Afrin was captured in March this year from the YPG by Turkish armed forces and Syrian rebels backed by Ankara. Turkey accuses the YPG of being "terrorists", but the Kurdish militia also forms the backbone of a US-backed alliance fighting the Islamic State group in Syria. YPG forces are present in areas along the Turkish border to the east of Afrin. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was planning to launch a new offensive within the "next few days" against the YPG in northern Syria. A day later, a Turkish soldier was killed in the Afrin region after coming under fire from the YPG, the Turkish defence ministry said. On Friday, US President Donald Trump agreed with Erdogan on "more effective coordination" between both countries in the war-torn country. American forces are present in an area along the Turkish border east of Afrin, as part of the US-led coalition fighting IS. Erdogan has strongly criticised Washington's support for the YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces fighting IS in their last holdout in the far east of the country. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. It has since spiralled into a complex conflict involving jihadists and world powers.

At least 9 dead after car bomb in Syria: Report

Turkey and other world powers would consider working with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he won a democratic election, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a conference in Qatar on Sunday.

Turkey supported the opposition to Assad in the Syrian civil war that broke out in 2011 and continues to support rebel fighters who control part of northwest Syria. A year ago Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described Assad as a terrorist and said it was impossible for Syrian peace efforts to continue with him.

Since then Assad, with backing from Russia and Iran, has driven rebels from strongholds in the south of the country and around Damascus, strengthening his authority even though parts of the country remain outside government control.

Asked whether Turkey would work with Assad, Cavusoglu said Syria must hold an election. If Assad won, he told a conference in Doha and "if it is democratic election, and if it is a credible one then everybody should consider (working with him)."

Assad won re-election in June 2014, securing 88.7 percent support in a vote which the opposition derided as a charade, saying that he faced no credible rival candidate and that no poll held amid civil war could be credible.

Turkey and other world powers would consider working with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he won a democratic election, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a conference in Qatar on Sunday.

Turkey and other world powers would consider working with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he won a democratic election, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a conference in Qatar on Sunday. Turkey supported the opposition to Assad in the Syrian civil war that broke out in 2011 and continues to support rebel fighters who control part of northwest Syria. A year ago Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described Assad as a terrorist and said it was impossible for Syrian peace efforts to continue with him. Since then Assad, with backing from Russia and Iran, has driven rebels from strongholds in the south of the country and around Damascus, strengthening his authority even though parts of the country remain outside government control. Asked whether Turkey would work with Assad, Cavusoglu said Syria must hold an election. If Assad won, he told a conference in Doha and "if it is democratic election, and if it is a credible one then everybody should consider (working with him)." Assad won re-election in June 2014, securing 88.7 percent support in a vote which the opposition derided as a charade, saying that he faced no credible rival candidate and that no poll held amid civil war could be credible.

Turkey would consider working with Assad if he won a democratic Syrian election

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to "bury" US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters "in the trenches they dug" on Sunday.

The US-backed YPG militia, which has been fighting Islamic State in Syria, controls Syria's northeastern border with Turkey. Ankara says it is an extension of the PKK and poses a direct threat to Turkey.

Erdogan's latest remarks came four days after he announced an imminent operation against Kurdish militia in neighbouring Syria.

Earlier this week, the main Turkey-backed Syrian rebel group said up to 15,000 Syrian rebels are ready to join a Turkish military offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces in northeast Syria, but no date has been set for the operation.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Thursday it will respond strongly to any Turkish attack but is pressing diplomatic efforts to deter an assault.

Turkey has already swept YPG fighters from Afrin and other areas west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years, but has not gone east of the river - partly to avoid direct confrontation with US&nbsp;forces.

The PKK is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. It has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast that has killed about 40,000 people. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to "bury" US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters "in the trenches they dug" on Sunday. The US-backed YPG militia, which has been fighting Islamic State in Syria, controls Syria's northeastern border with Turkey.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to "bury" US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters "in the trenches they dug" on Sunday. The US-backed YPG militia, which has been fighting Islamic State in Syria, controls Syria's northeastern border with Turkey. Ankara says it is an extension of the PKK and poses a direct threat to Turkey. Erdogan's latest remarks came four days after he announced an imminent operation against Kurdish militia in neighbouring Syria. Earlier this week, the main Turkey-backed Syrian rebel group said up to 15,000 Syrian rebels are ready to join a Turkish military offensive against US-backed Kurdish forces in northeast Syria, but no date has been set for the operation. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Thursday it will respond strongly to any Turkish attack but is pressing diplomatic efforts to deter an assault. Turkey has already swept YPG fighters from Afrin and other areas west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years, but has not gone east of the river - partly to avoid direct confrontation with US forces. The PKK is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. It has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast that has killed about 40,000 people.

Turkey's Erdogan vows to take on US-backed YPG fighters in northern Syria

Kurdish-led forces seized the Islamic State's main hub of Hajin Friday, a milestone in a massive and costly US-backed operation to eradicate the jihadists from eastern Syria.

The Syrian Democratic Forces secured Hajin, the largest settlement in what is the last pocket of territory controlled by IS, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"After a week of heavy fighting and air strikes, the SDF were able to kick IS out", Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, said.

The operation was completed at dawn, he said, a day after SDF forces fanned out across the large village in the Euphrates valley.

On Thursday, the last IS fighters were confined to a network of tunnels and the edges of Hajin, which lies in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the border with Iraq.

The area held by IS is sometimes referred to as the "Hajin pocket", the last rump of a once-sprawling "caliphate" the group proclaimed in 2014 over swathes of Syria and Iraq.

IS fighters pulled back to positions east of Hajin Friday and to Sousa and Al-Shaafa, the other two main villages in their shrinking Euphrates valley enclave.

As recently as Thursday, the group posted pictures of fighting in Hajin on its social media accounts.&nbsp;

High death toll

According to Abdel Rahman, a total of 17,000 fighters from the Kurdish-Arab SDF alliance are involved in the operation to flush IS out of its last bastion.

The operation was launched on September 10 and has taken a heavy toll, according to figures collected by the Observatory, which has a &nbsp;network of sources on the ground.

At least 900 jihadists and 500 SDF fighters were killed in the fighting, the Observatory said.

According to Abdel Rahman, more than 320 civilians were also killed, many of them in air strikes by the US-led coalition.

Thousands more civilians who had remained, voluntarily or not, in the Hajin area have fled their homes since the start of the offensive three months ago.

US President Donald Trump this week predicted the jihadist group would be fully defeated within a month.

"We've done a very, very major job on ISIS," he said on Tuesday, using another acronym for IS.

"There are very few of them left in that area of the world. &nbsp;And within another 30 days, there won't be any of them left," he vowed.

Western and other officials have repeatedly announced deadlines for a final victory over IS but the group is proving resilient.

30 days?

The push to retake Hajin was delayed by Turkish threats on the Kurdish heartland further north and deadly counter-attacks by die-hard jihadists making a bloody last stand.

The Turkish threats were renewed this week by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said the army would launch an offensive within the "next few days" to "bring peace and security to areas east of the Euphrates" controlled by the SDF.

Washington, which has set up observation posts along the border and launched joint patrols with the SDF, said any unilateral military action in northern Syria would be "unacceptable".

On Friday, 13 political parties in Kurdish territory in northern Syria issued a joint statement denouncing Erdogan's threat as a "declaration of war".

Besides what is left of the pocket near Hajin, IS has a presence in Syria's vast Badia desert, a front which is managed by Russian-backed government forces.

What is left of the jihadist group also has sleeper cells across Iraq and Syria that regularly carry out attacks.

"ISIS anticipated its battlefield defeat and the loss of the caliphate and prepared accordingly," said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at Georgetown University in Washington. 
&nbsp;

Kurdish-led forces seized the Islamic State's main hub of Hajin Friday, a milestone in a massive and costly US-backed operation to eradicate the jihadists from eastern Syria.

