Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence</a> systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-deliver-first-s-400-missile-to-turkey-in-july-reports-230635">Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile</a> system in July raised the prospect of US&nbsp;sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's&nbsp;Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired.

However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week.

"I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday.

"But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms.

"He (Trump) said,&nbsp;'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet.

Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US&nbsp;Treasury imposing a heavy fine on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-turn-elsewhere-if-us-does-not-sell-f-35-fighter-jets-erdogan-238608">Turkey</a>'s mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men.

"In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-still-committed-to-purchasing-us-f-35-fighters-foreign-minister-246735">Turkey </a>any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

'Safe zone'

Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters.

On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border.

Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years.

"The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said.

The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border.

"It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US&nbsp;arms supplies to the YPG.

"We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said.

Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions.

Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions.

Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled.

"If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said.

Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said.

Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011.

Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations.

Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems. Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in July raised the prospect of US sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired. However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week. "I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday. "But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms. "He (Trump) said, 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet. Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US Treasury imposing a heavy fine on Turkey's mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men. "In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally Turkey any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. 'Safe zone' Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters. On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border. Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years. "The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said. The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border. "It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US arms supplies to the YPG. "We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said. Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions. Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions. Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled. "If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said. Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said. Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011. Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations. Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkey's Erdogan to discuss buying US Patriot missiles with Trump

Former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday said he would launch a "new political movement" in the latest challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his former allies.

Erdogan has seen an increasing number of defections from former allies in recent months, amid disquiet over the party's policies on freedoms, justice, and the economy.

Dissent within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has accelerated since a controversial decision to annul an opposition victory in the Istanbul mayoral election in March, only for the opposition to win by an even wider margin in the re-run.

Davutoglu already signalled his intention to split several months ago when he criticized the handling of the Istanbul poll.

"It is our historical responsibility and duty to the nation to set up a new political movement," he told reporters in Ankara on Friday.

Davutoglu was foreign minister before serving as premier and chairman of the AKP, until relations soured with Erdogan in 2016 and he was forced out of office.

"I resign from the party where I have served with great honour, worked for years and given much effort," he said.

His resignation comes before he was pushed out of the AKP.

Earlier this month, the AKP's executive committee unanimously agreed to send Davutoglu to a disciplinary board for dismissal a move he described as the moment the AKP "renounced its founding values and principles."

'Deep differences'&nbsp;

Splits within the ruling party are now out in the open and "will continue to weaken the AKP," said Berk Esen of Ankara's Bilkent University.

Another key defector is ex-economy Minister Ali Babacan, who this week told Turkish daily Karar that he would launch his own party by the end of 2019.

Babacan was credited with overseeing Turkey's economic boom in the 2000s, having served as both economy minister and deputy prime minister between 2002, when the AKP first came to power, and 2015 when he left the government.

Babacan, a founding AKP member, resigned from the party in July, citing the need for a "new vision" for Turkey and "deep differences" over policy.

He said he would not join forces with Davutoglu, however, because their "political priorities, method and tone are different".

Babacan and Davutoglu are now in a race to establish their parties and peel away discontented AKP voters, said Esen.

"Babacan has a higher chance of success than Davutoglu, whose foreign policy agenda after the Arab Spring was discredited," said Esen.

Davutoglu spearheaded an aggressive strategy as foreign minister, which left Turkey with few friends in the Middle East and a strained relationship with Russia. He was also the face of Turkey's failed attempt to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Babacan may ally with former president Abdullah Gul and other senior figures including ex-justice minister Sadullah Ergin, who resigned from the AKP last month.

"(Babacan) could appeal to the wider electorate, as opposed to Davutoglu who strikes a very conservative tone," said Esen.

Former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday said he would launch a "new political movement" in the latest challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his former allies.

Former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday said he would launch a "new political movement" in the latest challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his former allies. Erdogan has seen an increasing number of defections from former allies in recent months, amid disquiet over the party's policies on freedoms, justice, and the economy. Dissent within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has accelerated since a controversial decision to annul an opposition victory in the Istanbul mayoral election in March, only for the opposition to win by an even wider margin in the re-run. Davutoglu already signalled his intention to split several months ago when he criticized the handling of the Istanbul poll. "It is our historical responsibility and duty to the nation to set up a new political movement," he told reporters in Ankara on Friday. Davutoglu was foreign minister before serving as premier and chairman of the AKP, until relations soured with Erdogan in 2016 and he was forced out of office. "I resign from the party where I have served with great honour, worked for years and given much effort," he said. His resignation comes before he was pushed out of the AKP. Earlier this month, the AKP's executive committee unanimously agreed to send Davutoglu to a disciplinary board for dismissal a move he described as the moment the AKP "renounced its founding values and principles." 'Deep differences' Splits within the ruling party are now out in the open and "will continue to weaken the AKP," said Berk Esen of Ankara's Bilkent University. Another key defector is ex-economy Minister Ali Babacan, who this week told Turkish daily Karar that he would launch his own party by the end of 2019. Babacan was credited with overseeing Turkey's economic boom in the 2000s, having served as both economy minister and deputy prime minister between 2002, when the AKP first came to power, and 2015 when he left the government. Babacan, a founding AKP member, resigned from the party in July, citing the need for a "new vision" for Turkey and "deep differences" over policy. He said he would not join forces with Davutoglu, however, because their "political priorities, method and tone are different". Babacan and Davutoglu are now in a race to establish their parties and peel away discontented AKP voters, said Esen. "Babacan has a higher chance of success than Davutoglu, whose foreign policy agenda after the Arab Spring was discredited," said Esen. Davutoglu spearheaded an aggressive strategy as foreign minister, which left Turkey with few friends in the Middle East and a strained relationship with Russia. He was also the face of Turkey's failed attempt to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. There have been unconfirmed reports that Babacan may ally with former president Abdullah Gul and other senior figures including ex-justice minister Sadullah Ergin, who resigned from the AKP last month. "(Babacan) could appeal to the wider electorate, as opposed to Davutoglu who strikes a very conservative tone," said Esen.

Former Turkey premier Ahmet Davutoglu promises new political party

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group.

The 30-year-old was also a political science master's student at Middle East Technical University in Ankara at the time of his arrest.

He had defended himself in Turkish at the last hearing in April.

"A verdict was received that Max did not take part in any illegal activity or any activity constituting a crime," his lawyer Murat Yilmaz told AFP.

He said two Turkish citizens, Mithatcan Turetken and Hatice Goz, who were arrested along with Zirngast, were also acquitted.

Zirngast had been free pending the latest hearing on Wednesday but had been barred from leaving Turkey.

He rejected the charges and denied the TKP/Kivilcim group even exists.

In an opinion piece for the Washington Post last year, Zirngast wrote that his arrest was "a perverse confirmation of the authoritarianism I've spent the past several years chronicling and opposing".

He also criticised the attempt to "silence the entire democratic opposition in Ankara".

Zirngast had also published articles on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group.

An Austrian student and journalist charged with membership of a leftist terrorist group in Turkey have been acquitted, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Max Zirngast, who wrote for international publications including a far-left German magazine, was arrested exactly a year ago, accused of links to the outlawed Turkish Communist Party (TKP)/Kivilcim group. The 30-year-old was also a political science master's student at Middle East Technical University in Ankara at the time of his arrest. He had defended himself in Turkish at the last hearing in April. "A verdict was received that Max did not take part in any illegal activity or any activity constituting a crime," his lawyer Murat Yilmaz told AFP. He said two Turkish citizens, Mithatcan Turetken and Hatice Goz, who were arrested along with Zirngast, were also acquitted. Zirngast had been free pending the latest hearing on Wednesday but had been barred from leaving Turkey. He rejected the charges and denied the TKP/Kivilcim group even exists. In an opinion piece for the Washington Post last year, Zirngast wrote that his arrest was "a perverse confirmation of the authoritarianism I've spent the past several years chronicling and opposing". He also criticised the attempt to "silence the entire democratic opposition in Ankara". Zirngast had also published articles on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is designated a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies.

Turkey acquits Austrian student over terror charge

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-in-northeast-syria-248400">northeast Syria</a>.

The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday.

Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops.

Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-imposes-sanctions-on-irans-shipping-network-over-supplying-oil-to-syria-247630"> Kurdish YPG fighters </a>itself if necessary.

"Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara.

"We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process."

Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey.

The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria. The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday. Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops. Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of Kurdish YPG fighters itself if necessary. "Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara. "We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process." Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey. The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey. President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

US stalling on Syria 'safe zone': Turkey

Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan will form a new political party before the end of the year to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, announcing his intentions in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday.

Babacan resigned from the AK Party in July, citing "deep differences". He had been a founding member of the AK Party and served as an economy and foreign minister during its first years in power before becoming deputy prime minister, a role he held from 2009 to 2015.

Babacan told the Karar newspaper that he was still working to find like-minded individuals to forge a team to lead the new party.

"This will take some time," he told the newspaper. "We want the party to be formed before 2020. The quality is very important here,"

Erdogan's AK Party suffered a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul mayoral elections in June, and a party led by Babacan could further erode Erdogan's support base.

Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan will form a new political party before the end of the year to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, announcing his intentions in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday.

Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan will form a new political party before the end of the year to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, announcing his intentions in a newspaper interview published on Tuesday. Babacan resigned from the AK Party in July, citing "deep differences". He had been a founding member of the AK Party and served as an economy and foreign minister during its first years in power before becoming deputy prime minister, a role he held from 2009 to 2015. Babacan told the Karar newspaper that he was still working to find like-minded individuals to forge a team to lead the new party. "This will take some time," he told the newspaper. "We want the party to be formed before 2020. The quality is very important here," Erdogan's AK Party suffered a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul mayoral elections in June, and a party led by Babacan could further erode Erdogan's support base.

Former Erdogan ally to form rival party before year-end: paper

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces who battled the Islamic State jihadist group.

Six Turkish armoured vehicles crossed the border to join US forces in Syria for their first joint patrol under a deal reached between Washington and Ankara, an AFP journalist reported.

Two helicopters flew over the area as the Turkish vehicles drove through an opening in the concrete wall separating the two countries.

They then headed west with the same number of American vehicles, along with an ambulance and a pick-up, for the joint operation, before crossing back into Turkey.

The Turkish defence ministry said drones were also deployed.

The agreement reached on August 7 aims to establish a "safe zone" between the Turkish border and the Syrian areas east of the Euphrates river controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

Syrian Kurdish forces began withdrawing from along the Turkish border in late August.

The patrol allowed Turkish forces to observe "first-hand progress on destroyed YPG fortifications and areas where YPG elements voluntarily departed the area", said Colonel Myles Caggins, spokesman for the US-led coalition against IS.

The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) -- a key partner of Washington in the fight against IS jihadists in Syria.

But Ankara sees the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.

The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

Washington's support for the SDF has been a major point of friction with fellow NATO member Turkey.

Caggins said the patrol demonstrated the coalition's "continued commitment to address Turkey's legitimate security concerns, while also allowing the coalition and our SDF partners to remain focused on achieving the enduring defeat" of IS.&nbsp;

'Preventing war'

Turkey carried out unilateral offensives in northern Syria against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018.

