Its election season is Turkiye. The incumbent govt and the opposition are giving them all to convince voters to choose their ballot. Claims and allegations are floating around, among them there is one - hinting at Washington's interference in Turkish polls. @ghadifrancis brings you the full report on this week's #TheWestAsiaPost

Turkey's Elections won't be free or fair?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who has the support of a six-party opposition alliance, said that if he comes into power, he will bring democracy and freedom to the country.

"The youth want democracy. They don't want the police to come to their doors early in the morning just because they tweeted,” he said while speaking to BBC.

Kilicdaroglu is the main rival of Erdogan in elections scheduled on May 14 and has clinched a narrow lead in the opinion polls. Presently, the citizens of Turkey can be imprisoned for "insulting the president" in Turkey.

"I am telling young people they can criticise me freely. I will make sure they have this right," announced the 74-year-old leader, who heads the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-arrests-110-accused-of-kurdish-militant-ties-ahead-of-election-586066">Turkey arrests 110 accused of Kurdish militant ties ahead of election</a>

Some supporters of Kilicdaroglu fear for his safety but the leader says that it comes with the path he has chosen in life.

"Being in politics in Turkey means choosing a life with risks. I will walk my path whatever Erdogan and his allies do. They can't put me off. They can't scare me. I made a promise to this nation,” Kilicdaroglu said.

Earlier, President Erdogan mocked his opponent stating that he "couldn't even herd a sheep".

Speaking about what would happen if Erdogan is defeated in the elections, Kilicdaroglu said, "We will retire him, and send him to his corner. He will step back quietly. No one should have any concerns about it."

Media reports suggest that the if the Turkish leader faces defeat, he may dispute the result. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had already warned the vote will be "a coup attempt by the West".

Kilicdaroglu said that the opposition parties will remain vigilant, and will neither trust the president, "nor his Supreme Election Council nor his judges".

WATCH | Turkey Elections 2023: How Turkish diaspora will become kingmaker

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"By having more than one observer in all the polling stations, we want to ensure that votes are cast correctly, securely, and the counting is done properly. We have been taking precautions to achieve this, working hard for a year and a half,” he added.

Kilicdaroglu has also been witnessing a surge in support from the citizens. Oguz, aged 15, while participating in his rally said, "He is a good person, and he sees the future positively. If he becomes president our economy will rise up, and we will rise up."

"We want to become a part of the civilised world. We want free media and complete judicial independence. Erdogan does not think that way. He wants to be more authoritarian. The difference between us and Erdogan is the difference between black and white,” he added.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who has the support of a six-party opposition alliance, said that if he comes into power, he will bring democracy and freedom to the country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who has the support of a six-party opposition alliance, said that if he comes into power, he will bring democracy and freedom to the country. "The youth want democracy. They don't want the police to come to their doors early in the morning just because they tweeted,” he said while speaking to BBC. Kilicdaroglu is the main rival of Erdogan in elections scheduled on May 14 and has clinched a narrow lead in the opinion polls. Presently, the citizens of Turkey can be imprisoned for "insulting the president" in Turkey. "I am telling young people they can criticise me freely. I will make sure they have this right," announced the 74-year-old leader, who heads the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). ALSO READ | Turkey arrests 110 accused of Kurdish militant ties ahead of election Some supporters of Kilicdaroglu fear for his safety but the leader says that it comes with the path he has chosen in life. "Being in politics in Turkey means choosing a life with risks. I will walk my path whatever Erdogan and his allies do. They can't put me off. They can't scare me. I made a promise to this nation,” Kilicdaroglu said. Earlier, President Erdogan mocked his opponent stating that he "couldn't even herd a sheep". Speaking about what would happen if Erdogan is defeated in the elections, Kilicdaroglu said, "We will retire him, and send him to his corner. He will step back quietly. No one should have any concerns about it." Media reports suggest that the if the Turkish leader faces defeat, he may dispute the result. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had already warned the vote will be "a coup attempt by the West". Kilicdaroglu said that the opposition parties will remain vigilant, and will neither trust the president, "nor his Supreme Election Council nor his judges". WATCH | Turkey Elections 2023: How Turkish diaspora will become kingmaker "By having more than one observer in all the polling stations, we want to ensure that votes are cast correctly, securely, and the counting is done properly. We have been taking precautions to achieve this, working hard for a year and a half,” he added. Kilicdaroglu has also been witnessing a surge in support from the citizens. Oguz, aged 15, while participating in his rally said, "He is a good person, and he sees the future positively. If he becomes president our economy will rise up, and we will rise up." "We want to become a part of the civilised world. We want free media and complete judicial independence. Erdogan does not think that way. He wants to be more authoritarian. The difference between us and Erdogan is the difference between black and white,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Erdogan's opponent Kilicdaroglu promises democracy and peace in Turkey

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Turkey sent Mexico a new search puppy on Wednesday after their rescue dog passed away while assisting the Mexican Army in finding survivors of the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6.