Kurdish-led forces seized the Islamic State's main hub of Hajin Friday, a milestone in a massive and costly US-backed operation to eradicate the jihadists from eastern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces secured Hajin, the largest settlement in what is the last pocket of territory controlled by IS, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "After a week of heavy fighting and air strikes, the SDF were able to kick IS out", Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, said. The operation was completed at dawn, he said, a day after SDF forces fanned out across the large village in the Euphrates valley. On Thursday, the last IS fighters were confined to a network of tunnels and the edges of Hajin, which lies in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the border with Iraq. The area held by IS is sometimes referred to as the "Hajin pocket", the last rump of a once-sprawling "caliphate" the group proclaimed in 2014 over swathes of Syria and Iraq. IS fighters pulled back to positions east of Hajin Friday and to Sousa and Al-Shaafa, the other two main villages in their shrinking Euphrates valley enclave. As recently as Thursday, the group posted pictures of fighting in Hajin on its social media accounts. High death toll According to Abdel Rahman, a total of 17,000 fighters from the Kurdish-Arab SDF alliance are involved in the operation to flush IS out of its last bastion. The operation was launched on September 10 and has taken a heavy toll, according to figures collected by the Observatory, which has a network of sources on the ground. At least 900 jihadists and 500 SDF fighters were killed in the fighting, the Observatory said. According to Abdel Rahman, more than 320 civilians were also killed, many of them in air strikes by the US-led coalition. Thousands more civilians who had remained, voluntarily or not, in the Hajin area have fled their homes since the start of the offensive three months ago. US President Donald Trump this week predicted the jihadist group would be fully defeated within a month. "We've done a very, very major job on ISIS," he said on Tuesday, using another acronym for IS. "There are very few of them left in that area of the world. And within another 30 days, there won't be any of them left," he vowed. Western and other officials have repeatedly announced deadlines for a final victory over IS but the group is proving resilient. 30 days? The push to retake Hajin was delayed by Turkish threats on the Kurdish heartland further north and deadly counter-attacks by die-hard jihadists making a bloody last stand. The Turkish threats were renewed this week by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said the army would launch an offensive within the "next few days" to "bring peace and security to areas east of the Euphrates" controlled by the SDF. Washington, which has set up observation posts along the border and launched joint patrols with the SDF, said any unilateral military action in northern Syria would be "unacceptable". On Friday, 13 political parties in Kurdish territory in northern Syria issued a joint statement denouncing Erdogan's threat as a "declaration of war". Besides what is left of the pocket near Hajin, IS has a presence in Syria's vast Badia desert, a front which is managed by Russian-backed government forces. What is left of the jihadist group also has sleeper cells across Iraq and Syria that regularly carry out attacks. "ISIS anticipated its battlefield defeat and the loss of the caliphate and prepared accordingly," said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at Georgetown University in Washington.

US-backed forces expel IS from east Syria hub

&nbsp;The Pentagon said on Wednesday that unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party would be "unacceptable," after Turkey said it would launch a new military operation in the region within days to target Kurdish militia fighters.

Ankara and Washington have long been at odds over Syria, where the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-at-un-urges-tougher-action-on-iran-missiles-183573">United States</a> has backed the YPG Kurdish militia in the fight against Islamic State insurgents.

Turkey says the YPG is a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the state in southeastern Turkey for 34 years.

Within hours of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's announcement of the planned operation, the United States warned that any unilateral military action would undermine the shared interest of securing the border between Syria and Turkey in a sustainable way.

"Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern," Commander Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.

"We would find any such actions unacceptable," he added.

Turkey has already intervened to sweep YPG fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years, but has not gone east of the river - partly to avoid direct confrontation with US forces.

But Erdogan's patience with Washington over Syria - specifically a deal to clear the YPG from the town of Manbij, just west of the Euphrates - seems to have worn thin.

"We will start the operation to clear the east of the Euphrates from separatist terrorists in a few days. Our target is never US soldiers," Erdogan said at a speech at a defence industry summit in Ankara.

"This step will allow for the path to a political solution to be opened and for healthier cooperation."

Turkey has repeatedly voiced frustration about what it says are delays in the implementation of the Manbij deal, saying last month that the agreement should be fully carried out by the end of this year.

The Pentagon said coordination and consultation between the United States and Turkey was the only way to address security concerns and that Washington was focused on working closely with Ankara.

"We believe this dialogue is the only way to secure the border area in a sustainable manner, and believe that uncoordinated military operations will undermine that shared interest," Robertson said.

He added that while the United States was fully committed to Turkey's border security, it also remained committed to working with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which includes Kurdish YPG fighters, to defeat Islamic State militants.

Turkish and US troops began joint patrols near Manbij last month, but that cooperation has also been complicated as Turkey has shelled Kurdish fighters to the east of the Euphrates.

Earlier this year, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) temporarily suspended an offensive against Islamic State after Turkish shelling of northern Syria.

OBSERVATION POSTS

The Pentagon says it has about 2,000 troops in Syria.

Last month, the United States said would establish observation posts on the border between Kurdish-held northern Syria and Turkey after Turkish cross-border shelling killed four Kurdish fighters.

Three observation posts have now been set up, a US official told Reuters on Wednesday. The official said the positions were clearly marked and any force attacking them "would definitely know they are attacking the United States".

Turkish officials held talks in Ankara this week with the US special representative for Syria, Jim Jeffrey. An SDF military source said Jeffrey met the SDF leadership in northern Syria on Wednesday.

Erdogan said Turkey was the victim of a "stalling tactic" over Manbij and that Islamic State no longer posed a threat in Syria.

"Now, it's time to realise our decision to disperse the circles of terror east of the Euphrates. The fact that we have deep differences in perception with the United States is no secret," he said.

The Pentagon said on Wednesday that unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party would be "unacceptable," after Turkey said it would launch a new military operation in the region within days to target Kurdish militia fighters.

The Pentagon said on Wednesday that unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party would be "unacceptable," after Turkey said it would launch a new military operation in the region within days to target Kurdish militia fighters. Ankara and Washington have long been at odds over Syria, where the United States has backed the YPG Kurdish militia in the fight against Islamic State insurgents. Turkey says the YPG is a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the state in southeastern Turkey for 34 years. Within hours of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's announcement of the planned operation, the United States warned that any unilateral military action would undermine the shared interest of securing the border between Syria and Turkey in a sustainable way. "Unilateral military action into northeast Syria by any party, particularly as US personnel may be present or in the vicinity, is of grave concern," Commander Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. "We would find any such actions unacceptable," he added. Turkey has already intervened to sweep YPG fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years, but has not gone east of the river - partly to avoid direct confrontation with US forces. But Erdogan's patience with Washington over Syria - specifically a deal to clear the YPG from the town of Manbij, just west of the Euphrates - seems to have worn thin. "We will start the operation to clear the east of the Euphrates from separatist terrorists in a few days. Our target is never US soldiers," Erdogan said at a speech at a defence industry summit in Ankara. "This step will allow for the path to a political solution to be opened and for healthier cooperation." Turkey has repeatedly voiced frustration about what it says are delays in the implementation of the Manbij deal, saying last month that the agreement should be fully carried out by the end of this year. The Pentagon said coordination and consultation between the United States and Turkey was the only way to address security concerns and that Washington was focused on working closely with Ankara. "We believe this dialogue is the only way to secure the border area in a sustainable manner, and believe that uncoordinated military operations will undermine that shared interest," Robertson said. He added that while the United States was fully committed to Turkey's border security, it also remained committed to working with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which includes Kurdish YPG fighters, to defeat Islamic State militants. Turkish and US troops began joint patrols near Manbij last month, but that cooperation has also been complicated as Turkey has shelled Kurdish fighters to the east of the Euphrates. Earlier this year, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) temporarily suspended an offensive against Islamic State after Turkish shelling of northern Syria. OBSERVATION POSTS The Pentagon says it has about 2,000 troops in Syria. Last month, the United States said would establish observation posts on the border between Kurdish-held northern Syria and Turkey after Turkish cross-border shelling killed four Kurdish fighters. Three observation posts have now been set up, a US official told Reuters on Wednesday. The official said the positions were clearly marked and any force attacking them "would definitely know they are attacking the United States". Turkish officials held talks in Ankara this week with the US special representative for Syria, Jim Jeffrey. An SDF military source said Jeffrey met the SDF leadership in northern Syria on Wednesday. Erdogan said Turkey was the victim of a "stalling tactic" over Manbij and that Islamic State no longer posed a threat in Syria. "Now, it's time to realise our decision to disperse the circles of terror east of the Euphrates. The fact that we have deep differences in perception with the United States is no secret," he said.