As the regional fight against IS winds down, the prospect of a US military withdrawal has stoked Kurdish fears of another Turkish attack.&nbsp;

"We are implementing the agreement and we have no problem with it as long as it prevents war," said Riyad Khamis, the head of an SDF-led military council in the border town of Tal Abyad.

Although they led the US-backed fight against IS, Syria's Kurds have largely stayed out of Syria's eight-year civil war, instead building their own autonomous institutions in areas they control.

Sunday's patrol drew sharp criticism from Damascus, which labelled it a flagrant "aggression" that seeks to prolong Syria's war.

It also reiterated its "absolute rejection" of the planned safe zone, calling it a violation of Syria's sovereignty.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch an operation against the YPG in Syria unless progress is made on setting up the safe zone.

Erdogan said his US counterpart Donald Trump had promised the buffer would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) wide.

Turkish army chief General Yasar Guler told General Joseph Dunford, the top US military officer, in a phone call on Saturday that the safe zone must be set up without delay, the Turkish defence ministry said.

A joint centre of operations was recently established as part of the agreement.

Ankara hopes the safe zone will smooth the way for the return of some of the more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees living in Turkey, but experts say the situation remains unclear.

"We may have joint patrols but we still don't have a joint understanding of what the safe zone is," said Nicholas Danforth, senior visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"America sees the safe zone as a way to preserve our relationship with the SDF and preserve the SDF's autonomy. Turkey sees the safe zone as a step toward ending them both."

 
&nbsp;

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces who battled the Islamic State jihadist group.

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces who battled the Islamic State jihadist group. Six Turkish armoured vehicles crossed the border to join US forces in Syria for their first joint patrol under a deal reached between Washington and Ankara, an AFP journalist reported. Two helicopters flew over the area as the Turkish vehicles drove through an opening in the concrete wall separating the two countries. They then headed west with the same number of American vehicles, along with an ambulance and a pick-up, for the joint operation, before crossing back into Turkey. The Turkish defence ministry said drones were also deployed. The agreement reached on August 7 aims to establish a "safe zone" between the Turkish border and the Syrian areas east of the Euphrates river controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Syrian Kurdish forces began withdrawing from along the Turkish border in late August. The patrol allowed Turkish forces to observe "first-hand progress on destroyed YPG fortifications and areas where YPG elements voluntarily departed the area", said Colonel Myles Caggins, spokesman for the US-led coalition against IS. The YPG forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) -- a key partner of Washington in the fight against IS jihadists in Syria. But Ankara sees the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party. The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara, the US and the European Union. Washington's support for the SDF has been a major point of friction with fellow NATO member Turkey. Caggins said the patrol demonstrated the coalition's "continued commitment to address Turkey's legitimate security concerns, while also allowing the coalition and our SDF partners to remain focused on achieving the enduring defeat" of IS. 'Preventing war' Turkey carried out unilateral offensives in northern Syria against IS in 2016 and the YPG in 2018. As the regional fight against IS winds down, the prospect of a US military withdrawal has stoked Kurdish fears of another Turkish attack. "We are implementing the agreement and we have no problem with it as long as it prevents war," said Riyad Khamis, the head of an SDF-led military council in the border town of Tal Abyad. Although they led the US-backed fight against IS, Syria's Kurds have largely stayed out of Syria's eight-year civil war, instead building their own autonomous institutions in areas they control. Sunday's patrol drew sharp criticism from Damascus, which labelled it a flagrant "aggression" that seeks to prolong Syria's war. It also reiterated its "absolute rejection" of the planned safe zone, calling it a violation of Syria's sovereignty. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch an operation against the YPG in Syria unless progress is made on setting up the safe zone. Erdogan said his US counterpart Donald Trump had promised the buffer would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) wide. Turkish army chief General Yasar Guler told General Joseph Dunford, the top US military officer, in a phone call on Saturday that the safe zone must be set up without delay, the Turkish defence ministry said. A joint centre of operations was recently established as part of the agreement. Ankara hopes the safe zone will smooth the way for the return of some of the more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees living in Turkey, but experts say the situation remains unclear. "We may have joint patrols but we still don't have a joint understanding of what the safe zone is," said Nicholas Danforth, senior visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "America sees the safe zone as a way to preserve our relationship with the SDF and preserve the SDF's autonomy. Turkey sees the safe zone as a step toward ending them both."

US, Turkey launch joint patrols in northeast Syria

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces.&nbsp;

Six Turkish armoured vehicles crossed the border to join US troops in Syria for their first joint patrol under a deal reached between Washington and Ankara, an AFP journalist reported.

Two helicopters overflew the area as the Turkish vehicles drove through an opening in the concrete wall erected between the two countries.

The agreement reached on August 7 aims to establish a "safe zone" between the Turkish border and the Syrian areas east of the Euphrates river controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units militia.

The YPG is an ally of the US but seen as a terrorist organisation by Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch an operation against the YPG in Syria unless progress is made on setting up the safe zone.

Erdogan said his US counterpart Donald Trump had promised it would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) wide.

A joint centre of operations was recently established as part of the agreement.&nbsp;

Turkey previously conducted cross-border operations in northern Syria supporting Syrian rebels in 2016 against IS and in early 2018 against the YPG.

Ankara says the YPG militia is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.

The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces. Six Turkish armoured vehicles crossed the border to join US troops in Syria for their first joint patrol under a deal reached between Washington and Ankara, an AFP journalist reported.

The United States and Turkey on Sunday began joint patrols in northeastern Syria aimed at easing tensions between Ankara and US-backed Kurdish forces. Six Turkish armoured vehicles crossed the border to join US troops in Syria for their first joint patrol under a deal reached between Washington and Ankara, an AFP journalist reported. Two helicopters overflew the area as the Turkish vehicles drove through an opening in the concrete wall erected between the two countries. The agreement reached on August 7 aims to establish a "safe zone" between the Turkish border and the Syrian areas east of the Euphrates river controlled by the Kurdish People's Protection Units militia. The YPG is an ally of the US but seen as a terrorist organisation by Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch an operation against the YPG in Syria unless progress is made on setting up the safe zone. Erdogan said his US counterpart Donald Trump had promised it would be 32 kilometres (20 miles) wide. A joint centre of operations was recently established as part of the agreement. Turkey previously conducted cross-border operations in northern Syria supporting Syrian rebels in 2016 against IS and in early 2018 against the YPG. Ankara says the YPG militia is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party. The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

Turkey said on Friday that an Iranian oil tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran was headed to Lebanon's waters, but the United States later said the ship was sailing to Syria.

According to Refinitiv tracking data, the Adrian Darya, formerly called Grace 1, after changing course several times headed on Friday for Turkey's Iskenderun port, 200 km (124 miles) north of Syria's Baniyas refinery, the tanker's suspected original destination.

When the ship was released off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff, Iran assured Britain that the cargo was not headed to Syria.

The latest twist sets it in the direction of Syria, and raises the possibility that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo may be attempted once it nears Lebanon's coast.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet late on Friday: "We have reliable information that the tanker is underway and headed to Tartus, Syria."

Pompeo had earlier said that if the tanker went to Syria, Washington would take every action it could consistent with US&nbsp;sanctions.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said earlier on Friday that despite the tracking data, the tanker was "for sure" not going to Turkish ports but rather towards Lebanese waters.

Earlier on Friday, the minister told Reuters the ship was headed to Lebanon's "main" port. "I didn't mean that this tanker is going to a Lebanese port, but (rather) according to the information coordinates it is heading to the territorial waters of the country," he later told reporters at an Oslo forum.

"It doesn't mean that it is going to reach a Lebanese port," he said of the tanker that was carrying 2 million barrels of oil when released at Gibraltar. "We are monitoring it very closely."

In response, Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said in a separate interview: "We have not been informed of the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya heading (here)."

Western threats

The apparent confusion underlines the risk of reprisal that countries face taking in the tanker, which at 1400 GMT was headed east toward the channel separating Turkey and Cyprus after a series of turns in the Mediterranean Sea, according to tracking data.

The ship had been detained off Gibraltar due to British suspicion that it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

The United States says the tanker is controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which it considers a terrorist group.

"What's important here is that it is carrying oil that enables the terrorism of (President Bashar al-Assad's) regime," a State Department spokesperson said. The Trump administration has conveyed "our strong position via diplomatic channels to all ports in the Mediterranean that should be forewarned about facilitating" the tanker, said the spokesperson, who declined to be named.

The US&nbsp;Treasury Department on Friday blacklisted the ship and sanctioned its captain.

Washington last year pulled out of a nuclear deal with Iran aimed at blocking its path to a nuclear bomb, and has ramped up sanctions to pressure and isolate Tehran. Iran denies ever having sought to build or acquire a nuclear weapon.

Cavusoglu told Reuters that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke about the ship's coordinates with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday. In a readout of the call, London said the leaders agreed it was vital to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon but did not mention the tanker.

Options ahead

Shipping sources said the tanker would need to conduct a ship-to-ship transfer before being able to enter a port such as Beirut's, which does not have deep water facilities necessary for fully laden supertankers.

It could potentially discharge its cargo offshore towards Lebanon's Tripoli port further north, which is closer to Syria's coastline between Lebanon and Turkey, they said. There is a ship-to-ship transfer anchorage outside of Tripoli port limits.

Beirut and Tripoli ports have both served as transhipment hubs for cargoes bound for Syria in recent years during Syria's conflict.

An Iranian government spokesman was quoted on Monday as saying Iran had sold the oil aboard the tanker and that the vessel's owner, whose identity he did not disclose, would decide its destination.

After its release at Gibraltar, the ship stated that its destination was the Greek port of Kalamata, then Turkey's Mersin. On Thursday, it abruptly changed course, heading first west then south, away from the Turkish coast.

While west of Cyprus on Friday morning, it did a similar manouevre, doubling back on itself.

Turkey said on Friday that an Iranian oil tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran was headed to Lebanon's waters, but the United States later said the ship was sailing to Syria.