Turkey sends puppy to Mexico after death of rescue dog in quake operation

Turkey on Wednesday gifted a new search puppy to Mexico after their rescue dog died while helping the Mexican Army locate survivors of the February 6 earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria.

The German Shepherd sent by Turkey is just three-month-old and he will now join the famous canine unit of Mexico which specialises in helping the army find survivors in countries that suffer&nbsp;natural disasters like earthquakes.

The furry puppy, who is black and beige in colour and has outsize paws and perky ears, has been given the name 'Arkadas' which means "friend" in the Turkish language based on online voting.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-rescuers-save-dog-after-four-days-in-earthquake-hit-turkey-560838">WATCH | Rescuers save dog after four days in earthquake-hit Turkey</a>

The trainer, who took care of rescue dog Proteo that died during a rescue mission in Turkey, will train Arkadas also, the army stated.

The rescue dogs were deployed by Mexico to Turkey after the nation was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake near the southern border with Syria which led to the death&nbsp;of at least 54,000 people in both nations.

The remains of Proteo were sent back to Mexico, where an emotional ceremony was organised in his honour before he was buried. Earlier this year, Mexico had paid homage to the German Shepherd at a military funeral.

Mexico stated that the canine gift of Turkey showed that "humanitarian aid knows no limits or borders".

The ministry, on its Twitter account, also shared a link on which people could track the flight that the puppy boarded for Mexico City from Istanbul. After he arrived at the Mexico City airport, the Ministry of Defence's staff gave a warm welcome to the puppy.

The army welcomed the gifted rescue dog, Arkadas, in a formal ceremony organised at a military base in Mexico City on Wednesday.

The puppy was wearing a padded green harness which featured a tiny Mexican flag. The ceremony was joined by his new human and canine colleagues, who were standing in attention pose.

WATCH | Dog rescued eight days after Turkey's Quake

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The puppy, who seemed excited during the ceremony, barked as the national anthem of Mexico blared out from the speakers.

"Thanks to my friends from Mexico who welcomed me with great affection, I promise to do my best to be a great search and rescue dog," tweeted the Mexican defence ministry on behalf of Arkadas.

The ministry, on its Facebook page, said that it was "waiting with open arms" for the puppy sent by Turkey, stating that it hoped Arkadas would follow the paw steps of Proteo.

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(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey on Wednesday gifted a new search puppy to Mexico after their rescue dog died while helping the Mexican Army locate survivors of the February 6 earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria.

Turkey on Wednesday gifted a new search puppy to Mexico after their rescue dog died while helping the Mexican Army locate survivors of the February 6 earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria. The German Shepherd sent by Turkey is just three-month-old and he will now join the famous canine unit of Mexico which specialises in helping the army find survivors in countries that suffer natural disasters like earthquakes. The furry puppy, who is black and beige in colour and has outsize paws and perky ears, has been given the name 'Arkadas' which means "friend" in the Turkish language based on online voting. ALSO READ | WATCH | Rescuers save dog after four days in earthquake-hit Turkey The trainer, who took care of rescue dog Proteo that died during a rescue mission in Turkey, will train Arkadas also, the army stated. The rescue dogs were deployed by Mexico to Turkey after the nation was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake near the southern border with Syria which led to the death of at least 54,000 people in both nations. The remains of Proteo were sent back to Mexico, where an emotional ceremony was organised in his honour before he was buried. Earlier this year, Mexico had paid homage to the German Shepherd at a military funeral. Mexico stated that the canine gift of Turkey showed that "humanitarian aid knows no limits or borders". The ministry, on its Twitter account, also shared a link on which people could track the flight that the puppy boarded for Mexico City from Istanbul. After he arrived at the Mexico City airport, the Ministry of Defence's staff gave a warm welcome to the puppy. The army welcomed the gifted rescue dog, Arkadas, in a formal ceremony organised at a military base in Mexico City on Wednesday. The puppy was wearing a padded green harness which featured a tiny Mexican flag. The ceremony was joined by his new human and canine colleagues, who were standing in attention pose. WATCH | Dog rescued eight days after Turkey's Quake The puppy, who seemed excited during the ceremony, barked as the national anthem of Mexico blared out from the speakers. "Thanks to my friends from Mexico who welcomed me with great affection, I promise to do my best to be a great search and rescue dog," tweeted the Mexican defence ministry on behalf of Arkadas. The ministry, on its Facebook page, said that it was "waiting with open arms" for the puppy sent by Turkey, stating that it hoped Arkadas would follow the paw steps of Proteo. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey will hold the most consequential election in recent history on 14 May. Voters will decide whether to keep the current government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has ruled for more than two decades or opt instead for a change of leadership in Ankara. Here is all you need to know about the upcoming elections.