Pentagon warns against unilateral military action in northeast Syria after Turkish announcement

Faraj was born in the pouring rain on a nondescript stretch of desert road in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/250000-syrian-refugees-could-return-home-next-year-unhcr-183279">eastern Syria </a>as his family fled escalating fighting over the Islamic State group's last bastion.

His family was part of a group of around 200 civilians who managed to escape from a pocket of territory in Deir Ezzor province that is still held by the jihadists.

"I had to resist hunger, cold and rain," the newborn's mother Kamela Fadel tells AFP in a camp for displaced people in the northeastern region of Al-Hol.

The young woman, her husband and their four children now sleep under white tents, with hundreds of other people who fled eastern flashpoints in past weeks.

They are huddled on straw mats laid out directly on the gravelly earth, wrapped in blankets and hugging bags packed with their meagre belongings.

A nurse helps an elderly lady to the camp clinic as children play at scaling piles of foam mattresses and families sit cross-legged, eating from tin cans.

It is still cold in the vast tent but at least they are sheltered from the rain.

They walked for several days in the winter weather before being met last week by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) battling IS in Deir Ezzor.

"It was hunger that prompted us to leave, there was nothing left to eat," says Kamela's husband, still sporting the thick beard the jihadists impose on all adult men.

'Destruction everywhere'

He and his family were living in Al-Shaafa, one of the last villages, together with Sousa and Hajin, that are still under the control of IS.

The SDF, with the support of air strikes by the US-led coalition against IS, launched a major operation against the last rump of the jihadists' moribund "caliphate" in September this year.

The jihadists hunkering down in their Euphrates Valley heartland have offered stiff resistance, thwarting coalition hopes of a quick victory.

Warplanes have been raining bombs on IS targets in and around Hajin, causing significant civilian loss of life in the process, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Observatory says almost 320 civilians have been killed, including 113 children.

"There is destruction everywhere because of the fighting and the bombardment. We were scared for the children," says Faraj's father.

Local camp official Mohamed Ibrahim told AFP around 1,700 civilians had arrived in Al-Hol in recent days.

The intensity of the bombardment and the remoteness of the area make it is difficult to estimate the number of civilians who remain, voluntarily or not, in the IS pocket.

"In Syria, displacement leads to food insecurity as people leave their belongings behind," said Marwa Awad, a spokeswoman for the UN's World Food Programme in Damascus.

"This is why it's vital to maintain a lifeline of food assistance for vulnerable families such as those escaping violence in Deir Ezzor," she said.

Awad said at least 16,500 people had been forced to flee their homes in Hajin and surrounding areas since violence in the area intensified in July this year.

SDF fighters too suffered heavy losses in their assault on Hajin, where a group of die-hard jihadists with little to lose are making a bloody last stand.

Last stand&nbsp;

"There are landmines everywhere on the roads," says Abu Omar, one of the displaced in Al-Hol.

Fearing retribution against relatives who have stayed behind in IS-controlled territory, he refused to give his full name.

"The village and our homes have been destroyed by the bombardment," says Abu Omar, a man in his thirties.

"There are still high-ranking members of IS and foreigners there, but most are on the Hajin frontline," he says. "They won't give up easily, they are fighting to the death."

The US-led coalition puts the number of jihadist fighters holding out in that area at around 2,000.

"The day we managed to flee, the fog was thick and gave us cover. Had they seen us, they would have wiped us out," says Ziba al-Ahmed, who escaped the town of Sousa.

"The bombardment was so scary and our bellies were crying," says the mother of four.

Their farming machinery was too precious to leave in Sousa and her husband stayed behind with one of their daughters.

"We're worried about them, we don't know what's going to happen to them."

Faraj was born in the pouring rain on a nondescript stretch of desert road in eastern Syria as his family fled escalating fighting over the Islamic State group's last bastion.

Faraj was born in the pouring rain on a nondescript stretch of desert road in eastern Syria as his family fled escalating fighting over the Islamic State group's last bastion. His family was part of a group of around 200 civilians who managed to escape from a pocket of territory in Deir Ezzor province that is still held by the jihadists. "I had to resist hunger, cold and rain," the newborn's mother Kamela Fadel tells AFP in a camp for displaced people in the northeastern region of Al-Hol. The young woman, her husband and their four children now sleep under white tents, with hundreds of other people who fled eastern flashpoints in past weeks. They are huddled on straw mats laid out directly on the gravelly earth, wrapped in blankets and hugging bags packed with their meagre belongings. A nurse helps an elderly lady to the camp clinic as children play at scaling piles of foam mattresses and families sit cross-legged, eating from tin cans. It is still cold in the vast tent but at least they are sheltered from the rain. They walked for several days in the winter weather before being met last week by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) battling IS in Deir Ezzor. "It was hunger that prompted us to leave, there was nothing left to eat," says Kamela's husband, still sporting the thick beard the jihadists impose on all adult men. 'Destruction everywhere' He and his family were living in Al-Shaafa, one of the last villages, together with Sousa and Hajin, that are still under the control of IS. The SDF, with the support of air strikes by the US-led coalition against IS, launched a major operation against the last rump of the jihadists' moribund "caliphate" in September this year. The jihadists hunkering down in their Euphrates Valley heartland have offered stiff resistance, thwarting coalition hopes of a quick victory. Warplanes have been raining bombs on IS targets in and around Hajin, causing significant civilian loss of life in the process, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory says almost 320 civilians have been killed, including 113 children. "There is destruction everywhere because of the fighting and the bombardment. We were scared for the children," says Faraj's father. Local camp official Mohamed Ibrahim told AFP around 1,700 civilians had arrived in Al-Hol in recent days. The intensity of the bombardment and the remoteness of the area make it is difficult to estimate the number of civilians who remain, voluntarily or not, in the IS pocket. "In Syria, displacement leads to food insecurity as people leave their belongings behind," said Marwa Awad, a spokeswoman for the UN's World Food Programme in Damascus. "This is why it's vital to maintain a lifeline of food assistance for vulnerable families such as those escaping violence in Deir Ezzor," she said. Awad said at least 16,500 people had been forced to flee their homes in Hajin and surrounding areas since violence in the area intensified in July this year. SDF fighters too suffered heavy losses in their assault on Hajin, where a group of die-hard jihadists with little to lose are making a bloody last stand. Last stand "There are landmines everywhere on the roads," says Abu Omar, one of the displaced in Al-Hol. Fearing retribution against relatives who have stayed behind in IS-controlled territory, he refused to give his full name. "The village and our homes have been destroyed by the bombardment," says Abu Omar, a man in his thirties. "There are still high-ranking members of IS and foreigners there, but most are on the Hajin frontline," he says. "They won't give up easily, they are fighting to the death." The US-led coalition puts the number of jihadist fighters holding out in that area at around 2,000. "The day we managed to flee, the fog was thick and gave us cover. Had they seen us, they would have wiped us out," says Ziba al-Ahmed, who escaped the town of Sousa. "The bombardment was so scary and our bellies were crying," says the mother of four. Their farming machinery was too precious to leave in Sousa and her husband stayed behind with one of their daughters. "We're worried about them, we don't know what's going to happen to them."