Turkey said on Friday that an Iranian oil tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran was headed to Lebanon's waters, but the United States later said the ship was sailing to Syria. According to Refinitiv tracking data, the Adrian Darya, formerly called Grace 1, after changing course several times headed on Friday for Turkey's Iskenderun port, 200 km (124 miles) north of Syria's Baniyas refinery, the tanker's suspected original destination. When the ship was released off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff, Iran assured Britain that the cargo was not headed to Syria. The latest twist sets it in the direction of Syria, and raises the possibility that a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo may be attempted once it nears Lebanon's coast. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet late on Friday: "We have reliable information that the tanker is underway and headed to Tartus, Syria." Pompeo had earlier said that if the tanker went to Syria, Washington would take every action it could consistent with US sanctions. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said earlier on Friday that despite the tracking data, the tanker was "for sure" not going to Turkish ports but rather towards Lebanese waters. Earlier on Friday, the minister told Reuters the ship was headed to Lebanon's "main" port. "I didn't mean that this tanker is going to a Lebanese port, but (rather) according to the information coordinates it is heading to the territorial waters of the country," he later told reporters at an Oslo forum. "It doesn't mean that it is going to reach a Lebanese port," he said of the tanker that was carrying 2 million barrels of oil when released at Gibraltar. "We are monitoring it very closely." In response, Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said in a separate interview: "We have not been informed of the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya heading (here)." Western threats The apparent confusion underlines the risk of reprisal that countries face taking in the tanker, which at 1400 GMT was headed east toward the channel separating Turkey and Cyprus after a series of turns in the Mediterranean Sea, according to tracking data. The ship had been detained off Gibraltar due to British suspicion that it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. The United States says the tanker is controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which it considers a terrorist group. "What's important here is that it is carrying oil that enables the terrorism of (President Bashar al-Assad's) regime," a State Department spokesperson said. The Trump administration has conveyed "our strong position via diplomatic channels to all ports in the Mediterranean that should be forewarned about facilitating" the tanker, said the spokesperson, who declined to be named. The US Treasury Department on Friday blacklisted the ship and sanctioned its captain. Washington last year pulled out of a nuclear deal with Iran aimed at blocking its path to a nuclear bomb, and has ramped up sanctions to pressure and isolate Tehran. Iran denies ever having sought to build or acquire a nuclear weapon. Cavusoglu told Reuters that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke about the ship's coordinates with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday. In a readout of the call, London said the leaders agreed it was vital to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon but did not mention the tanker. Options ahead Shipping sources said the tanker would need to conduct a ship-to-ship transfer before being able to enter a port such as Beirut's, which does not have deep water facilities necessary for fully laden supertankers. It could potentially discharge its cargo offshore towards Lebanon's Tripoli port further north, which is closer to Syria's coastline between Lebanon and Turkey, they said. There is a ship-to-ship transfer anchorage outside of Tripoli port limits. Beirut and Tripoli ports have both served as transhipment hubs for cargoes bound for Syria in recent years during Syria's conflict. An Iranian government spokesman was quoted on Monday as saying Iran had sold the oil aboard the tanker and that the vessel's owner, whose identity he did not disclose, would decide its destination. After its release at Gibraltar, the ship stated that its destination was the Greek port of Kalamata, then Turkey's Mersin. On Thursday, it abruptly changed course, heading first west then south, away from the Turkish coast. While west of Cyprus on Friday morning, it did a similar manouevre, doubling back on itself.

US says Iranian oil tanker headed towards Syria

Turkey remains committed to an agreement with the United States on its participation in the F-35 program, but if Washington refuses to deliver the fighter jets, Ankara will consider alternative options, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the MAKS-2019 air show outside Moscow together with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He expressed interest in Su-35 and Su-57 fighters and this topic also emerged during his conversation with the Russian leader. On Friday, Erdogan said that Ankara and Moscow were conducting talks regarding the purchase of Su-57 fighters.

"We have never said that we are buying Russian aircraft, as we are a part of the F-35 program and still adhere to it. We want to buy the F-35 fighters, but if we cannot do this, we will look for alternatives. We do not exclude any options, it does not specifically have to be Russia," Cavusoglu said during his visit to Norway in a statement aired by the NTV broadcaster.

The United States announced in July its decision to suspend Turkey's participation in the F-35 international program over Ankara's purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems, adding that the country would be completely removed from the project by late March 2020. Under the program, Turkey ordered more than 100 F-35 fighter jets.

The United States has claimed that the S-400 systems are incompatible with NATO's air defence weapons and may compromise the operations of the F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey remains committed to an agreement with the United States on its participation in the F-35 program, but if Washington refuses to deliver the fighter jets, Ankara will consider alternative options, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday.

Turkey remains committed to an agreement with the United States on its participation in the F-35 program, but if Washington refuses to deliver the fighter jets, Ankara will consider alternative options, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday. On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the MAKS-2019 air show outside Moscow together with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He expressed interest in Su-35 and Su-57 fighters and this topic also emerged during his conversation with the Russian leader. On Friday, Erdogan said that Ankara and Moscow were conducting talks regarding the purchase of Su-57 fighters. "We have never said that we are buying Russian aircraft, as we are a part of the F-35 program and still adhere to it. We want to buy the F-35 fighters, but if we cannot do this, we will look for alternatives. We do not exclude any options, it does not specifically have to be Russia," Cavusoglu said during his visit to Norway in a statement aired by the NTV broadcaster. The United States announced in July its decision to suspend Turkey's participation in the F-35 international program over Ankara's purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems, adding that the country would be completely removed from the project by late March 2020. Under the program, Turkey ordered more than 100 F-35 fighter jets. The United States has claimed that the S-400 systems are incompatible with NATO's air defence weapons and may compromise the operations of the F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey still committed to purchasing US F-35 fighters: Foreign minister

"At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, they're going to have to fight their battles," Trump told reporters at the White House, later saying India should also get involved. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Donald Trump slams India over Afghanistan

Riot&nbsp;police&nbsp;fired&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;and tear gas to disperse&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;demonstrating in southeast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-downpours-wreak-havoc-in-istanbul-flooding-historic-grand-bazaar-243705">Turkey</a> on Tuesday against the ousting of three&nbsp;Kurdishmayors five months after they were elected.

Ankara replaced the pro-Kurdish&nbsp;Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) mayors with state officials on Monday and detained more than 400 people for suspected militant links in a step sharply criticised by opposition parties.

In Diyarbakir, the region's biggest city,&nbsp;police&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;used&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;on small groups of&nbsp;protesters, who huddled on the streets to protect themselves from the&nbsp;water cannon and made victory signs with their hands.

Riot&nbsp;police&nbsp;struck&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;with&nbsp;batons&nbsp;as they fled the area.

The&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;gathered near city hall, which was sealed off by metal barriers after a state administrator took office there on Monday in place of the elected mayor.

"You can see here today a regime of pressure and persecution," HDP leader Sezai Temelli told reporters in a statement on the street in Diyarbakir as the&nbsp;police&nbsp;acted against the protesters.

"We will continue to resist wherever we are because&nbsp;resistance is our legitimate right," he said.

The Interior Ministry says the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-removes-pro-kurdish-mayors-244033">ousted HDP mayors</a> of the three major cities - Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van - are accused of various crimes including membership of a terrorist organisation and spreading terrorist group propaganda.

The HDP said the mayors' removal was a political coup and that it is a hostile stance against the political will of the&nbsp;Kurdish&nbsp;people.

The ministry also said on Monday it had launched an operation with some 2,300 commandos against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in three southeastern provinces.

President Tayyip Erdogan had warned before nationwide local elections in March of such a move against elected officials if they were found to have had connections to the PKK.

Erdogan frequently accuses the HDP of links to the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The HDP denies such links.

The removal of the mayors echoed the dismissal of dozens of mayors in 2016 over similar accusations, part of a purge that began after a failed coup.

Nearly 100 mayors and thousands of party members were jailed than in a crackdown that drew expressions of concern from the United States and European Union.

The PKK launched an insurgency against the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Riot police fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating in southeast Turkey on Tuesday against the ousting of three Kurdishmayors five months after they were elected.

Riot police fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating in southeast Turkey on Tuesday against the ousting of three Kurdishmayors five months after they were elected. Ankara replaced the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) mayors with state officials on Monday and detained more than 400 people for suspected militant links in a step sharply criticised by opposition parties. In Diyarbakir, the region's biggest city, police repeatedly used water cannon on small groups of protesters, who huddled on the streets to protect themselves from the water cannon and made victory signs with their hands. Riot police struck protesters with batons as they fled the area. The protesters gathered near city hall, which was sealed off by metal barriers after a state administrator took office there on Monday in place of the elected mayor. "You can see here today a regime of pressure and persecution," HDP leader Sezai Temelli told reporters in a statement on the street in Diyarbakir as the police acted against the protesters. "We will continue to resist wherever we are because resistance is our legitimate right," he said. The Interior Ministry says the ousted HDP mayors of the three major cities - Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van - are accused of various crimes including membership of a terrorist organisation and spreading terrorist group propaganda. The HDP said the mayors' removal was a political coup and that it is a hostile stance against the political will of the Kurdish people. The ministry also said on Monday it had launched an operation with some 2,300 commandos against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in three southeastern provinces. President Tayyip Erdogan had warned before nationwide local elections in March of such a move against elected officials if they were found to have had connections to the PKK. Erdogan frequently accuses the HDP of links to the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The HDP denies such links. The removal of the mayors echoed the dismissal of dozens of mayors in 2016 over similar accusations, part of a purge that began after a failed coup. Nearly 100 mayors and thousands of party members were jailed than in a crackdown that drew expressions of concern from the United States and European Union. The PKK launched an insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Turkish police use water cannon, batons on Kurdish protesters

Strong rains in Istanbul on Saturday flooded several neighbourhoods, as well as the Grand Bazaar, while officials said one person was found dead in the city.

The rain started early in the day in parts of Istanbul and picked up pace around noon.

Footage from parts of the Grand Bazaar showed shopkeepers, ankle-deep in water, clearing the water out of their stores and the halls. It also showed water pouring out of a hole in the wall into the bazaar, as well as a manhole left open to drain the flood.

A homeless man was found dead in the Unkapani area on the European side of the city due to the flood, the spokesman for the Istanbul municipality said on Twitter.

Several roads across Istanbul, including parts of the road on the shores of the Bakirkoy district and a section of one of the city's main highways, had also been submerged, Istanbul municipality's Disaster Coordination Centre (AKOM) said.

The rains also flooded an underpass where several shops are located in the Eminonu neighbourhood, it said. Footage on Turkish media showed hundreds of books and goods floating in the water as shopkeepers submerged up to their waists worked to clear the area.

AKOM said 114 kilograms of rain per square metre had fallen in the Fatih district, where the Grand Bazaar, as well as the Unkapani and Eminonu areas, are located.

Strong rains in Istanbul on Saturday flooded several neighbourhoods, as well as the Grand Bazaar, while officials said one person was found dead in the city. The rain started early in the day in parts of Istanbul and picked up pace around noon.

Strong rains in Istanbul on Saturday flooded several neighbourhoods, as well as the Grand Bazaar, while officials said one person was found dead in the city. The rain started early in the day in parts of Istanbul and picked up pace around noon. Footage from parts of the Grand Bazaar showed shopkeepers, ankle-deep in water, clearing the water out of their stores and the halls. It also showed water pouring out of a hole in the wall into the bazaar, as well as a manhole left open to drain the flood. A homeless man was found dead in the Unkapani area on the European side of the city due to the flood, the spokesman for the Istanbul municipality said on Twitter. Several roads across Istanbul, including parts of the road on the shores of the Bakirkoy district and a section of one of the city's main highways, had also been submerged, Istanbul municipality's Disaster Coordination Centre (AKOM) said. The rains also flooded an underpass where several shops are located in the Eminonu neighbourhood, it said. Footage on Turkish media showed hundreds of books and goods floating in the water as shopkeepers submerged up to their waists worked to clear the area. AKOM said 114 kilograms of rain per square metre had fallen in the Fatih district, where the Grand Bazaar, as well as the Unkapani and Eminonu areas, are located.