Turkey Elections 2023: All you need to know

Turkey will hold the most consequential election in recent history on 14 May. Voters will decide whether to keep the current government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has ruled for more than two decades or opt instead for a change of leadership in Ankara. WION decodes upcoming Turkey elections in this report.

Turkey Elections 2023: How Turkish diaspora will become kingmaker

May 14th is the D-day in Turkey, it will mean a new President for the country. Early voting is already underway and it's looking like neck to neck as citizens gear up to choose their next leader. The Interior Minister in Turkey has made a damning claim saying that the West, particularly, the US is using the elections to stage a political coup in Turkey.

Turkey's Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu claims US' attempting political coup in Turkey

ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said.

The third ISIS leader to die by detonating an explosive vest during a raid since 2019, Qurashi leaves behind an organization that once ruled millions of people via its control of a third of Iraq and Syria but has now been forced underground.

The four-hour raid, led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), saw special forces blast their way through a perimeter fence, back door and walls of his hideout in a two-storey building near the town of Jandaris, the security official said.

Two Syrian security sources said Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups set a perimeter around the area while Turkish special forces, who one source said earlier entered Syria in armoured vehicles, raided the house.

The MIT declined to comment for this report. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday Qurashi “was neutralized” as part of the intelligence forces’ operation.

Images of the site provided by the security official showed a red-roofed building with most of the walls on its ground floor blown out.

Metal and cinderblock debris lay scattered on a paved patio with a small fountain, and on the brick-red soil of an adjacent field planted with olive trees.

The MIT, which the Turkish source said had been following Qurashi for a long time, conducted the covert operation after determining he would soon relocate, the official said, adding that Qurashi detonated his suicide vest when he realised he would be captured.

There were calls for Qurashi to surrender but no response, the source said.

Like his predecessor, Qurashi never made a public address, a marker of how far the group’s reach has fallen since former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi climbed the pulpit of a crowded mosque in Iraq in 2014 to declare his self-styled caliphate.

<h2>‘Last safe heaven'’</h2>

Qurashi was the latest in a series of senior ISIS members to be either captured or killed in Syria’s northwest, a sliver of territory held by rival militias, including hardline armed groups and jihadist factions backed by Turkey.

The area has become the most significant ISIS safe haven in the region after the group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, with members and supporters slipping across the remote 600-km (370-mile) Iraqi-Syrian border.

Navvar Shaban, of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies, said: “There are a lot of sleeper cells in these areas that can facilitate more ISIS officials coming into these zones, and plenty of checkpoints at which they can pay money to get through easily.”

An Iraqi intelligence official said: “The only safe haven for the senior Daesh (ISIS) leaders is in Syria, and specifically in areas bordering Turkey.”

Iraqi intelligence cooperation with Turkey played a major role in recent operations targeting senior ISIS members, according to the source and a second Iraqi intelligence official focused on key IS leaders’ activities in Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

The cooperation helped Turkey determine the approximate whereabouts of Qurashi in Syria

They said Turkey facilitated the entry of Iraqi agents into northwestern Syria, who then lured senior ISIS leader Khaled al-Jabouri from Turkey to Syria where he was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month.

In the process of that operation, Turkish-backed armed groups detained two ISIS members, based in Afrin and a village near Jandaris, who had aimed to provide Jabouri with a message from Qurashi, the sources said.

“This was a red flag that Qurashi was highly likely hiding in this area,” one of the sources said.

The U.S. had also helped with the provision of intelligence obtained by advanced systems that could intercept ISIS communications in Syria, the source said.

A spokesperson for the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition said they do not comment on the military operations of other nations. A Turkish security official declined to comment on any Iraqi intelligence involvement in the operation.

<h2>Succession</h2>

With Qurashi gone, analysts expect ISIS to eventually announce a new leader.

He would become the fourth in as many years, presiding over a group that has seen a significant reduction in activities across the areas it operates, chiefly the Middle East and Africa.

The Iraqi intelligence officials said ISIS’s new leader would likely be an Iraqi, like his predecessors, but there were only a handful of leaders left who were eligible to take over the role, three of whom were known to Iraqi intelligence.

Hassan Hassan, the author of a book on ISIS and editor of New Lines magazine which publishes work on the group, said ISIS previously built up leadership profiles to prepare followers for succession but had not been able to do so in recent years.

“ISIS no longer has the type of credible leaders it can advertise, at least internally, and the security situation has also become too complicated for it to prioritise that aspect,” he told Reuters.