Thousands flee bombs and hunger in eastern Syria

By Drew Mikhael

World leaders gathered in Marrakesh on December 10 to sign a historic agreement safeguarding the rights of migrants. Despite the withdrawal of some countries, the Global Compact on Migration was approved by 164 countries. It follows the Global Compact on Refugees, approved at the UN in mid-November by all countries, bar one – the United States.

Despite the current optimism around the potential good these new global compacts on refugees and migrants will have, the current political situation in Lebanon – home to 1.1m Syrian refugees – shows why there is still a long way to go. Infrastructure to accommodate the refugees in host countries such as Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan is still dire and requires emergency funds to ensure basic needs are met.

In Lebanon, Syrian refugees are viewed not only as an economic burden, but a political threat so severe that their presence threatens the country’s delicate power-sharing balance. Even in the aftermath of elections in May 2018 that brought a modicum of political stability in Lebanon – although still no agreement on cabinet positions – Syrian refugees are still scapegoated by Lebanese politicians. Increasingly xenophobic rhetoric has worsened.

Meanwhile, Lebanon has stepped up efforts to return Syrian refugees, committing significant resources to ensure the return of as many people as possible. But this is highly controversial. Many Syrians fear reprisals or arrest by the Assad regime, possible conscription into the army and a basic lack of infrastructure when they arrive.

Even with the prospects of new international agreements on refugees, no discernible positive impact can be expected for Lebanon’s Syrian refugees. Lebanon has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention so that it isn’t legally required to protect the estimated 450,000 Palestinian refugees who also live in the country. The convention provides the legal parameters to ensure refugees are given the right to work, education, housing and non-discrimination.

Memory of the past

Part of the reason why Lebanon has ignored this international mandate for refugee rights is a reflection of the divided nature of Lebanese politics, which values stability between the Lebanese elite above all else. But the cost of that stability is currently being paid disproportionally by Syrian and Palestinians as they face marginalisation and exclusion.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, Syrians who sought refuge in Lebanon have faced systemic marginalisation through policies that limited their ability to gain residency and labour rights. For Lebanon’s political elite, the presence of Syrian refugees represents a dangerous reminder of the Palestinian refugees who played an important role in the Lebanese civil war of 1975-1990, and are now commonly, and wrongly, blamed for being one of the causes of the conflict.

Lebanese political power-sharing is based on a prescriptive sectarian parliamentary balance between Christians and Muslims. The focus on a demographic balance between Christians and Muslims within Lebanon’s institutions has a direct influence on political decision making: from ensuring representation in the cabinet to enshrining the rejection of the right for Palestinian refugees to settle in the constitution.

Because of this, the Christian political elite view Syrians and Palestinians not as vulnerable groups in need of basic assistance, but as a potential seismic demographic shift. The common theory explained to me on a recent research trip to Lebanon was that if either group were to be settled in Lebanon permanently, the balance of sects would shift to favour to Sunnis and result in their dominance over the political arena at the expense of Shia and Christians.

What’s old is new again

It was clear that for many of the Christian political elite I spoke to, the Syrian refugees were viewed as an existential threat that could undermine the delicate sectarian balance in the country and destroy the power-sharing agreement that guarantees representation for all Lebanese groups.

In the face of all this, Lebanon’s response to the presence of refugees has been uncharacteristically cohesive. It introduced a national strategy in 2014 entitled the “policy on Syrian displacement”, aimed primarily at ensuring that Syrians were limited in their ability to settle permanently in Lebanon.

Now, arguments that have been used to marginalise Palestinians are now repeated in reference to Syrians. In May 2018, former foreign minister Gebran Bassil proposed that Lebanese women would finally be allowed to pass on nationality to their children unless they were married to a Syrian or Palestinian. Previous arguments on why this right should be denied to Lebanese women were made in reference to children of Palestinians only.

The focus on maintaining sectarian equilibrium will always be an obstacle for international legal instruments designed to give refugees their rights in Lebanon. For the Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in the country, the power-sharing system will continue to entrap them as they face systemic exclusion, with politicians trying to make their living conditions as difficult as possible to ward off the potential settlement. If stability in Lebanon continues to be managed by sectarian head counting, any mechanisms to protect refugees will not be implementable and suffering will continue unabated. 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/syrian-refugees-remain-trapped-and-marginalised-by-lebanons-power-sharing-politics-108363">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

By Drew Mikhael World leaders gathered in Marrakesh on December 10 to sign a historic agreement safeguarding the rights of migrants. Despite the withdrawal of some countries, the Global Compact on Migration was approved by 164 countries.

By Drew Mikhael World leaders gathered in Marrakesh on December 10 to sign a historic agreement safeguarding the rights of migrants. Despite the withdrawal of some countries, the Global Compact on Migration was approved by 164 countries. It follows the Global Compact on Refugees, approved at the UN in mid-November by all countries, bar one – the United States. Despite the current optimism around the potential good these new global compacts on refugees and migrants will have, the current political situation in Lebanon – home to 1.1m Syrian refugees – shows why there is still a long way to go. Infrastructure to accommodate the refugees in host countries such as Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan is still dire and requires emergency funds to ensure basic needs are met. In Lebanon, Syrian refugees are viewed not only as an economic burden, but a political threat so severe that their presence threatens the country’s delicate power-sharing balance. Even in the aftermath of elections in May 2018 that brought a modicum of political stability in Lebanon – although still no agreement on cabinet positions – Syrian refugees are still scapegoated by Lebanese politicians. Increasingly xenophobic rhetoric has worsened. Meanwhile, Lebanon has stepped up efforts to return Syrian refugees, committing significant resources to ensure the return of as many people as possible. But this is highly controversial. Many Syrians fear reprisals or arrest by the Assad regime, possible conscription into the army and a basic lack of infrastructure when they arrive. Even with the prospects of new international agreements on refugees, no discernible positive impact can be expected for Lebanon’s Syrian refugees. Lebanon has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention so that it isn’t legally required to protect the estimated 450,000 Palestinian refugees who also live in the country. The convention provides the legal parameters to ensure refugees are given the right to work, education, housing and non-discrimination. Memory of the past Part of the reason why Lebanon has ignored this international mandate for refugee rights is a reflection of the divided nature of Lebanese politics, which values stability between the Lebanese elite above all else. But the cost of that stability is currently being paid disproportionally by Syrian and Palestinians as they face marginalisation and exclusion. Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, Syrians who sought refuge in Lebanon have faced systemic marginalisation through policies that limited their ability to gain residency and labour rights. For Lebanon’s political elite, the presence of Syrian refugees represents a dangerous reminder of the Palestinian refugees who played an important role in the Lebanese civil war of 1975-1990, and are now commonly, and wrongly, blamed for being one of the causes of the conflict. Lebanese political power-sharing is based on a prescriptive sectarian parliamentary balance between Christians and Muslims. The focus on a demographic balance between Christians and Muslims within Lebanon’s institutions has a direct influence on political decision making: from ensuring representation in the cabinet to enshrining the rejection of the right for Palestinian refugees to settle in the constitution. Because of this, the Christian political elite view Syrians and Palestinians not as vulnerable groups in need of basic assistance, but as a potential seismic demographic shift. The common theory explained to me on a recent research trip to Lebanon was that if either group were to be settled in Lebanon permanently, the balance of sects would shift to favour to Sunnis and result in their dominance over the political arena at the expense of Shia and Christians. What’s old is new again It was clear that for many of the Christian political elite I spoke to, the Syrian refugees were viewed as an existential threat that could undermine the delicate sectarian balance in the country and destroy the power-sharing agreement that guarantees representation for all Lebanese groups. In the face of all this, Lebanon’s response to the presence of refugees has been uncharacteristically cohesive. It introduced a national strategy in 2014 entitled the “policy on Syrian displacement”, aimed primarily at ensuring that Syrians were limited in their ability to settle permanently in Lebanon. Now, arguments that have been used to marginalise Palestinians are now repeated in reference to Syrians. In May 2018, former foreign minister Gebran Bassil proposed that Lebanese women would finally be allowed to pass on nationality to their children unless they were married to a Syrian or Palestinian. Previous arguments on why this right should be denied to Lebanese women were made in reference to children of Palestinians only. The focus on maintaining sectarian equilibrium will always be an obstacle for international legal instruments designed to give refugees their rights in Lebanon. For the Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in the country, the power-sharing system will continue to entrap them as they face systemic exclusion, with politicians trying to make their living conditions as difficult as possible to ward off the potential settlement. If stability in Lebanon continues to be managed by sectarian head counting, any mechanisms to protect refugees will not be implementable and suffering will continue unabated. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Syrian refugees remain trapped and marginalised by Lebanon’s power-sharing politics