Heavy downpours wreak havoc in Istanbul, flooding historic Grand Bazaar

Fans in Instanbul predicted the result of Wednesday's (August 14) UEFA Super Cup game between Chelsea and Liverpool. The Super Cup is an annual match between the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League.

Fans predict how Super Cup will play out

A large forest fire was burning in Turkey's Marmara Island on August 12 destroying at least five houses, private Demiroren news agency reported.

Your Story: Wildfire breaks out on Turkish Island

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-kill-70-combatants-in-northwest-syria-report-242094">Syrian regime forces</a> seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago.

The region of northwestern Syria, which is home to an estimated three million civilians, has come under almost daily Syrian and Russian bombardment since late April.

The most recent fighting focused on an area straddling Idlib and Hama provinces, a war monitor said, and claimed dozens of lives on both sides.

"Regime forces seized the town of Al-Habeet, in Idlib's southern countryside, at dawn," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, said.

The regime's latest gains were in the north of Hama province, which lies to the south of Idlib.

The area has escaped the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government since 2015 and is the last major bastion of opposition to his regime and its allies.

The capture of Al-Habeet, one of several strategic targets for advancing pro-regime forces, came after another night of deadly fighting, the Observatory said.

According to the Britain-based monitor's tally, 70 combatants were killed on Saturday alone, 32 of them pro-government forces.

The remaining 38 were from the opposing ranks of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the jihadist outfit led by members of Al Qaeda's former Syria franchise, and allied rebel fighters.

Rami Abdel Rahman said another 27 combatants, nine of them government fighters, were killed in early fighting on Sunday.

He described Al-Habeet as 'the first town in southern Idlib to be taken by the regime since the start of the escalation' in April.

The town is seen as a stepping stone towards Khan Sheikhun, one of the main towns in Idlib and the target of some of the eight-year-old conflict's deadliest airstrikes.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks and aid groups have warned that an all-out assault on Idlib could turn the current humanitarian emergency into a catastrophe of proportions previously unseen.

The fighting is a violation of a deal that was reached by the battle's two main foreign brokers Russia and Turkey but was never implemented.

Russia is Damascus&nbsp;main backer while Turkey holds sway over some rebel and jihadist forces along its border.

The deal's terms were never realistic but the agreement sealed in the Russian resort of Sochi in September 2018 staved off a fully-fledged offensive that risks triggering the Syrian civil war's bloodiest phase yet.

Syrian regime forces seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago.

Syrian regime forces seized a town on the edge of Idlib province Sunday, a monitor said, their first ground advance since resuming an offensive on the jihadist-dominated enclave more than three months ago. The region of northwestern Syria, which is home to an estimated three million civilians, has come under almost daily Syrian and Russian bombardment since late April. The most recent fighting focused on an area straddling Idlib and Hama provinces, a war monitor said, and claimed dozens of lives on both sides. "Regime forces seized the town of Al-Habeet, in Idlib's southern countryside, at dawn," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, said. The regime's latest gains were in the north of Hama province, which lies to the south of Idlib. The area has escaped the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government since 2015 and is the last major bastion of opposition to his regime and its allies. The capture of Al-Habeet, one of several strategic targets for advancing pro-regime forces, came after another night of deadly fighting, the Observatory said. According to the Britain-based monitor's tally, 70 combatants were killed on Saturday alone, 32 of them pro-government forces. The remaining 38 were from the opposing ranks of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the jihadist outfit led by members of Al Qaeda's former Syria franchise, and allied rebel fighters. Rami Abdel Rahman said another 27 combatants, nine of them government fighters, were killed in early fighting on Sunday. He described Al-Habeet as 'the first town in southern Idlib to be taken by the regime since the start of the escalation' in April. The town is seen as a stepping stone towards Khan Sheikhun, one of the main towns in Idlib and the target of some of the eight-year-old conflict's deadliest airstrikes. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks and aid groups have warned that an all-out assault on Idlib could turn the current humanitarian emergency into a catastrophe of proportions previously unseen. The fighting is a violation of a deal that was reached by the battle's two main foreign brokers Russia and Turkey but was never implemented. Russia is Damascus main backer while Turkey holds sway over some rebel and jihadist forces along its border. The deal's terms were never realistic but the agreement sealed in the Russian resort of Sochi in September 2018 staved off a fully-fledged offensive that risks triggering the Syrian civil war's bloodiest phase yet.

Syria regime gains ground in deadly Idlib push: Monitor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-us-talks-positive-and-rather-constructiveturkeys-defence-minister-241348">Turkish and US officials reached agreement</a> Wednesday to establish a "joint operations centre" for northern Syria aimed at creating a safe zone to manage tensions between Turkey and a US-backed Kurdish militia.&nbsp;

Coming after three days of tense negotiations, the agreement contained no details on the size and nature of the safe zone, but appeared to provide some breathing room after Turkey had threatened an imminent attack on the Kurdish YPG group which controls large swathes of northern Syria.&nbsp;

Turkey sees the YPG as a terrorist offshoot of the Kurdish PKK, which has fought a bloody insurgency inside its territory for the past 35 years.

The US, however, supports the militia as the main fighting force against the Islamic State group. &nbsp;

The defence ministry said in a statement that Ankara had agreed with US officials to "implement without delay the first measures aimed at eliminating Turkey's concerns.&nbsp;

"In that framework, to quickly create in Turkey a joint operation centre to coordinate and manage the implementation of the safe zone with the US."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the talks had gone in "a positive direction".&nbsp;

He refused to give a date on when the joint operation centre would be established nor provide details about the safe zone.&nbsp;

But he said the agreement showed Turkey's resolve to intervene "east of the Euphrates" was "now being done with the Americans."

'Peace corridor'

The three-point agreement described the planned safe zone as a "peace corridor" that can "ensure that our Syrian brothers will be able to return to their country".&nbsp;

Turkey has the highest number of Syrian refugees in the world at more than 3.6 million and has faced increasing pressure domestically to speed up repatriations to peaceful parts of the country.

All sides agree that a buffer zone is needed to keep the YPG away from Turkey's borders, but they have differed on how large it should be, or who should control it.&nbsp;

The talks came at a delicate moment between Turkey and the US, who have grown increasingly estranged over a number of issues, including American support for the Kurds and Turkey's decision to buy a Russian S-400 missile defence system.&nbsp;

It is also a tricky moment for Erdogan domestically after his party lost control of Istanbul and Ankara in municipal elections this year, and has seen high-profile defections.&nbsp;

"He needed to show he was both tough for Turkish security and willing to relieve the pressure on Turkey from millions of refugees. This led him toward a credible threat to invade Syria unilaterally," Nicholas Heras, an analyst at the Center for a New American Security, told AFP.

"The US has started a process to give Erdogan a chaperoned presence east of the Euphrates, and the managed resettlement of some refugees."

Heras said the goal for the US was to prevent the destruction of the Syrian Democratic Forces, of which the YPG is the leading force, to ensure it remains the dominant player in northern and eastern Syria.&nbsp;

Erdogan warned in recent days that patience was running out with the Americans to find a solution in northern Syria.&nbsp;

"Turkey has the right to eliminate all threats against its national security," he said in a televised speech on Tuesday.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper countered that any unilateral action by Turkey would be "unacceptable".&nbsp;

But by the third day of talks, his Turkish counterpart, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, said there were positive signs.

"We witnessed with satisfaction that our partners grew closer to our position. We would prefer to act together with our American ally. If that isn't possible we have said multiple times that we will do what is necessary," he told the state-run Anadolu news agency.&nbsp;

Turkish media outlets have often shown images in recent weeks of military convoys heading for the border area, carrying equipment and fighting units.&nbsp;

Turkey has twice carried out unilateral offensives into northern Syria against the Islamic State group and YPG, in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Turkish and US officials reached agreement Wednesday to establish a "joint operations centre" for northern Syria aimed at creating a safe zone to manage tensions between Turkey and a US-backed Kurdish militia.

Turkish and US officials reached agreement Wednesday to establish a "joint operations centre" for northern Syria aimed at creating a safe zone to manage tensions between Turkey and a US-backed Kurdish militia. Coming after three days of tense negotiations, the agreement contained no details on the size and nature of the safe zone, but appeared to provide some breathing room after Turkey had threatened an imminent attack on the Kurdish YPG group which controls large swathes of northern Syria. Turkey sees the YPG as a terrorist offshoot of the Kurdish PKK, which has fought a bloody insurgency inside its territory for the past 35 years. The US, however, supports the militia as the main fighting force against the Islamic State group. The defence ministry said in a statement that Ankara had agreed with US officials to "implement without delay the first measures aimed at eliminating Turkey's concerns. "In that framework, to quickly create in Turkey a joint operation centre to coordinate and manage the implementation of the safe zone with the US." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the talks had gone in "a positive direction". He refused to give a date on when the joint operation centre would be established nor provide details about the safe zone. But he said the agreement showed Turkey's resolve to intervene "east of the Euphrates" was "now being done with the Americans." 'Peace corridor' The three-point agreement described the planned safe zone as a "peace corridor" that can "ensure that our Syrian brothers will be able to return to their country". Turkey has the highest number of Syrian refugees in the world at more than 3.6 million and has faced increasing pressure domestically to speed up repatriations to peaceful parts of the country. All sides agree that a buffer zone is needed to keep the YPG away from Turkey's borders, but they have differed on how large it should be, or who should control it. The talks came at a delicate moment between Turkey and the US, who have grown increasingly estranged over a number of issues, including American support for the Kurds and Turkey's decision to buy a Russian S-400 missile defence system. It is also a tricky moment for Erdogan domestically after his party lost control of Istanbul and Ankara in municipal elections this year, and has seen high-profile defections. "He needed to show he was both tough for Turkish security and willing to relieve the pressure on Turkey from millions of refugees. This led him toward a credible threat to invade Syria unilaterally," Nicholas Heras, an analyst at the Center for a New American Security, told AFP. "The US has started a process to give Erdogan a chaperoned presence east of the Euphrates, and the managed resettlement of some refugees." Heras said the goal for the US was to prevent the destruction of the Syrian Democratic Forces, of which the YPG is the leading force, to ensure it remains the dominant player in northern and eastern Syria. Erdogan warned in recent days that patience was running out with the Americans to find a solution in northern Syria. "Turkey has the right to eliminate all threats against its national security," he said in a televised speech on Tuesday. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper countered that any unilateral action by Turkey would be "unacceptable". But by the third day of talks, his Turkish counterpart, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, said there were positive signs. "We witnessed with satisfaction that our partners grew closer to our position. We would prefer to act together with our American ally. If that isn't possible we have said multiple times that we will do what is necessary," he told the state-run Anadolu news agency. Turkish media outlets have often shown images in recent weeks of military convoys heading for the border area, carrying equipment and fighting units. Turkey has twice carried out unilateral offensives into northern Syria against the Islamic State group and YPG, in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Turkey, US agree 'joint operation centre' for north Syria

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Speaking in Ankara, Akar also said that Turkey has told the United States it would prefer to act together.