“The last leader was the hardest for even Iraqi and American intelligence to guess, and this applies even more to the coming one,” he said.

ISIS has not confirmed or commented on the killing of its leader.

ISIS militants continue to wage insurgent attacks and a U.N. report published in February said ISIS is estimated to have 5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters spread between Syria and Iraq, roughly half of them fighters.

ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said.

ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said. The third ISIS leader to die by detonating an explosive vest during a raid since 2019, Qurashi leaves behind an organization that once ruled millions of people via its control of a third of Iraq and Syria but has now been forced underground. The four-hour raid, led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), saw special forces blast their way through a perimeter fence, back door and walls of his hideout in a two-storey building near the town of Jandaris, the security official said. Two Syrian security sources said Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups set a perimeter around the area while Turkish special forces, who one source said earlier entered Syria in armoured vehicles, raided the house. The MIT declined to comment for this report. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday Qurashi “was neutralized” as part of the intelligence forces’ operation. Images of the site provided by the security official showed a red-roofed building with most of the walls on its ground floor blown out. Metal and cinderblock debris lay scattered on a paved patio with a small fountain, and on the brick-red soil of an adjacent field planted with olive trees. The MIT, which the Turkish source said had been following Qurashi for a long time, conducted the covert operation after determining he would soon relocate, the official said, adding that Qurashi detonated his suicide vest when he realised he would be captured. There were calls for Qurashi to surrender but no response, the source said. Like his predecessor, Qurashi never made a public address, a marker of how far the group’s reach has fallen since former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi climbed the pulpit of a crowded mosque in Iraq in 2014 to declare his self-styled caliphate. ‘Last safe heaven'’ Qurashi was the latest in a series of senior ISIS members to be either captured or killed in Syria’s northwest, a sliver of territory held by rival militias, including hardline armed groups and jihadist factions backed by Turkey. The area has become the most significant ISIS safe haven in the region after the group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, with members and supporters slipping across the remote 600-km (370-mile) Iraqi-Syrian border. Navvar Shaban, of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies, said: “There are a lot of sleeper cells in these areas that can facilitate more ISIS officials coming into these zones, and plenty of checkpoints at which they can pay money to get through easily.” An Iraqi intelligence official said: “The only safe haven for the senior Daesh (ISIS) leaders is in Syria, and specifically in areas bordering Turkey.” Iraqi intelligence cooperation with Turkey played a major role in recent operations targeting senior ISIS members, according to the source and a second Iraqi intelligence official focused on key IS leaders’ activities in Iraq, Syria and Turkey. The cooperation helped Turkey determine the approximate whereabouts of Qurashi in Syria They said Turkey facilitated the entry of Iraqi agents into northwestern Syria, who then lured senior ISIS leader Khaled al-Jabouri from Turkey to Syria where he was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month. In the process of that operation, Turkish-backed armed groups detained two ISIS members, based in Afrin and a village near Jandaris, who had aimed to provide Jabouri with a message from Qurashi, the sources said. “This was a red flag that Qurashi was highly likely hiding in this area,” one of the sources said. The U.S. had also helped with the provision of intelligence obtained by advanced systems that could intercept ISIS communications in Syria, the source said. A spokesperson for the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition said they do not comment on the military operations of other nations. A Turkish security official declined to comment on any Iraqi intelligence involvement in the operation. Succession With Qurashi gone, analysts expect ISIS to eventually announce a new leader. He would become the fourth in as many years, presiding over a group that has seen a significant reduction in activities across the areas it operates, chiefly the Middle East and Africa. The Iraqi intelligence officials said ISIS’s new leader would likely be an Iraqi, like his predecessors, but there were only a handful of leaders left who were eligible to take over the role, three of whom were known to Iraqi intelligence. Hassan Hassan, the author of a book on ISIS and editor of New Lines magazine which publishes work on the group, said ISIS previously built up leadership profiles to prepare followers for succession but had not been able to do so in recent years. “ISIS no longer has the type of credible leaders it can advertise, at least internally, and the security situation has also become too complicated for it to prioritise that aspect,” he told Reuters. “The last leader was the hardest for even Iraqi and American intelligence to guess, and this applies even more to the coming one,” he said. ISIS has not confirmed or commented on the killing of its leader. ISIS militants continue to wage insurgent attacks and a U.N. report published in February said ISIS is estimated to have 5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters spread between Syria and Iraq, roughly half of them fighters.

Turkish raid prompted ISIS leader to detonate suicide vest

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the suspected commander of the Islamic State organisation was killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency. Watch the video to know more.