Up to 250,000 Syrian refugees could return to their devastated homeland in 2019, while many others face problems with documentation and property that the Damascus government must help resolve, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday.

Some 5.6 million Syrian refugees remain in neighbouring countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq - Amin Awad, UNHCR director for the Middle East and North Africa, told a news briefing. Some 37,000 have returned this year, UNHCR figures show.

"We are forecasting in this phase up to 250,000 Syrians go back in 2019. That figure can go up and down according to the pace with which we are working and removing these obstacles to return," Awad said.

Up to 250,000 Syrian refugees could return to their devastated homeland in 2019, while many others face problems with documentation and property that the Damascus government must help resolve, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday.

Up to 250,000 Syrian refugees could return to their devastated homeland in 2019, while many others face problems with documentation and property that the Damascus government must help resolve, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday. Some 5.6 million Syrian refugees remain in neighbouring countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq - Amin Awad, UNHCR director for the Middle East and North Africa, told a news briefing. Some 37,000 have returned this year, UNHCR figures show. "We are forecasting in this phase up to 250,000 Syrians go back in 2019. That figure can go up and down according to the pace with which we are working and removing these obstacles to return," Awad said.

250,000 Syrian refugees could return home next year: UNHCR

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases.

Since 2011: Syria&nbsp;

The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries.

More than half the country's 23 million population has fled, with 6.6 million of those internally displaced and more than 5.6 million going abroad.

Turkey took in the biggest number, with the UN refugee agency UNHCR registering more than 3.6 million there, followed by Lebanon with less than a million (Beirut says it is 1.5 million) and Jordan with 673,000 (1.3 million according to Amman).&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-lights-candle-for-children-of-syria-180981"> Syrians</a> have also fled to Europe, and most notably to Germany.

2013-2018: South Sudan 

Independent since 2011, South Sudan became mired in civil war in 2013 that lasted five years and left more than 380,000 people dead and forced some 4.2 million people&nbsp;a third of the population to flee.

The UNHCR says nearly 2.2 million have left the country and are now spread across neighbouring countries in Uganda (785,000), Sudan (764,000) and Ethiopia (422,000).&nbsp;

2015: Mediterranean 

The massive and regular arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean and into Europe over recent years has provoked a major crisis in the bloc with some member countries adopting particularly tough new measures.&nbsp;

After a peak in 2015 of more than one million migrants landing on Europe's shores from the Mediterranean, the numbers have dropped to more than 362,000 in 2016, 172,000 in 2017 and 132,000 since the start of 2018.

Of those who have arrived in 2018, 108,400 have reached Europe by the sea, according to the International Organization for Migration. Some 2,130 died making the journey.

There have been some flashpoints, including the controversy over the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock.

Policy on migration has been one of the major points of friction between countries in the bloc.

Since 2015: Venezuela&nbsp;

The United Nations says some three million Venezuelans are now living abroad, 2.3 million of whom have moved since 2015, fleeing the country's severe economic, political and social crisis.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Colombia, which shares a border of 2,200 kilometres (1,367 miles) with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mattis-condemns-venezuelas-maduro-as-a-despot-who-has-to-go-180957"> Venezuela,</a> has taken in the most, around one million, followed by Peru (at least 550,000) and Ecuador, with around 300,000.

The exodus of the Venezuelans is, according to the UNHCR the most massive displacement of people in recent Latin American history.

2018: Honduras&nbsp;

A caravan of thousands of migrants mostly from Honduras left the Central American country to escape violence and poverty and by mid-November, they had reached the US border.&nbsp;

Other caravans coming from Central America joined them and other migrants travelled by foot and hitchhiked to cover the thousands of miles in the hope of being granted the status of refugee in the US.

Some 6,000 people gathered in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-at-us-border-say-they-will-cross-over-despite-trump-stance-179282">Mexican city of Tijuana </a>but were unable to cross the border after US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of soldiers who forced a number of migrants to turn back.

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases. Since 2011: Syria The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries.

This decade has seen massive movements of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Here are some key cases. Since 2011: Syria The Syrian war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in March 2011 and it has led to a massive exodus of people, mostly to camps in neighbouring countries. More than half the country's 23 million population has fled, with 6.6 million of those internally displaced and more than 5.6 million going abroad. Turkey took in the biggest number, with the UN refugee agency UNHCR registering more than 3.6 million there, followed by Lebanon with less than a million (Beirut says it is 1.5 million) and Jordan with 673,000 (1.3 million according to Amman). Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have also fled to Europe, and most notably to Germany. 2013-2018: South Sudan Independent since 2011, South Sudan became mired in civil war in 2013 that lasted five years and left more than 380,000 people dead and forced some 4.2 million people a third of the population to flee. The UNHCR says nearly 2.2 million have left the country and are now spread across neighbouring countries in Uganda (785,000), Sudan (764,000) and Ethiopia (422,000). 2015: Mediterranean The massive and regular arrival of migrants via the Mediterranean and into Europe over recent years has provoked a major crisis in the bloc with some member countries adopting particularly tough new measures. After a peak in 2015 of more than one million migrants landing on Europe's shores from the Mediterranean, the numbers have dropped to more than 362,000 in 2016, 172,000 in 2017 and 132,000 since the start of 2018. Of those who have arrived in 2018, 108,400 have reached Europe by the sea, according to the International Organization for Migration. Some 2,130 died making the journey. There have been some flashpoints, including the controversy over the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock. Policy on migration has been one of the major points of friction between countries in the bloc. Since 2015: Venezuela The United Nations says some three million Venezuelans are now living abroad, 2.3 million of whom have moved since 2015, fleeing the country's severe economic, political and social crisis. Neighbouring Colombia, which shares a border of 2,200 kilometres (1,367 miles) with Venezuela, has taken in the most, around one million, followed by Peru (at least 550,000) and Ecuador, with around 300,000. The exodus of the Venezuelans is, according to the UNHCR the most massive displacement of people in recent Latin American history. 2018: Honduras A caravan of thousands of migrants mostly from Honduras left the Central American country to escape violence and poverty and by mid-November, they had reached the US border. Other caravans coming from Central America joined them and other migrants travelled by foot and hitchhiked to cover the thousands of miles in the hope of being granted the status of refugee in the US. Some 6,000 people gathered in the Mexican city of Tijuana but were unable to cross the border after US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of soldiers who forced a number of migrants to turn back.