"Our plans, preparations, the deployment of our units in the field are all complete. But we said we wanted to act together with our friend and ally, the United States," Akar was quoted by Anadolu as saying.

Turkey has been growing impatient with the United States, which had agreed to create a safe zone inside Syria's northeastern border with Turkey, set to be cleared of the Kurdish YPG militia.

Ankara has accused Washington of stalling progress on setting up the safe zone and has demanded it sever its relations with the YPG. The group was Washington's main ally on the ground in Syria during the battle against Islamic State, but Turkey designates it as a terrorist organization.

On Wednesday, the third days of Turkish-US talks on the safe zone, Akar described them as "positive and rather constructive", and that he expected them to finish within hours.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the United States is getting closer to Turkey's views on a proposed safe zone in northeast Syria, and that its military deployment plans are complete, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday. Speaking in Ankara, Akar also said that Turkey has told the United States it would prefer to act together. "Our plans, preparations, the deployment of our units in the field are all complete. But we said we wanted to act together with our friend and ally, the United States," Akar was quoted by Anadolu as saying. Turkey has been growing impatient with the United States, which had agreed to create a safe zone inside Syria's northeastern border with Turkey, set to be cleared of the Kurdish YPG militia. Ankara has accused Washington of stalling progress on setting up the safe zone and has demanded it sever its relations with the YPG. The group was Washington's main ally on the ground in Syria during the battle against Islamic State, but Turkey designates it as a terrorist organization. On Wednesday, the third days of Turkish-US talks on the safe zone, Akar described them as "positive and rather constructive", and that he expected them to finish within hours.

Turkish-US talks 'positive and rather constructive':Turkey's Defence Minister

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-moves-to-oversee-all-online-content-raises-concerns-over-censorship-240008">blaming Turkey for</a> not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal.

Syrian state media said on Thursday the ceasefire would depend on militants complying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-air-strikes-in-northwest-syria-after-ceasefire-declared-observatory-240282">with a Russian-Turkish deal</a> last year aimed at creating an Idlib buffer zone.

'The agreement to a truce was conditional. This did not happen.. We resume our military operations against terrorist organisations,' said the army statement.&nbsp;

Since Damascus declared a ceasefire on Thursday night, its warplanes have not mounted air strikes, though the combatants are still shelling each other.

Damascus accuses Turkey and the rebels it supports of failing to comply with the terms of the de-escalation agreement which requires heavy weapons and jihadist insurgents to be withdrawn from a buffer zone.

Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry declined immediate comment.

The region - including Idlib province and parts of nearby Hama - was part of the last major stronghold of armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, who has vowed to reclaim all of Syria.

Rebel factions, which had agreed to the latest ceasefire to give civilians a reprieve from the heavy bombing while reserving the right to respond to attacks, said the Syrian army had violated the ceasefire by maintaining its shelling of populated areas.

A week-long aerial attack on cities in Hama and southern Idlib province before the ceasefire led to the most civilian casualties since Russian jets joined the Syrian army on April 26 in the offensive to recapture the enclave.

The Russian-led campaign has been costly to Moscow and its Syrian ally.

They appear to have failed to secure any significant territorial gains despite weeks of relentless bombing and have suffered heavy human losses, according to Western military experts.

Rebels said they were prepared to continue another round of fierce fighting after the Syrian army`s unilateral announcement to end the ceasefire.

"Today (Syrian President) Assad's gangs announced they were resuming the battles and we tell them we are ready and our will to fight is there and God willing we will inflict heavy casualties,' Captain Naji Mustafa, spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) coalition of mainstream rebels group, told Reuters.

Rebels say Moscow has deployed special troops to make a military breakthrough with no success in one of the biggest campaigns waged by Moscow in Syria since its direct intervention in September 2015.&nbsp;

For three months, an army offensive backed by Russia has killed at least 400 civilians in northwest Syria and uprooted more than 440,000 people, the United Nations says.

Residents and rescuers say the three-month-old campaign has left dozens of villages and towns in ruins.

Russia and its Syrian army ally deny their jets indiscriminately hit civilian areas with cluster munitions and incendiary weapons, which residents in opposition areas say are meant to paralyse everyday life.

 
&nbsp;

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, blaming Turkey for not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal.

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, blaming Turkey for not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal. Syrian state media said on Thursday the ceasefire would depend on militants complying with a Russian-Turkish deal last year aimed at creating an Idlib buffer zone. 'The agreement to a truce was conditional. This did not happen.. We resume our military operations against terrorist organisations,' said the army statement. Since Damascus declared a ceasefire on Thursday night, its warplanes have not mounted air strikes, though the combatants are still shelling each other. Damascus accuses Turkey and the rebels it supports of failing to comply with the terms of the de-escalation agreement which requires heavy weapons and jihadist insurgents to be withdrawn from a buffer zone. Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions. The Turkish Foreign Ministry declined immediate comment. The region - including Idlib province and parts of nearby Hama - was part of the last major stronghold of armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, who has vowed to reclaim all of Syria. Rebel factions, which had agreed to the latest ceasefire to give civilians a reprieve from the heavy bombing while reserving the right to respond to attacks, said the Syrian army had violated the ceasefire by maintaining its shelling of populated areas. A week-long aerial attack on cities in Hama and southern Idlib province before the ceasefire led to the most civilian casualties since Russian jets joined the Syrian army on April 26 in the offensive to recapture the enclave. The Russian-led campaign has been costly to Moscow and its Syrian ally. They appear to have failed to secure any significant territorial gains despite weeks of relentless bombing and have suffered heavy human losses, according to Western military experts. Rebels said they were prepared to continue another round of fierce fighting after the Syrian army`s unilateral announcement to end the ceasefire. "Today (Syrian President) Assad's gangs announced they were resuming the battles and we tell them we are ready and our will to fight is there and God willing we will inflict heavy casualties,' Captain Naji Mustafa, spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) coalition of mainstream rebels group, told Reuters. Rebels say Moscow has deployed special troops to make a military breakthrough with no success in one of the biggest campaigns waged by Moscow in Syria since its direct intervention in September 2015. For three months, an army offensive backed by Russia has killed at least 400 civilians in northwest Syria and uprooted more than 440,000 people, the United Nations says. Residents and rescuers say the three-month-old campaign has left dozens of villages and towns in ruins. Russia and its Syrian army ally deny their jets indiscriminately hit civilian areas with cluster munitions and incendiary weapons, which residents in opposition areas say are meant to paralyse everyday life.

Syrian army resumes military operations against rebels in northwest Syria

A ceasefire in northwest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-and-russian-airstrikes-killed-15-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-239097">Syria</a> reduced violence in the rebel stronghold, a monitor said, with no airstrikes on Friday after a three months army offensive killed hundreds while yielding no big territorial gains.

Though the combatants exchanged fire and shelling on Friday, the British based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian government and Russian warplanes mounted no air raids.

More than 400 civilians have been killed in the escalation since late April and more than 440,000 uprooted, the United Nations said last week.

The targeted region is part of the last major piece of territory which rebels hold after facing defeat across much of Syria at the hands of President Bashar al-Assad with his allies Russia and Iran.

Syrian state media said the ceasefire would start on Thursday night if militants fulfilled a Russian Turkish deal that had tried last year to create a demilitarized buffer zone.

The Turkey-backed opposition, which is taking part in Syria talks hosted by Kazakhstan, agreed to the ceasefire and said it must "guarantee the safety of civilians". It reserved the right to respond to "violations by Assad's regime and its militias".

Though Turkey-backed&nbsp;rebel factions also operate in Idlib province in the northwest, the dominant force there is the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance, formerly the Nusra Front.

In a statement on Friday, it said the truce declaration from Damascus proved the failure of "the criminal regime's military operation against the liberated north." Tahrir al-Sham did not reject the ceasefire but warned that any attack from the other side would cancel it, vowing to retaliate.

Russia's RIA news agency cited a Kazakh Foreign Ministry official as saying the agreement does not include jihadists who might not observe it.

Turkey is following the situation after the ceasefire reports, the Foreign Ministry said.

"In every talk we hold with Russia, we tell them the (Syrian) regime needs to stop its attacks ... but the situation is apparent," Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy said.

Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions.

A series of truce deals have failed to fully end Idlib fighting and Russian-Turkish attempts have not managed to resolve the eight-year conflict.

Syrian state news agency SANA said militants fired missiles that hit a village in government territory, killing one person and injuring three other civilians on Friday.

In the latest offensive, Assad's side has been unable to gain much ground from the insurgents. The government says it has been responding to militant attacks.

The fighting has also inflicted a heavy toll on both rebel and government fighters: the Observatory war monitoring group says each side has lost around 1,000 fighters.

The United Nations will investigate attacks on U.N.-supported facilities and other humanitarian sites, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, after two-thirds of the Security Council pushed for an inquiry.

Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Belgium, Peru, Poland, Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, and Indonesia had delivered a demarche a formal diplomatic petition over the lack of an inquiry into attacks on some 14 locations in Syria.

 
&nbsp;

A ceasefire in northwest Syria reduced violence in the rebel stronghold, a monitor said, with no airstrikes on Friday after a three months army offensive killed hundreds while yielding no big territorial gains.

A ceasefire in northwest Syria reduced violence in the rebel stronghold, a monitor said, with no airstrikes on Friday after a three months army offensive killed hundreds while yielding no big territorial gains. Though the combatants exchanged fire and shelling on Friday, the British based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian government and Russian warplanes mounted no air raids. More than 400 civilians have been killed in the escalation since late April and more than 440,000 uprooted, the United Nations said last week. The targeted region is part of the last major piece of territory which rebels hold after facing defeat across much of Syria at the hands of President Bashar al-Assad with his allies Russia and Iran. Syrian state media said the ceasefire would start on Thursday night if militants fulfilled a Russian Turkish deal that had tried last year to create a demilitarized buffer zone. The Turkey-backed opposition, which is taking part in Syria talks hosted by Kazakhstan, agreed to the ceasefire and said it must "guarantee the safety of civilians". It reserved the right to respond to "violations by Assad's regime and its militias". Though Turkey-backed rebel factions also operate in Idlib province in the northwest, the dominant force there is the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance, formerly the Nusra Front. In a statement on Friday, it said the truce declaration from Damascus proved the failure of "the criminal regime's military operation against the liberated north." Tahrir al-Sham did not reject the ceasefire but warned that any attack from the other side would cancel it, vowing to retaliate. Russia's RIA news agency cited a Kazakh Foreign Ministry official as saying the agreement does not include jihadists who might not observe it. Turkey is following the situation after the ceasefire reports, the Foreign Ministry said. "In every talk we hold with Russia, we tell them the (Syrian) regime needs to stop its attacks ... but the situation is apparent," Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy said. Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions. A series of truce deals have failed to fully end Idlib fighting and Russian-Turkish attempts have not managed to resolve the eight-year conflict. Syrian state news agency SANA said militants fired missiles that hit a village in government territory, killing one person and injuring three other civilians on Friday. In the latest offensive, Assad's side has been unable to gain much ground from the insurgents. The government says it has been responding to militant attacks. The fighting has also inflicted a heavy toll on both rebel and government fighters: the Observatory war monitoring group says each side has lost around 1,000 fighters. The United Nations will investigate attacks on U.N.-supported facilities and other humanitarian sites, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, after two-thirds of the Security Council pushed for an inquiry. Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Belgium, Peru, Poland, Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, and Indonesia had delivered a demarche a formal diplomatic petition over the lack of an inquiry into attacks on some 14 locations in Syria.