Suspected ISIS Chief killed in northern Syria, claims Turkey | WION Fineprint

ISIS Chief Qurashi killed in Syria, Turkey's Erdogan makes big announcement

The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)&nbsp;chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

"The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-18-dead-dozens-injured-as-tourist-bus-in-mexico-plunges-in-ravine-587657">At least 18 dead, dozens injured as tourist bus in Mexico plunges into ravine</a>

On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement.

Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-un-chief-sending-envoy-to-nation-as-fighting-continues-587659">Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues</a>

Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief.&nbsp;

Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones.

Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe.

ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command.

On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians.

Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign

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US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe.

ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.&nbsp;

These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks.&nbsp;

Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high.

In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. "The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast. Also Read | At least 18 dead, dozens injured as tourist bus in Mexico plunges into ravine On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement. Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria. Also Read | Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief. Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones. Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe. ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command. On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians. Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign × US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe. ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks. Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high. In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president

Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency.&nbsp;

Aram Ananyan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flyone Armenia Airline, told the news agency that they didn't even receive any advance notice.&nbsp;

Ananyan, said, "For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace."&nbsp;

"Turkish aviation authorities implemented the cancellation without prior notification, putting our airline and our passengers in an uncomfortable situation," the chairman further added.&nbsp;

The low-cost FlyOne Armenia is a subsidiary of Moldovan airline FlyOne and commenced service in December 2021. Ananyan informed Armenpress in February 2023 that the carrier has five Airbus planes and served 14 destinations in eight European and Middle Eastern countries.&nbsp;

Notably, Ankara has had no diplomatic or economic&nbsp;ties with Armenia since the 1990s and both nations&nbsp;are at odds&nbsp;over Armenian claims that&nbsp;over&nbsp;1.5 million people were killed in 1915&nbsp;by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern&nbsp;Turkey. Armenia claims it was a genocide, which Turkey rejects.&nbsp;

However, a border gate between the neighbouring nations was opened in February to allow aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey for the first time in 35 years.

<h2>Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold peace settlement talks</h2>

In an attempt to normalise relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold a new round of talks in Washington on Sunday. The talks come after weeks of rising tensions over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.&nbsp;

News agencies reported that armed forces from the two Caucasus neighbours have often exchanged fire over the mountain enclave, which is officially regarded as part of Azerbaijan but is primarily populated by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan last Sunday established a new checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, a road to Karabakh that passes through Azeri territory, in what Armenia described as a flagrant violation of a 2020 ceasefire.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, Ani Badalyan, said on her official Facebook page: "From April 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Washington DC on a working visit. The next round of discussions on the agreement on normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled."&nbsp;

But so far, there was no immediate confirmation of the meeting by Azerbaijan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency.

Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency. Aram Ananyan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flyone Armenia Airline, told the news agency that they didn't even receive any advance notice. Ananyan, said, "For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace." "Turkish aviation authorities implemented the cancellation without prior notification, putting our airline and our passengers in an uncomfortable situation," the chairman further added. The low-cost FlyOne Armenia is a subsidiary of Moldovan airline FlyOne and commenced service in December 2021. Ananyan informed Armenpress in February 2023 that the carrier has five Airbus planes and served 14 destinations in eight European and Middle Eastern countries. Notably, Ankara has had no diplomatic or economic ties with Armenia since the 1990s and both nations are at odds over Armenian claims that over 1.5 million people were killed in 1915 by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern Turkey. Armenia claims it was a genocide, which Turkey rejects. However, a border gate between the neighbouring nations was opened in February to allow aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey for the first time in 35 years. Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold peace settlement talks In an attempt to normalise relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold a new round of talks in Washington on Sunday. The talks come after weeks of rising tensions over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. News agencies reported that armed forces from the two Caucasus neighbours have often exchanged fire over the mountain enclave, which is officially regarded as part of Azerbaijan but is primarily populated by ethnic Armenians. Azerbaijan last Sunday established a new checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, a road to Karabakh that passes through Azeri territory, in what Armenia described as a flagrant violation of a 2020 ceasefire. The spokesperson, Ani Badalyan, said on her official Facebook page: "From April 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Washington DC on a working visit. The next round of discussions on the agreement on normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled." But so far, there was no immediate confirmation of the meeting by Azerbaijan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey closes airspace to airline FlyOne Armenia without warning: Report

This week, Turkish President Erdogan appeared for a live televised interview. A routine chat, as the country nears its crucial polls but something happened in between the broadcast. It was cut mid-air, the reason - Erdogan's ill health. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on The West Asia Post only on WION.

Erdogan falls sick during a live interview

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary rebel group, have been accused by the Sudanese military of firing at a Turkish evacuation plane on Friday (April 28).