Major migration flows in the last decade

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sculpture-donated-by-pope-unveiled-in-rio-de-janeiro-178193">Pope Francis</a> lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria.

"Advent is a time of hope. Right now, my hope is for peace for the children of Syria, tormented by a war that has lasted eight years," he said after the Angelus prayer.

"I am lighting a candle along with the many Syrian children and believers across the world who are lighting theirs," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-synagogue-attack-inhuman-act-of-violence-pope-francis-174025">Francis </a>said, as he put a match to wick in the window of the papal apartment, which overlooks Saint Peter's Square.

"Let these flames of hope dispel the shadows of war!" the pontiff said.

"May the flame of hope also reach all those who are victims of conflicts and tensions around the world, near and far".

The "Candles for Peace in Syria" Christmas initiative was launched Sunday by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity.

The tall candle, which rocked slightly in the wind on the papal windowsill, was decorated by a local craftsman from the Bab Touma quarter of Damascus in Syria and bore the photos of some 40 children, most of them from Aleppo.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-syria-border-crossing-reopens-after-3-years-171521">Syria's war</a> has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions, with over 13 million people in the country in need of humanitarian aid.

The UN Children's Fund warned last month that a funding gap and the start of winter could leave nearly one million children, including Syrians, "out in the cold" and prone to dangerous diseases in the Middle East and North Africa.

Pope Francis lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria. "Advent is a time of hope.

Pope Francis lit a candle at the Vatican on Sunday for victims of conflicts around the world and in particular the children of war-torn Syria. "Advent is a time of hope. Right now, my hope is for peace for the children of Syria, tormented by a war that has lasted eight years," he said after the Angelus prayer. "I am lighting a candle along with the many Syrian children and believers across the world who are lighting theirs," Francis said, as he put a match to wick in the window of the papal apartment, which overlooks Saint Peter's Square. "Let these flames of hope dispel the shadows of war!" the pontiff said. "May the flame of hope also reach all those who are victims of conflicts and tensions around the world, near and far". The "Candles for Peace in Syria" Christmas initiative was launched Sunday by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity. The tall candle, which rocked slightly in the wind on the papal windowsill, was decorated by a local craftsman from the Bab Touma quarter of Damascus in Syria and bore the photos of some 40 children, most of them from Aleppo. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 and displaced millions, with over 13 million people in the country in need of humanitarian aid. The UN Children's Fund warned last month that a funding gap and the start of winter could leave nearly one million children, including Syrians, "out in the cold" and prone to dangerous diseases in the Middle East and North Africa.

Pope lights candle for children of Syria

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/9-civillians-killed-in-shelling-exchange-in-syrias-aleppo-city-official-media-allege-toxic-gas-attack-179235">nine civilians&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/9-civillians-killed-in-shelling-exchange-in-syrias-aleppo-city-official-media-allege-toxic-gas-attack-179235">were</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/9-civillians-killed-in-shelling-exchange-in-syrias-aleppo-city-official-media-allege-toxic-gas-attack-179235"> killed</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion, around 100 Syrians were hospitalised on Sunday as they complained of breathing difficulties.

The civilians complained of breathing after rebels fired "toxic gas" into&nbsp; Aleppo.

The state news agency SANA reported "107 cases of breathing difficulties" in an updated toll on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said a total of 94 people were hospitalised, but most had been discharged and the 31 cases that remained were not critical.

The&nbsp;Syrian regime shelling killed nine civilians including seven children on Saturday in a planned buffer zone in&nbsp;the&nbsp;regime-held city.

Later in the evening, in neighbouring Aleppo which is under Syrian regime control, official media accused the rebels of launching an attack with "toxic gas".

Regional head of health services, Ziad Hajj Taha, said it was a "probable" chlorine attack.

Such accusations against the rebels in Aleppo were levelled in the past too. On other occasions, the Syrian regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against rebel strongholds, which it has always denied.

Since 2014, the US-led coalition has acknowledged direct responsibility for over 1,100 civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, but rights groups put the number much higher.

Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(With inputs from AFP)

A day after nine civilians were killed in a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion, around 100 Syrians were hospitalised on Sunday as they complained of breathing difficulties.

A day after nine civilians were killed in a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion, around 100 Syrians were hospitalised on Sunday as they complained of breathing difficulties. The civilians complained of breathing after rebels fired "toxic gas" into Aleppo. The state news agency SANA reported "107 cases of breathing difficulties" in an updated toll on Sunday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said a total of 94 people were hospitalised, but most had been discharged and the 31 cases that remained were not critical. The Syrian regime shelling killed nine civilians including seven children on Saturday in a planned buffer zone in the regime-held city. Later in the evening, in neighbouring Aleppo which is under Syrian regime control, official media accused the rebels of launching an attack with "toxic gas". Regional head of health services, Ziad Hajj Taha, said it was a "probable" chlorine attack. Such accusations against the rebels in Aleppo were levelled in the past too. On other occasions, the Syrian regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against rebel strongholds, which it has always denied. Since 2014, the US-led coalition has acknowledged direct responsibility for over 1,100 civilian deaths in Syria and Iraq, but rights groups put the number much higher. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (With inputs from AFP)

Around 100 Syrians struggle to breathe after 'toxic' attack

Russia does not want any "artificial deadlines" for the Syrian peace process, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, saying those who do want to sabotage Russian-backed peace efforts.

"I don't believe in artificial deadlines," Lavrov told the MED Dialogues conference in Rome.

"Those who insist on (UN envoy) Staffan (de Mistura) setting a deadline, they want only one thing, to ruin the Astana process and come back to some regime change logic."

The next round of talks on Syria's conflict will be held in the Kazakh capital Astana on November 28-29 as part of a peace process set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey.&nbsp;

The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process.&nbsp;

More than 360,000 people have been killed in the war, which began in March 2011 as an uprising against Assad but has morphed into a complex conflict with myriad armed groups, many of whom are foreign-backed.

Asked about Moscow's support for Assad's authoritarian regime which "massacres" its own people, Lavrov insisted Russia does not back any individual and that it is up to the Syrian people to change regime or not, via elections.

Lavrov said it was necessary to protect human rights and that the right to life is also fundamental, pointing to civilian deaths from Western military interventions in Libya or Iraq.

"If you don't give a damn about stability or life, then I am afraid you are one-sided," he said.&nbsp;

"Ask the Libyans how they used to live" before the NATO-backed toppling of strongman Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, Lavrov said.

Russia does not want any "artificial deadlines" for the Syrian peace process, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, saying those who do want to sabotage Russian-backed peace efforts.

Russia does not want any "artificial deadlines" for the Syrian peace process, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, saying those who do want to sabotage Russian-backed peace efforts. "I don't believe in artificial deadlines," Lavrov told the MED Dialogues conference in Rome. "Those who insist on (UN envoy) Staffan (de Mistura) setting a deadline, they want only one thing, to ruin the Astana process and come back to some regime change logic." The next round of talks on Syria's conflict will be held in the Kazakh capital Astana on November 28-29 as part of a peace process set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey. The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process. More than 360,000 people have been killed in the war, which began in March 2011 as an uprising against Assad but has morphed into a complex conflict with myriad armed groups, many of whom are foreign-backed. Asked about Moscow's support for Assad's authoritarian regime which "massacres" its own people, Lavrov insisted Russia does not back any individual and that it is up to the Syrian people to change regime or not, via elections. Lavrov said it was necessary to protect human rights and that the right to life is also fundamental, pointing to civilian deaths from Western military interventions in Libya or Iraq. "If you don't give a damn about stability or life, then I am afraid you are one-sided," he said. "Ask the Libyans how they used to live" before the NATO-backed toppling of strongman Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, Lavrov said.