No air strikes in northwest Syria after ceasefire declared: Report

From the once pristine rivers of Hindu Kush to the slums of Islamabad, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-proposes-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-with-riders-239957">Pakistan</a> is being smothered by plastic due to a lack of public awareness, government inertia, and poor waste management.

Plastic bags are a large part of the problem the nation uses some 55 billion of them each year, according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/asian-countries-turning-back-wealthy-worlds-waste-239943">Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association</a>.

Beaches deluged with plastic waste and dying marine life entangled in bags have shocked other countries into action around 120 have implemented some form of single-use plastic ban.&nbsp;

Pakistan is among them but struggles with enforcement. There is no cohesive national policy and regional efforts often fail to consider the importance of educational outreach with many in rural areas claiming to be unaware of the damage single-use plastic can wreak.&nbsp;

"Fighting for the environment, we do not know about that," says salesman Mohammad Tahir, who uses plastic bags to wrap vegetables for his customers.&nbsp;

The 42-year-old hails from the mountainous Chitral district, which first banned the use of such bags two years ago but to little effect.&nbsp;

"I like plastic bags," shrugs resident Khairul Azam, while shopping at a local market. &nbsp;

"Once home, I throw them away... I know it is not good, but we don't have waste bins in my neighbourhood," he adds.&nbsp;

Instead such waste litters the roadsides and hillsides. It also clogs the streams that feed into the Indus River, which is now the second most plastic polluted river in the world, behind only the Yangtze River in China, according to a study by the German Environmental Research Center Helmholtz.&nbsp;

'Eating plastic'

Plastics swamp the Arabian Sea coastline, where the sewers of the sprawling port city of Karachi spew its waste.

According to the United Nations, single-use plastic bags kill up to one million birds, hundreds of thousands of marine mammals and turtles, along with "countless" fish each year.&nbsp;

And yet in Pakistan, authorities say the amount of plastic used is increasing by 15 per cent each year.&nbsp;

Recycling options are limited and waste disposal is often woefully mismanaged even in the capital garbage is often simply burned in the street.

"Plastic doesn't degrade. It only becomes smaller and smaller," says Hassaan Sipra, an environmental researcher.

"Animals eat it. You eat them. Then it generates liver dysfunctions, diabetes, diarrhoea. But because it is cheap and convenient, people don't see the health consequences," he adds.&nbsp;

A new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that an average person ingests up to five grams of plastic a week roughly equal to the weight of a credit card.

Plastic bags have become part of the "culture" in Pakistan, says Nazifa Butt, a researcher with WWF.&nbsp;

"We would never use a cup of tea without a saucer. You will never be sold anything without a plastic bag. It is considered insulting," she adds.

In Chitral, authorities first tried to ban plastic bags in 2017, with an additional measure passed earlier this year stating that only biodegradable bags also criticised for their environmental impact can be used in the area.

Authorities have also backed new environmental awareness campaigns in schools, according to a local official.

But many shops still do not use biodegradable bags and enforcement against single-use plastics remains minimal.&nbsp;

"The local government is not sincere," said Shabir Ahmad, chairman of the Chitral traders union.&nbsp;

He explains: "They never check the market. They don't find the shopkeepers."

'Health menace'

"I can confiscate all the plastic bags in one hour. But then, what is the alternative?" says Khurshid Alam Mehsud, a district administrative officer in Chitral, who insists more "time" is needed to address the issue.

Provincial governments in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with municipal authorities in Lahore have issued similar bans. But little has changed on the ground due to lack of law enforcement.

However, Prime Minister Imran Khan's government which has long vowed to make environmental issues a priority is hoping to reverse the plastic tsunami says climate change minister Malik Amin Aslam.

As of August 14, plastic bags will be banned in the capital Islamabad, with violators subject to heavy fines.&nbsp;

"This love affair with plastic has to end in Pakistan," says Aslam, who hopes that the ban in Islamabad will serve as a "model" for the rest of the country.

Some shopkeepers who spoke to AFP in Islamabad appeared prepared for the move but others said they were unaware of the new measure.

Plastics manufacturers who say up to 400,000 people work directly or indirectly in the industry have also raised concerns.

But the Khan's government says the action is necessary regardless.

Aslam says: "It's a health menace, it's an economic menace, it is an environmental menace. It is something that we need to get rid of." 
&nbsp;

From the once pristine rivers of Hindu Kush to the slums of Islamabad, Pakistan is being smothered by plastic due to a lack of public awareness, government inertia, and poor waste management.

From the once pristine rivers of Hindu Kush to the slums of Islamabad, Pakistan is being smothered by plastic due to a lack of public awareness, government inertia, and poor waste management. Plastic bags are a large part of the problem the nation uses some 55 billion of them each year, according to the Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association. Beaches deluged with plastic waste and dying marine life entangled in bags have shocked other countries into action around 120 have implemented some form of single-use plastic ban. Pakistan is among them but struggles with enforcement. There is no cohesive national policy and regional efforts often fail to consider the importance of educational outreach with many in rural areas claiming to be unaware of the damage single-use plastic can wreak. "Fighting for the environment, we do not know about that," says salesman Mohammad Tahir, who uses plastic bags to wrap vegetables for his customers. The 42-year-old hails from the mountainous Chitral district, which first banned the use of such bags two years ago but to little effect. "I like plastic bags," shrugs resident Khairul Azam, while shopping at a local market. "Once home, I throw them away... I know it is not good, but we don't have waste bins in my neighbourhood," he adds. Instead such waste litters the roadsides and hillsides. It also clogs the streams that feed into the Indus River, which is now the second most plastic polluted river in the world, behind only the Yangtze River in China, according to a study by the German Environmental Research Center Helmholtz. 'Eating plastic' Plastics swamp the Arabian Sea coastline, where the sewers of the sprawling port city of Karachi spew its waste. According to the United Nations, single-use plastic bags kill up to one million birds, hundreds of thousands of marine mammals and turtles, along with "countless" fish each year. And yet in Pakistan, authorities say the amount of plastic used is increasing by 15 per cent each year. Recycling options are limited and waste disposal is often woefully mismanaged even in the capital garbage is often simply burned in the street. "Plastic doesn't degrade. It only becomes smaller and smaller," says Hassaan Sipra, an environmental researcher. "Animals eat it. You eat them. Then it generates liver dysfunctions, diabetes, diarrhoea. But because it is cheap and convenient, people don't see the health consequences," he adds. A new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that an average person ingests up to five grams of plastic a week roughly equal to the weight of a credit card. Plastic bags have become part of the "culture" in Pakistan, says Nazifa Butt, a researcher with WWF. "We would never use a cup of tea without a saucer. You will never be sold anything without a plastic bag. It is considered insulting," she adds. In Chitral, authorities first tried to ban plastic bags in 2017, with an additional measure passed earlier this year stating that only biodegradable bags also criticised for their environmental impact can be used in the area. Authorities have also backed new environmental awareness campaigns in schools, according to a local official. But many shops still do not use biodegradable bags and enforcement against single-use plastics remains minimal. "The local government is not sincere," said Shabir Ahmad, chairman of the Chitral traders union. He explains: "They never check the market. They don't find the shopkeepers." 'Health menace' "I can confiscate all the plastic bags in one hour. But then, what is the alternative?" says Khurshid Alam Mehsud, a district administrative officer in Chitral, who insists more "time" is needed to address the issue. Provincial governments in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with municipal authorities in Lahore have issued similar bans. But little has changed on the ground due to lack of law enforcement. However, Prime Minister Imran Khan's government which has long vowed to make environmental issues a priority is hoping to reverse the plastic tsunami says climate change minister Malik Amin Aslam. As of August 14, plastic bags will be banned in the capital Islamabad, with violators subject to heavy fines. "This love affair with plastic has to end in Pakistan," says Aslam, who hopes that the ban in Islamabad will serve as a "model" for the rest of the country. Some shopkeepers who spoke to AFP in Islamabad appeared prepared for the move but others said they were unaware of the new measure. Plastics manufacturers who say up to 400,000 people work directly or indirectly in the industry have also raised concerns. But the Khan's government says the action is necessary regardless. Aslam says: "It's a health menace, it's an economic menace, it is an environmental menace. It is something that we need to get rid of."

'I like plastic': Pakistan's toxic 'love affair' with waste

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out.

And now, here we are again. A picture of 23-month-old Valeria Martinez, tucked into her father Oscar’s T-shirt, both dead face down on the banks of the Rio Grande, has unleashed a similar wave of sympathy in the United States, although it certainly hasn’t reached the White House yet. And once again, most of the migrants are claiming to be refugees.

In fact, few migrants fit the legal definition of refugees in either case. The Arabs and Afghans trying to get into Europe had fled genuine wars, but they were already in Turkey, which is quite safe. They just wanted to move on to somewhere with better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t get you the right of asylum as a refugee.

The same applies to migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, even though thousands of them are drowning in the attempt. They are fleeing poverty, or dictatorial regimes, or even climate change, but they are not fleeing war.

Neither do they have a “well-founded fear” of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. That is the language of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, so they don’t qualify as refugees. You may feel sorry for them, but there is no legal duty to let them in.

The Refugee Convention was incorporated into the US law in the Refugee Act of 1980, so few of the people now seeking entry at the Mexican border qualify either. This matters, because while 20 years ago, 98% of the people crossing the border were Mexican young men seeking work, more than half are now entire families from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras — and most of them claim to be refugees.

They are not, and that is why US courts are rejecting at least three-quarters of the applications for refugee status. You may wish that the law took a more generous and humanitarian view, but it does not. And if you think things are bad now, they will be ten times worse in 20 years’ time.

Global warming is starting to bite. We’re still on the learner slopes, but the onslaught of droughts and floods, and then the crop failures that they cause, are multiplying, especially in the tropics and the sub-tropics where temperatures are already high.

In the worst-hit areas, family farms are failing, some people are going hungry, and the number of people on the move is starting to soar. This is precisely what unpublished, in-house government studies were predicting 20 years ago in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Now it’s here.

As the number of migrants goes up, the willingness of host populations to receive them will inevitably go down. That’s human nature. You may deplore it, but it’s not going to change. And behind uncomfortable considerations of what the politics will permit, lies the even starker reality that they can’t all come.&nbsp;

Twenty years from now there will be far more people who desperately want to move than the destination countries could possibly accommodate.