The Turkish C-130 plane was on its way to the Wadi Seidna airfield in northern Sudan to bring back&nbsp;Turkish nationals from the war-torn country, according to the Sudanese military forces, when "rebels" opened fire on it. The official Sudan News Agency reported that the jet had been damaged and one crew member injured.&nbsp;

On Twitter, the Turkish Ministry of Defence acknowledged that its aircraft had been shot at at the airport. According to the ministry, nobody was injured.&nbsp;

Later, reporters were informed by Turkey's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar that two planes had been sent to Sudan for the evacuations. While the damage to the gunfire-damaged plane is being evaluated, one of them returned. No casualties were reported, and he emphasised that evacuations will go on as usual.&nbsp;

In a statement, the RSF denied firing shots at the Turkish evacuation plane.

“We refute these claims and categorically state that they are not based on any factual evidence,” it read.

<h2>What is happening in Sudan?</h2>

The RSF and the armed forces have been engaged in a battle in Sudan for almost two weeks now. The conflict has continued despite several attempts at a ceasefire. A military-RSF ceasefire that was supposed to terminate on Thursday was prolonged for a further 72 hours. Since April 15, at least 512 people have died and 4,193 have been injured in fighting, according to the Sudanese health ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-army-rsf-agree-to-extend-truce-by-72-hours-586826">Sudanese army, RSF agree to extend truce by 72 hours</a>

Despite the ceasefire, fighting went on in the southern Sudanese region of Darfur, and on Thursday, RSF positions in Khartoum were attacked by Sudanese fighter jets.

<h2>Evacuation attempts</h2>

Turkey has been attempting to mediate between the warring parties in Sudan, as have other nations in the area. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted to reach out to both sides.

For days, Turkey and a number of other Middle Eastern and European nations have been demanding that their citizens leave Sudan. The US swiftly evacuated its diplomats, but it has not yet launched a significant effort to evacuate its citizens. Al-Monitor reported on Thursday that according to the US State Department, an overland evacuation of US citizens was planned.

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The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary rebel group, have been accused by the Sudanese military of firing at a Turkish evacuation plane on Friday (April 28).

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary rebel group, have been accused by the Sudanese military of firing at a Turkish evacuation plane on Friday (April 28). The Turkish C-130 plane was on its way to the Wadi Seidna airfield in northern Sudan to bring back Turkish nationals from the war-torn country, according to the Sudanese military forces, when "rebels" opened fire on it. The official Sudan News Agency reported that the jet had been damaged and one crew member injured. On Twitter, the Turkish Ministry of Defence acknowledged that its aircraft had been shot at at the airport. According to the ministry, nobody was injured. Later, reporters were informed by Turkey's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar that two planes had been sent to Sudan for the evacuations. While the damage to the gunfire-damaged plane is being evaluated, one of them returned. No casualties were reported, and he emphasised that evacuations will go on as usual. In a statement, the RSF denied firing shots at the Turkish evacuation plane. “We refute these claims and categorically state that they are not based on any factual evidence,” it read. What is happening in Sudan? The RSF and the armed forces have been engaged in a battle in Sudan for almost two weeks now. The conflict has continued despite several attempts at a ceasefire. A military-RSF ceasefire that was supposed to terminate on Thursday was prolonged for a further 72 hours. Since April 15, at least 512 people have died and 4,193 have been injured in fighting, according to the Sudanese health ministry. ALSO READ | Sudanese army, RSF agree to extend truce by 72 hours Despite the ceasefire, fighting went on in the southern Sudanese region of Darfur, and on Thursday, RSF positions in Khartoum were attacked by Sudanese fighter jets. Evacuation attempts Turkey has been attempting to mediate between the warring parties in Sudan, as have other nations in the area. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted to reach out to both sides. For days, Turkey and a number of other Middle Eastern and European nations have been demanding that their citizens leave Sudan. The US swiftly evacuated its diplomats, but it has not yet launched a significant effort to evacuate its citizens. Al-Monitor reported on Thursday that according to the US State Department, an overland evacuation of US citizens was planned. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sudan crisis: Turkish evacuation plane shot at after ceasefire

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly interrupted a live television interview on Tuesday as he got up and walked away. Erdogan returned after 15 minutes and apologised for cutting the interview, which was mid-air while citing that he had developed a stomach bug.

Three campaign speeches were given by the 69-year-old Turkish leader as he headed towards the parliamentary and presidential election on May 14.