We don't want any 'artificial deadlines' for Syria peace process: Russia

The United States has moved to disrupt an Iranian-Russian network that sent millions of barrels of oil to Syria and hundreds of millions of dollars to indirectly fund militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.&nbsp;

The complicated arrangement, described by the US Treasury in a statement on Tuesday, involved a Syrian citizen allegedly using his Russia-based company to ship Iranian oil to Syria with the aid of a Russian state-owned company.

Syria then helped transfer hundreds of millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah, which functions as a political party that is part of the Lebanese government and as a militia, as well as to Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules the Gaza Strip.

The US Treasury Department alleged that since 2014, vessels carrying Iranian oil have switched off transponders to conceal deliveries to Syria.&nbsp;

The Treasury, the State Department and the US Coast Guard State have issued an advisory to the maritime community about the sanctions risks of shipping oil to Syria`s government.

An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman called the sanctions "fruitless, illogical and inefficient".

Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA on Wednesday: "Those who designed and implemented these sanctions will understand sooner or later that they will not achieve their goals."&nbsp;

The alleged arrangement shows how Russia has sought to undercut US policy toward Syria, where Washington and Moscow back opposite sides of a civil war that began in 2011, as well as toward Iran, which the United States wants to curb its nuclear and missile programs and support for militant proxies.

"Today we are acting against a complex scheme Iran and Russia have used to bolster the (Syrian President Bashar al-) Assad regime and generate funds for Iranian malign activity," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing sanctions on those it said were tied to the network. 
"Central Bank of Iran officials continue to exploit the international financial system," he added.&nbsp;

Richard Nephew, a sanctions expert at Columbia University, said: "The arrangement exposes Russia`s efforts to support Assad for their own interests, which has the function of thwarting the US desire to no longer have Assad in power."

Those targeted include Syrian Mohammad Amer Alchwiki and his Russia-based company Global Vision Group, which were central to the delivery of Iranian oil to Syria and the transfer of funds to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps` Quds Force`s "lethal proxies", the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Other targets include Syrian national Hajji Abd Al-Nasir, Lebanon national Muhammad Qasim Al-Bazzal and Russian national Andrey Dogaev, as well as Iranian nationals Rasoul Sajjad and Hossein Yaghoubi Miab, the statement said.

Sajjad and Yaghoubi, Central Bank of Iran officials, worked to facilitate Alchwiki`s transfers, it said.

Others sanctioned include state-owned Russian company Promsyrioimport, a subsidiary of the Russian Ministry of Energy, which the US Treasury alleges had facilitated shipments of Iranian oil to Syria, as well as Mir Business Bank and Iran-based Tadbir Kish Medical and Pharmaceutical Company.

Russia will continue supplying oil to Syria in line with its agreement with Damascus despite pressure from the United States, RIA news agency quoted Oleg Morozov, a member of the Russian Federation Council, as saying late on Tuesday.

"The political defeat in Syria apparently prompts the United States to return to the idea of regime change in Damascus. Therefore, economic pressure through oil supply shutdown becomes a tool of the new economic war with Bashar Assad and indirectly with Moscow and Iran," he said.&nbsp;

According to Morozov, Russia acts and will act "absolutely legally".

"We have an agreement with Syria and therefore it`s up to us to decide what we supply and to whom. This will be our answer, (it is) much more effective than counter sanctions," he added.

The Russian Energy Ministry, to which Promsyrioimport belongs, declined immediate comment.&nbsp;

The Treasury`s "designation" of the individuals and entities effectively cuts them off from the global financial system by blocking any of their assets under US jurisdiction and in effect warning non-US institutions against dealing with them.

The United States is at odds with Britain, France and Germany as well as with Russia and China over US President Donald Trump`s May 8 decision to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, negotiated with the other world powers during Democratic President Barack Obama`s administration.

That agreement removed many US and other economic sanctions from Iran in return for Tehran`s commitment to curtail its nuclear program.

Trump restored US sanctions on November 5 and has threatened more action to stop its "outlaw" policies.

Iran, in turn, called Trump`s actions economic warfare and vowed to defy the sanctions. European powers that continue to back the nuclear deal said they opposed the reapplication of sanctions.

The United States has moved to disrupt an Iranian-Russian network that sent millions of barrels of oil to Syria and hundreds of millions of dollars to indirectly fund militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

The United States has moved to disrupt an Iranian-Russian network that sent millions of barrels of oil to Syria and hundreds of millions of dollars to indirectly fund militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The complicated arrangement, described by the US Treasury in a statement on Tuesday, involved a Syrian citizen allegedly using his Russia-based company to ship Iranian oil to Syria with the aid of a Russian state-owned company. Syria then helped transfer hundreds of millions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah, which functions as a political party that is part of the Lebanese government and as a militia, as well as to Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules the Gaza Strip. The US Treasury Department alleged that since 2014, vessels carrying Iranian oil have switched off transponders to conceal deliveries to Syria. The Treasury, the State Department and the US Coast Guard State have issued an advisory to the maritime community about the sanctions risks of shipping oil to Syria`s government. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman called the sanctions "fruitless, illogical and inefficient". Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA on Wednesday: "Those who designed and implemented these sanctions will understand sooner or later that they will not achieve their goals." The alleged arrangement shows how Russia has sought to undercut US policy toward Syria, where Washington and Moscow back opposite sides of a civil war that began in 2011, as well as toward Iran, which the United States wants to curb its nuclear and missile programs and support for militant proxies. "Today we are acting against a complex scheme Iran and Russia have used to bolster the (Syrian President Bashar al-) Assad regime and generate funds for Iranian malign activity," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing sanctions on those it said were tied to the network. "Central Bank of Iran officials continue to exploit the international financial system," he added. Richard Nephew, a sanctions expert at Columbia University, said: "The arrangement exposes Russia`s efforts to support Assad for their own interests, which has the function of thwarting the US desire to no longer have Assad in power." Those targeted include Syrian Mohammad Amer Alchwiki and his Russia-based company Global Vision Group, which were central to the delivery of Iranian oil to Syria and the transfer of funds to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps` Quds Force`s "lethal proxies", the Treasury Department said in a statement. Other targets include Syrian national Hajji Abd Al-Nasir, Lebanon national Muhammad Qasim Al-Bazzal and Russian national Andrey Dogaev, as well as Iranian nationals Rasoul Sajjad and Hossein Yaghoubi Miab, the statement said. Sajjad and Yaghoubi, Central Bank of Iran officials, worked to facilitate Alchwiki`s transfers, it said. Others sanctioned include state-owned Russian company Promsyrioimport, a subsidiary of the Russian Ministry of Energy, which the US Treasury alleges had facilitated shipments of Iranian oil to Syria, as well as Mir Business Bank and Iran-based Tadbir Kish Medical and Pharmaceutical Company. Russia will continue supplying oil to Syria in line with its agreement with Damascus despite pressure from the United States, RIA news agency quoted Oleg Morozov, a member of the Russian Federation Council, as saying late on Tuesday. "The political defeat in Syria apparently prompts the United States to return to the idea of regime change in Damascus. Therefore, economic pressure through oil supply shutdown becomes a tool of the new economic war with Bashar Assad and indirectly with Moscow and Iran," he said. According to Morozov, Russia acts and will act "absolutely legally". "We have an agreement with Syria and therefore it`s up to us to decide what we supply and to whom. This will be our answer, (it is) much more effective than counter sanctions," he added. The Russian Energy Ministry, to which Promsyrioimport belongs, declined immediate comment. The Treasury`s "designation" of the individuals and entities effectively cuts them off from the global financial system by blocking any of their assets under US jurisdiction and in effect warning non-US institutions against dealing with them. The United States is at odds with Britain, France and Germany as well as with Russia and China over US President Donald Trump`s May 8 decision to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, negotiated with the other world powers during Democratic President Barack Obama`s administration. That agreement removed many US and other economic sanctions from Iran in return for Tehran`s commitment to curtail its nuclear program. Trump restored US sanctions on November 5 and has threatened more action to stop its "outlaw" policies. Iran, in turn, called Trump`s actions economic warfare and vowed to defy the sanctions. European powers that continue to back the nuclear deal said they opposed the reapplication of sanctions.