So, the borders will start slamming shut in the countries, mostly in the temperate zone of the planet, where the climate is still tolerable and there is still enough food to eat. And don’t believe the myth that you cannot really shut a border. You can do so quite easily if you are willing to kill the people who try to cross it illegally, and the governments of the destination countries will probably end up doing just that.&nbsp;

Their military and their civil servants, if not their politicians, were already having grim internal debates about it 15 years ago. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-few-immigrants-fit-the-legal-definition-of-global-refugees-2777770">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out.

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out. And now, here we are again. A picture of 23-month-old Valeria Martinez, tucked into her father Oscar’s T-shirt, both dead face down on the banks of the Rio Grande, has unleashed a similar wave of sympathy in the United States, although it certainly hasn’t reached the White House yet. And once again, most of the migrants are claiming to be refugees. In fact, few migrants fit the legal definition of refugees in either case. The Arabs and Afghans trying to get into Europe had fled genuine wars, but they were already in Turkey, which is quite safe. They just wanted to move on to somewhere with better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t get you the right of asylum as a refugee. The same applies to migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, even though thousands of them are drowning in the attempt. They are fleeing poverty, or dictatorial regimes, or even climate change, but they are not fleeing war. Neither do they have a “well-founded fear” of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. That is the language of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, so they don’t qualify as refugees. You may feel sorry for them, but there is no legal duty to let them in. The Refugee Convention was incorporated into the US law in the Refugee Act of 1980, so few of the people now seeking entry at the Mexican border qualify either. This matters, because while 20 years ago, 98% of the people crossing the border were Mexican young men seeking work, more than half are now entire families from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras — and most of them claim to be refugees. They are not, and that is why US courts are rejecting at least three-quarters of the applications for refugee status. You may wish that the law took a more generous and humanitarian view, but it does not. And if you think things are bad now, they will be ten times worse in 20 years’ time. Global warming is starting to bite. We’re still on the learner slopes, but the onslaught of droughts and floods, and then the crop failures that they cause, are multiplying, especially in the tropics and the sub-tropics where temperatures are already high. In the worst-hit areas, family farms are failing, some people are going hungry, and the number of people on the move is starting to soar. This is precisely what unpublished, in-house government studies were predicting 20 years ago in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Now it’s here. As the number of migrants goes up, the willingness of host populations to receive them will inevitably go down. That’s human nature. You may deplore it, but it’s not going to change. And behind uncomfortable considerations of what the politics will permit, lies the even starker reality that they can’t all come. Twenty years from now there will be far more people who desperately want to move than the destination countries could possibly accommodate. So, the borders will start slamming shut in the countries, mostly in the temperate zone of the planet, where the climate is still tolerable and there is still enough food to eat. And don’t believe the myth that you cannot really shut a border. You can do so quite easily if you are willing to kill the people who try to cross it illegally, and the governments of the destination countries will probably end up doing just that. Their military and their civil servants, if not their politicians, were already having grim internal debates about it 15 years ago. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Few immigrants fit the legal definition of global refugees

Turkey on Thursday granted its radio and television watchdog sweeping oversight overall online content, including streaming platforms like Netflix and online news outlets, in a move that raised concerns over possible censorship.

The move was initially approved by Turkey's parliament in March last year, with support from President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist ally.

The regulation, published in Turkey's Official Gazette on Thursday, mandates all online content providers to obtain broadcasting licenses from RTUK, which will then supervise the content put out by the providers.

Aside from streaming giant Netflix, other platforms like local streaming websites PuhuTV and BluTV, which in recent years have produced popular shows, will be subject to supervision and potential fines or loss of their license.

In addition to subscription services like Netflix, free online news outlets which rely on advertising for their revenues will also be subject to the same measures.

"The aim of this regulation is to establish the methods and principles to regulate the presentation and provision of radio, television and on-demand broadcast services, the handing of broadcast licenses to media service providers, the granting of broadcasting authorities to platform administrators and the supervision of the broadcasts in question," the regulation said.

It said that the content providers that do not comply with the regulation and RTUK's guidelines would be given 30 days to adjust their content to the required standards or face having their licenses suspended for three months and later cancelled. Thursday's announcement did not specify what standards the watchdog would expect.

A spokeswoman for Netflix in Turkey said the platform was closely following developments and wanted to continue providing content for Turkey.

Tightening grip

Yaman Akdeniz, a law professor and cybersecurity expert at Istanbul Bilgi University, said that the move went against Turkey's recently announced package of judicial reforms which aimed to address EU concerns about deteriorating human rights.

"The regulation granting RTUK the authority to censor the internet came into effect today... Soon, access to the Netflix platform or to news outlets broadcasting from abroad... could be blocked," Akdeniz wrote on Twitter.

Critics have also voiced concerns that the move will allow the government to tighten its grip on media, which is largely under the influence of Erdogan and his AK Party.

Kerem Altiparmak, a human rights lawyer, said the move was the "biggest step in Turkish censorship history" and said all outlets producing opposition news would be affected.

"Everyone who produces alternative news and broadcasts will be impacted by this regulation," Altiparmak wrote on Twitter. "Every news report that can be against the government will be taken under control."

Turkey on Thursday granted its radio and television watchdog sweeping oversight overall online content, including streaming platforms like Netflix and online news outlets, in a move that raised concerns over possible censorship.

Turkey on Thursday granted its radio and television watchdog sweeping oversight overall online content, including streaming platforms like Netflix and online news outlets, in a move that raised concerns over possible censorship. The move was initially approved by Turkey's parliament in March last year, with support from President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist ally. The regulation, published in Turkey's Official Gazette on Thursday, mandates all online content providers to obtain broadcasting licenses from RTUK, which will then supervise the content put out by the providers. Aside from streaming giant Netflix, other platforms like local streaming websites PuhuTV and BluTV, which in recent years have produced popular shows, will be subject to supervision and potential fines or loss of their license. In addition to subscription services like Netflix, free online news outlets which rely on advertising for their revenues will also be subject to the same measures. "The aim of this regulation is to establish the methods and principles to regulate the presentation and provision of radio, television and on-demand broadcast services, the handing of broadcast licenses to media service providers, the granting of broadcasting authorities to platform administrators and the supervision of the broadcasts in question," the regulation said. It said that the content providers that do not comply with the regulation and RTUK's guidelines would be given 30 days to adjust their content to the required standards or face having their licenses suspended for three months and later cancelled. Thursday's announcement did not specify what standards the watchdog would expect. A spokeswoman for Netflix in Turkey said the platform was closely following developments and wanted to continue providing content for Turkey. Tightening grip Yaman Akdeniz, a law professor and cybersecurity expert at Istanbul Bilgi University, said that the move went against Turkey's recently announced package of judicial reforms which aimed to address EU concerns about deteriorating human rights. "The regulation granting RTUK the authority to censor the internet came into effect today... Soon, access to the Netflix platform or to news outlets broadcasting from abroad... could be blocked," Akdeniz wrote on Twitter. Critics have also voiced concerns that the move will allow the government to tighten its grip on media, which is largely under the influence of Erdogan and his AK Party. Kerem Altiparmak, a human rights lawyer, said the move was the "biggest step in Turkish censorship history" and said all outlets producing opposition news would be affected. "Everyone who produces alternative news and broadcasts will be impacted by this regulation," Altiparmak wrote on Twitter. "Every news report that can be against the government will be taken under control."

Turkey moves to oversee all online content, raises concerns over censorship

Turkey's central bank cut its inflation forecasts on Wednesday and new governor Murat Uysal said it has "considerable" room for manoeuvre on interest rates in coming months, a week after it began an expected policy easing cycle with a big cut.

Uysal appointed this month after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-says-trump-can-waive-sanctions-on-turkey-report-236013">President Tayyip Erdogan</a> dismissed his predecessor also said the bank had independence in its use of tools to reach its inflation target.

Periodic doubts about the bank's freedom from political interference resurfaced after Murat Cetinkaya's abrupt sacking. Erdogan said the former bank governor had failed to follow instructions.

The upbeat comments by Uysal, who was Cetinkaya's deputy, set the scene for more rate cuts over the next months, especially if a spreading monetary easing trend among major central banks continues to stabilise the Turkish lira after its meltdown last year.

The lira was up 0.6 per cent at 5.53 against the dollar at 1246 GMT, on track for a sixth straight day of gains.

"In the upcoming period, we have a considerable room for manoeuvre on rates. Its application, timing and size will depend on the improvements on price and financial stability," Uysal said. "We will make (the decision) based on data."

The central bank hiked its policy rate to 24 per cent at the peak of last year's currency crisis. High rates, along with companies burdened with large amounts of foreign currency debt, drove the economy into recession and cut nearly 30 per cent from the value of the lira.

It also sent inflation soaring above 25 per cent. It has since fallen to below 16 per cent, paving the way for the bank to cut rates last week by 425 basis points to 19.75 per cent.

On Wednesday, the bank cut its inflation forecast for 2019 to 13.9 per cent from 14.6 per cent but left next year's outlook unchanged at 8.2 per cent. Uysal said the policy would depend on the inflation outlook.

In a separate publication of the minutes of the bank's policy meeting last week, it said there was a risk that inflation would not edge lower as expected.

"Although other central banks have generally been cutting, Turkish interest rates remain high and there's room for more cuts," said Nikolay Markov, senior economist at Pictet Asset Management, who expects the policy rate to fall to about 14 per cent by mid-2020.

"People thought (Uysal) would be a lot more political and what he has said today makes sense and that provides some comfort to foreign investors."

Asked in a press conference about Cetinkaya's sacking, Uysal said it had met legal requirements.

He also said the central bank had a more optimistic outlook for the economy in 2020 as lira volatility ebbed.

"The delayed, cumulative effects of the exchange rate slowly being left behind is turning our expectations for 2020 to a positive trajectory," he said.

Turkey's central bank cut its inflation forecasts on Wednesday and new governor Murat Uysal said it has "considerable" room for manoeuvre on interest rates in coming months, a week after it began an expected policy easing cycle with a big cut.