The president was set to end the night by making an appearance in a live interview with Ulke TV and Kanal 7. However, the leader's television interview started more than 90 minutes behind the original schedule and then was interrupted while the host was asking the question, ten minutes after the show started.&nbsp;

The camera, recording the interview, shook and the reporter who was questioning the president stood up from his chair when the live broadcast was stopped.&nbsp;

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Erdoğan yayındayken neden eyvah eyvah sesleri geldi? neler oldu acaba! <a href="https://t.co/qMVYFkZe22">pic.twitter.com/qMVYFkZe22</a>
— TÜRKİYE GERÇEKLERİ (@MstSelanik) <a href="https://twitter.com/MstSelanik/status/1650968869962493953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Oh wow," said an unidentified voice off the camera. After 15 minutes, Erdogan returned and apologised for getting sick.

"Yesterday and today were hard work. That's why I got a stomach flu," Erdogan stated.&nbsp;

"At one point, I wondered if it would be misunderstood if we cancelled the programme. But we promised. I ask for your and our audience's forgiveness," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-arrests-110-accused-of-kurdish-militant-ties-ahead-of-election-586066">Turkey arrests 110 accused of Kurdish militant ties ahead of election</a>

The president's face looked tired and his eyes appeared watery while he spoke during the interview. After the break, the Turkish leader answered a few more questions before the broadcast ended.&nbsp;

Erdogan and his party have been at the helm of Turkish politics for the past 20 years. However, the campaign is today posing as the toughest challenge to Erdogan's mercurial rule.

The polls show that Erdogan is running neck-and-neck and may face defeat by opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

"I convey my best wishes to Mr Erdogan," tweeted Kilicdaroglu moments after the episode aired.&nbsp;

WATCH | Turkey: Erdogan kicks off a contest to hold onto power

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Turkey is moving towards an election cycle in mid-May where the 69-year-old president is being challenged by Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

After he was elected as Istanbul's mayor in 1994, Erdogan has not lost any election throughout his career. He had faced defeat only twice during his initial two campaigns in the 1980s.&nbsp;

The Turkish president, who clinched victory in the last two presidential elections held in 2014 and 2018, hopes to again get elected as Turkey's president on May 14, supported by the People's Alliance, which is a political coalition of the Yeniden Refah Party, Nationalist Movement Party [MHP], Justice and Development Party [or AK Party] BBP and HUDA PAR.&nbsp;

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly interrupted a live television interview on Tuesday as he got up and walked away. Erdogan returned after 15 minutes and apologised for cutting the interview, which was mid-air while citing that he had developed a stomach bug.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly interrupted a live television interview on Tuesday as he got up and walked away. Erdogan returned after 15 minutes and apologised for cutting the interview, which was mid-air while citing that he had developed a stomach bug. Three campaign speeches were given by the 69-year-old Turkish leader as he headed towards the parliamentary and presidential election on May 14. The president was set to end the night by making an appearance in a live interview with Ulke TV and Kanal 7. However, the leader's television interview started more than 90 minutes behind the original schedule and then was interrupted while the host was asking the question, ten minutes after the show started. The camera, recording the interview, shook and the reporter who was questioning the president stood up from his chair when the live broadcast was stopped. Erdoğan yayındayken neden eyvah eyvah sesleri geldi? neler oldu acaba! pic.twitter.com/qMVYFkZe22 — TÜRKİYE GERÇEKLERİ (@MstSelanik) April 25, 2023 × "Oh wow," said an unidentified voice off the camera. After 15 minutes, Erdogan returned and apologised for getting sick. "Yesterday and today were hard work. That's why I got a stomach flu," Erdogan stated. "At one point, I wondered if it would be misunderstood if we cancelled the programme. But we promised. I ask for your and our audience's forgiveness," he added. ALSO READ | Turkey arrests 110 accused of Kurdish militant ties ahead of election The president's face looked tired and his eyes appeared watery while he spoke during the interview. After the break, the Turkish leader answered a few more questions before the broadcast ended. Erdogan and his party have been at the helm of Turkish politics for the past 20 years. However, the campaign is today posing as the toughest challenge to Erdogan's mercurial rule. The polls show that Erdogan is running neck-and-neck and may face defeat by opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. "I convey my best wishes to Mr Erdogan," tweeted Kilicdaroglu moments after the episode aired. WATCH | Turkey: Erdogan kicks off a contest to hold onto power Turkey is moving towards an election cycle in mid-May where the 69-year-old president is being challenged by Kemal Kilicdaroglu. After he was elected as Istanbul's mayor in 1994, Erdogan has not lost any election throughout his career. He had faced defeat only twice during his initial two campaigns in the 1980s. The Turkish president, who clinched victory in the last two presidential elections held in 2014 and 2018, hopes to again get elected as Turkey's president on May 14, supported by the People's Alliance, which is a political coalition of the Yeniden Refah Party, Nationalist Movement Party [MHP], Justice and Development Party [or AK Party] BBP and HUDA PAR. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Turkey's Erdogan stops live TV interview citing 'stomach bug'

The political atmosphere is heating up in Turkiye. Erdogan's chief rival has started making moves. He has come out in defence of the Kurds and accused the President of stoking tensions for political gain. Ghadi Francis brings you the full report on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Turkiye readies for crucial polls

The countdown has started when the bugle has sounded. Erdogan has released his election manifesto, and his top concern is the economy. The fight for the presidency is now underway.