US targets Iran-Russia network over oil sent to Syria

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which lead a military coalition against the Huthi rebels in Yemen, announced Tuesday US $500 million in aid to the country on the brink of famine.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will each give US $250 million in response to the food crisis to support more than 10 million people, said Abdullah Rabeeah, general supervisor at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.&nbsp;

He added that donations will go through the United Nations as well as other international and local aid groups.&nbsp;

Rabeeah spoke at a joint news conference in Riyadh with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy.

The latest aid package comes after the two countries and Kuwait offered US $1.25 billion to the UN's humanitarian response plan in Yemen for 2018, according to Rabeeah.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervened in the Yemen war in 2015 to bolster Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis took over the capital Sanaa.&nbsp;

Both the military coalition backing the government and the Huthi rebels stand accused of acts that could amount to war crimes.

The World Health Organization says nearly 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition intervention in March 2015, but rights groups believe the toll may be five times higher.

The war in Yemen -- already one of the world's most impoverished countries -- has left the nation on the edge of mass starvation in what the UN calls the worst humanitarian crisis.

The UN is already providing food aid to some eight million Yemenis but that number could reach 14 million next year, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned last week.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which lead a military coalition against the Huthi rebels in Yemen, announced Tuesday US $500 million in aid to the country on the brink of famine.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which lead a military coalition against the Huthi rebels in Yemen, announced Tuesday US $500 million in aid to the country on the brink of famine. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will each give US $250 million in response to the food crisis to support more than 10 million people, said Abdullah Rabeeah, general supervisor at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. He added that donations will go through the United Nations as well as other international and local aid groups. Rabeeah spoke at a joint news conference in Riyadh with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy. The latest aid package comes after the two countries and Kuwait offered US $1.25 billion to the UN's humanitarian response plan in Yemen for 2018, according to Rabeeah. Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervened in the Yemen war in 2015 to bolster Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis took over the capital Sanaa. Both the military coalition backing the government and the Huthi rebels stand accused of acts that could amount to war crimes. The World Health Organization says nearly 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition intervention in March 2015, but rights groups believe the toll may be five times higher. The war in Yemen -- already one of the world's most impoverished countries -- has left the nation on the edge of mass starvation in what the UN calls the worst humanitarian crisis. The UN is already providing food aid to some eight million Yemenis but that number could reach 14 million next year, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned last week.

Saudi, UAE announce $500 million in aid to war-torn Yemen

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday. &nbsp;

"The participants plan to discuss the current situation in Syria, in particular in Idlib, creating conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced people, and post-conflict reconstruction," Kairat Abdrakhmanov said in Astana.

The meeting will be the 11th in the Astana peace process -- set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey.&nbsp;

Abdrakhmanov said representatives of Damascus and armed opposition groups would take part, but did not specify what level of officials from Russia, Iran and Turkey would attend. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process.&nbsp;

This month's meeting comes with continued violence threatening plans for a buffer zone around Idlib, the last major opposition stronghold in Syria.

Russia and Turkey agreed in September to set up the buffer zone to avert a Syrian regime offensive, but jihadists who hold around 70 percent of the area have refused to withdraw.

Fighting in the area has continued, with jihadists on Friday killing 22 regime fighters in an attack on government forces in the northwest of Hama province near the planned zone.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday. "The participants plan to discuss the current situation in Syria, in particular in Idlib, creating conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced people, and post-conflict reconstruction," Kairat Abdrakhmanov said in Astana. The meeting will be the 11th in the Astana peace process -- set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey. Abdrakhmanov said representatives of Damascus and armed opposition groups would take part, but did not specify what level of officials from Russia, Iran and Turkey would attend. The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process. This month's meeting comes with continued violence threatening plans for a buffer zone around Idlib, the last major opposition stronghold in Syria. Russia and Turkey agreed in September to set up the buffer zone to avert a Syrian regime offensive, but jihadists who hold around 70 percent of the area have refused to withdraw. Fighting in the area has continued, with jihadists on Friday killing 22 regime fighters in an attack on government forces in the northwest of Hama province near the planned zone.

Russia, Iran, Turkey to hold Syria talks next week: Kazakh foreign minister

At least forty people, mostly women and children were killed on Saturday in the latest wave of US-led coalition airstrikes against the last remaining Islamic State-held pocket in Syria near the border with Iraq, the militants and some local residents said.

Asked about reports of air strikes in the Buqan area near Hajin on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River on Saturday, the coalition’s spokesman confirmed that there were strikes but denied there were civilian casualties.

Colonel Sean Ryan, the coalition spokesman, said "the coalition takes great measures to identify and strike appropriate ISIS targets in order to avoid non-combatant casualties."&nbsp;

Islamic State`s Amaq news agency quoted a medical source as saying 40 people had been killed, a claim which was also made by Syrian state media. 
Relatives of families from the area and Syrian state media&nbsp;said dozens of people have been killed in the last two weeks from US coalition airstrikes in Hajin and areas around it.

The Syrian government protested just over a week ago to the United Nations about an air strike by the US-led coalition against Islamic State which it said killed 26 civilians in Hajin.&nbsp;

The fighting is the latest phase of efforts by the US-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to clear Islamic State from its last foothold east of the Euphrates River following last year`s defeat of the group in Raqqa, its Syrian headquarters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At least forty people, mostly women and children were killed on Saturday in the latest wave of US-led coalition airstrikes against the last remaining Islamic State-held pocket in Syria near the border with Iraq, the militants and some local residents said.

At least forty people, mostly women and children were killed on Saturday in the latest wave of US-led coalition airstrikes against the last remaining Islamic State-held pocket in Syria near the border with Iraq, the militants and some local residents said. Asked about reports of air strikes in the Buqan area near Hajin on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River on Saturday, the coalition’s spokesman confirmed that there were strikes but denied there were civilian casualties. Colonel Sean Ryan, the coalition spokesman, said "the coalition takes great measures to identify and strike appropriate ISIS targets in order to avoid non-combatant casualties." Islamic State`s Amaq news agency quoted a medical source as saying 40 people had been killed, a claim which was also made by Syrian state media. Relatives of families from the area and Syrian state media said dozens of people have been killed in the last two weeks from US coalition airstrikes in Hajin and areas around it. The Syrian government protested just over a week ago to the United Nations about an air strike by the US-led coalition against Islamic State which it said killed 26 civilians in Hajin. The fighting is the latest phase of efforts by the US-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to clear Islamic State from its last foothold east of the Euphrates River following last year`s defeat of the group in Raqqa, its Syrian headquarters.

Islamic State says US-led strikes kill 40 in militant pocket in Syria

Coalition air strikes Saturday killed at least 36 civilians related to the Islamic State group in a jihadist holdout in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based monitor said.

Seventeen children were among the family members killed in Abu Hassan village of Deir Ezzor province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Coalition air strikes Saturday killed at least 36 civilians related to the Islamic State group in a jihadist holdout in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based monitor said.

Coalition air strikes Saturday killed at least 36 civilians related to the Islamic State group in a jihadist holdout in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border, a Britain-based monitor said. Seventeen children were among the family members killed in Abu Hassan village of Deir Ezzor province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Anti-IS coalition raids kill 36 civilians in east Syria: monitor

Watch: WION Dispatch, 12th November, 2018

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