Turkey: Erdogan kicks off a contest to hold onto power

On The West Asia Post with Ghadi Francis +Syria President's comeback after a decade in the cold +Saudi hold talks with Yemen's Houthi rebels +Why is Saddam Hussein still revered in Jordan?

The West Asia Post | Shifting Sands in West Asia: Erdogan kicks off Turkish presidential race

The bugle has sounded, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his election manifesto, kicking off the race for the presidency. After twenty years of dominating Turkish politics, Erdogan faces an electoral challenge to his hold on power. Will he be able to swoop the stage or will the opposition clench the polls?

Erdogan kicks off Turkiye's poll race | The West Asia Post

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched his ruling party's bid to stay in power, as he seeks to extend his leadership of Turkey beyond 20 years.

Turkey elections: Erdogan kicks off race to hold on to power

In the aftermath of deadly earthquakes, Turkey is going to polls next month. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political career is on the line. And ironically, it could depend on a party long felt side-lined in Turkish politics.

Kurds emerge as kingmaker in Turkey election | The West Asia Post

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Turkey on Thursday to discuss the war in Ukraine and the future of a key export deal that has been allowing the flow of grain to continue to countries where hunger is a growing threat.

War in Ukraine: Russia's Lavrov meets Turkish counterpart to discuss grain deal to aid world’s poor

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Turkish parliament ratifies Finland's NATO membership

Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation. "This evening, we are keeping the promises we made to Finland," announced ruling party lawmaker Akif Cagatay Kilic moments before the vote in which Turkish lawmakers unanimously backed Finland's accession to the international organisation. The parliament's approval as per AFP comes two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publically gave his blessing to the Nordic country's bid.

Watch |&nbsp;Finland's president in Turkey for talks on NATO bid

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Finland now needs to complete a few technical steps before it officially becomes the newest member of the world's most powerful military bloc. The process as per officials should be completed as early as next week.

The nation and its neighbour Sweden, following Russia's launch of a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, decided last May to end their decades of non-alignment and join the multi-member bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-parliament-backs-finlands-nato-accession-576377">Hungary parliament backs Finland's NATO accession</a>

Their applications were accepted at the alliance summit last June, but the bids still needed to be ratified by all the member nation's parliaments.&nbsp;

According to AFP, the process was stalled due to Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian Parliament ratified Finland's membership on Monday (March 27).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-membership-bid-gets-another-jolt-after-quran-burning-incident-outraged-turkey-555120">'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan</a>

Finland and Sweden, who applied for membership together, had to break up their bids to avoid delay to both their bids. Owing to long-standing disputes, Turkish President Erdogan had reportedly put up stiff resistance to Sweden's candidacy. However, the nation still hopes to join the military alliance in time for the Vilnius summit scheduled for July.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation.

Turkey on Thursday became the last NATO member to ratify Finland's membership of the US-led defence alliance. With this, Finland is well on its way to becoming the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 31st member nation. "This evening, we are keeping the promises we made to Finland," announced ruling party lawmaker Akif Cagatay Kilic moments before the vote in which Turkish lawmakers unanimously backed Finland's accession to the international organisation. The parliament's approval as per AFP comes two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publically gave his blessing to the Nordic country's bid. Watch | Finland's president in Turkey for talks on NATO bid Finland now needs to complete a few technical steps before it officially becomes the newest member of the world's most powerful military bloc. The process as per officials should be completed as early as next week. The nation and its neighbour Sweden, following Russia's launch of a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, decided last May to end their decades of non-alignment and join the multi-member bloc. Also read | Hungary parliament backs Finland's NATO accession Their applications were accepted at the alliance summit last June, but the bids still needed to be ratified by all the member nation's parliaments. According to AFP, the process was stalled due to Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian Parliament ratified Finland's membership on Monday (March 27). Also read | 'Won't support Sweden's NATO membership', says Turkish President Erdogan Finland and Sweden, who applied for membership together, had to break up their bids to avoid delay to both their bids. Owing to long-standing disputes, Turkish President Erdogan had reportedly put up stiff resistance to Sweden's candidacy. However, the nation still hopes to join the military alliance in time for the Vilnius summit scheduled for July. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey backs Finland's NATO membership, becoming last bloc member to ratify

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