Turkey's central bank cut its inflation forecasts on Wednesday and new governor Murat Uysal said it has "considerable" room for manoeuvre on interest rates in coming months, a week after it began an expected policy easing cycle with a big cut. Uysal appointed this month after President Tayyip Erdogan dismissed his predecessor also said the bank had independence in its use of tools to reach its inflation target. Periodic doubts about the bank's freedom from political interference resurfaced after Murat Cetinkaya's abrupt sacking. Erdogan said the former bank governor had failed to follow instructions. The upbeat comments by Uysal, who was Cetinkaya's deputy, set the scene for more rate cuts over the next months, especially if a spreading monetary easing trend among major central banks continues to stabilise the Turkish lira after its meltdown last year. The lira was up 0.6 per cent at 5.53 against the dollar at 1246 GMT, on track for a sixth straight day of gains. "In the upcoming period, we have a considerable room for manoeuvre on rates. Its application, timing and size will depend on the improvements on price and financial stability," Uysal said. "We will make (the decision) based on data." The central bank hiked its policy rate to 24 per cent at the peak of last year's currency crisis. High rates, along with companies burdened with large amounts of foreign currency debt, drove the economy into recession and cut nearly 30 per cent from the value of the lira. It also sent inflation soaring above 25 per cent. It has since fallen to below 16 per cent, paving the way for the bank to cut rates last week by 425 basis points to 19.75 per cent. On Wednesday, the bank cut its inflation forecast for 2019 to 13.9 per cent from 14.6 per cent but left next year's outlook unchanged at 8.2 per cent. Uysal said the policy would depend on the inflation outlook. In a separate publication of the minutes of the bank's policy meeting last week, it said there was a risk that inflation would not edge lower as expected. "Although other central banks have generally been cutting, Turkish interest rates remain high and there's room for more cuts," said Nikolay Markov, senior economist at Pictet Asset Management, who expects the policy rate to fall to about 14 per cent by mid-2020. "People thought (Uysal) would be a lot more political and what he has said today makes sense and that provides some comfort to foreign investors." Asked in a press conference about Cetinkaya's sacking, Uysal said it had met legal requirements. He also said the central bank had a more optimistic outlook for the economy in 2020 as lira volatility ebbed. "The delayed, cumulative effects of the exchange rate slowly being left behind is turning our expectations for 2020 to a positive trajectory," he said.

Turkey's cenbank trims inflation view, new head sees room for rate cuts

Still reeling from his sudden deportation from Turkey with just the clothes on his back, Mohammad Hassan stood in the arrivals hall at a border crossing in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-and-russian-airstrikes-killed-15-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-239097">northern Syria</a> unsure what to do next.

"I left Syria seven years ago," said the 22-year-old. "I don't know anything about this country."

He was among dozens to queue up one morning last week to register with officials at the Bab al-Hawa crossing many in complete disbelief.

During Hassan's years of exile, Syria's landscape changed dramatically.

With no say in the matter, he has just been bussed into the country's last opposition bastion of Idlib, administered since the start of the year by jihadists.

His home city of Aleppo to the east has been under regime control since 2016, making it near impossible for him to return to the former rebel stronghold.

"My family is in Aleppo but I can't go there," he said, looking dejected in a black jacket and baseball cap.

Regime forces have detained young men in areas they have retaken with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-signs-rs-1500-crore-deal-for-air-to-air-missiles-for-su-30-fighters-239257">Russian backing</a> since 2015 and forced others to join President Bashar al-Assad's army.

'They lied'

Syria's eight-year conflict has killed more than 370,000 people since it started in 2011, as well as displacing millions at home and abroad.

Some 3.5 million Syrian refugees live in Turkey alone, the United Nations says.&nbsp;

Hassan used to live in Istanbul, where authorities are leading a crackdown on unregistered migrants.

They have arrested 6,000 including Syrians over the past two weeks, the interior ministry said last Wednesday.

Critics have raised concern over reports that hundreds of Syrian refugees have been deported, after being forced to sign consent forms in Turkish they do not understand.

Hassan said he tried several times to get a temporary residency permit but was refused.&nbsp;

"In Istanbul, they've stopped issuing them to Syrians," he said.

Without the right "temporary protection" permit, he was stopped and arrested.

After more than a week in jail, Hassan was presented with a wad of papers to ink with a finger, which he was told would allow him to stay in Turkey legally.

"They lied to us," he said.

Instead, "we were shocked when the next morning they loaded us on buses and sent us back to Syria."&nbsp;

The crackdown has alarmed human rights campaigners.

"Turkey claims it helps Syrians voluntarily return to their country, but threatening to lock them up until they agree to return, forcing them to sign forms, and dumping them in a war zone is neither voluntary nor legal," said Gerry Simpson, an associate director at Human Rights Watch.

Bab al-Hawa crossing spokesman Mazen Alloush said Syrians were being deported daily.

Most had tried to illegally cross the border, but others were residents sent home for not having the right papers, he said.&nbsp;

More than 4,400 Syrians have been sent back via Bab al-Hawa this month, he said. &nbsp;

At a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, Syria's exiled opposition said it had received assurances from Turkish authorities that Syrian "families would not be deported to Syria".

But Anas Abdah, the head of the Syrian National Coalition, called on all Syrians in Turkey to settle their status with the authorities.

'No family'&nbsp;

Inside the arrivals hall in Bab al-Hawa, Luay Mohammed, 23, said he was still in shock after being bussed back in the middle of the night.

"I have no idea how I will start over" in Syria, said the young man, back in his home country for the first time in four years.

After waiting in line, he finally reached his turn at the counter, leaning in to hear the official registering his details on a computer behind the perforated glass.

Muhammed had been detained in Turkey's southern city of Antalya, where he worked in a restaurant, he told AFP.

Around a week ago, he had rushed a friend injured in a fight with locals to the hospital on his motorbike, only to find the police waiting.

"They took us to the police station," he said before they were transferred to a jail containing around 350 foreigners.

"They took us back to Syria in the middle of the night," he said.

Hassan said he would try to travel east to his home city of Manbij. But that too is complicated.&nbsp;

The northern city is now under the control of a military council allied to Syria's Kurds, who are seen by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies as "terrorists".

And even if he did find a job, he would be without his family. "My family isn't in Syria, two of my brothers are still in Turkey," he said.

Still reeling from his sudden deportation from Turkey with just the clothes on his back, Mohammad Hassan stood in the arrivals hall at a border crossing in northern Syria unsure what to do next.

Still reeling from his sudden deportation from Turkey with just the clothes on his back, Mohammad Hassan stood in the arrivals hall at a border crossing in northern Syria unsure what to do next. "I left Syria seven years ago," said the 22-year-old. "I don't know anything about this country." He was among dozens to queue up one morning last week to register with officials at the Bab al-Hawa crossing many in complete disbelief. During Hassan's years of exile, Syria's landscape changed dramatically. With no say in the matter, he has just been bussed into the country's last opposition bastion of Idlib, administered since the start of the year by jihadists. His home city of Aleppo to the east has been under regime control since 2016, making it near impossible for him to return to the former rebel stronghold. "My family is in Aleppo but I can't go there," he said, looking dejected in a black jacket and baseball cap. Regime forces have detained young men in areas they have retaken with Russian backing since 2015 and forced others to join President Bashar al-Assad's army. 'They lied' Syria's eight-year conflict has killed more than 370,000 people since it started in 2011, as well as displacing millions at home and abroad. Some 3.5 million Syrian refugees live in Turkey alone, the United Nations says. Hassan used to live in Istanbul, where authorities are leading a crackdown on unregistered migrants. They have arrested 6,000 including Syrians over the past two weeks, the interior ministry said last Wednesday. Critics have raised concern over reports that hundreds of Syrian refugees have been deported, after being forced to sign consent forms in Turkish they do not understand. Hassan said he tried several times to get a temporary residency permit but was refused. "In Istanbul, they've stopped issuing them to Syrians," he said. Without the right "temporary protection" permit, he was stopped and arrested. After more than a week in jail, Hassan was presented with a wad of papers to ink with a finger, which he was told would allow him to stay in Turkey legally. "They lied to us," he said. Instead, "we were shocked when the next morning they loaded us on buses and sent us back to Syria." The crackdown has alarmed human rights campaigners. "Turkey claims it helps Syrians voluntarily return to their country, but threatening to lock them up until they agree to return, forcing them to sign forms, and dumping them in a war zone is neither voluntary nor legal," said Gerry Simpson, an associate director at Human Rights Watch. Bab al-Hawa crossing spokesman Mazen Alloush said Syrians were being deported daily. Most had tried to illegally cross the border, but others were residents sent home for not having the right papers, he said. More than 4,400 Syrians have been sent back via Bab al-Hawa this month, he said. At a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, Syria's exiled opposition said it had received assurances from Turkish authorities that Syrian "families would not be deported to Syria". But Anas Abdah, the head of the Syrian National Coalition, called on all Syrians in Turkey to settle their status with the authorities. 'No family' Inside the arrivals hall in Bab al-Hawa, Luay Mohammed, 23, said he was still in shock after being bussed back in the middle of the night. "I have no idea how I will start over" in Syria, said the young man, back in his home country for the first time in four years. After waiting in line, he finally reached his turn at the counter, leaning in to hear the official registering his details on a computer behind the perforated glass. Muhammed had been detained in Turkey's southern city of Antalya, where he worked in a restaurant, he told AFP. Around a week ago, he had rushed a friend injured in a fight with locals to the hospital on his motorbike, only to find the police waiting. "They took us to the police station," he said before they were transferred to a jail containing around 350 foreigners. "They took us back to Syria in the middle of the night," he said. Hassan said he would try to travel east to his home city of Manbij. But that too is complicated. The northern city is now under the control of a military council allied to Syria's Kurds, who are seen by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies as "terrorists". And even if he did find a job, he would be without his family. "My family isn't in Syria, two of my brothers are still in Turkey," he said.

Deported from Turkey, Syrians return to unfamiliar country

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19.

Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said. The ministry commonly uses the term "neutralised" to refer to those killed but it can also refer to those wounded or captured.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and European Union, has waged an insurgency for autonomy in Turkey`s largely Kurdish southeast since 1984. It has fighters based in northern Iraq, mainly in the Qandil region.

The Defence Ministry said it had "neutralised" a total of 255 PKK militants in operations in northern Iraq since May 27, when Ankara launched an offensive there against the PKK.

Turkey frequently launches airstrikes in the region but the latest campaign, dubbed "Operation Claw", has included artillery fire and ground operations.&nbsp;

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19. Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said.

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19. Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said. The ministry commonly uses the term "neutralised" to refer to those killed but it can also refer to those wounded or captured. The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and European Union, has waged an insurgency for autonomy in Turkey`s largely Kurdish southeast since 1984. It has fighters based in northern Iraq, mainly in the Qandil region. The Defence Ministry said it had "neutralised" a total of 255 PKK militants in operations in northern Iraq since May 27, when Ankara launched an offensive there against the PKK. Turkey frequently launches airstrikes in the region but the latest campaign, dubbed "Operation Claw", has included artillery fire and ground operations.

Turkey says it 'neutralised' 34 PKK militants in air strikes on July 17-19

The first shipment of Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-expresses-disappointment-over-turkeys-acquisition-of-russian-s-400-missiles-237351">S-400 defence systems</a> to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday.

Turkey began accepting delivery of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-concerned-by-turkeys-acquisition-of-russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-235300">S-400s earlier this month </a>in a move that has strained ties with its NATO ally, the United States.

In response, Washington suspended Ankara from the F-35 jet programme over security concerns and has warned of possible US sanctions, but Turkey has so far dismissed the warnings.

On Thursday, the officials said Turkey was still engaged in talks with US officials to procure the Patriot defence system, which Washington had offered as an alternative to the S-400s.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

They also said France would deploy one SAMP-T battery, a missile defence system developed by the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium, along the southern Turkish border.

"If the United States portrays an adversarial attitude towards us, we will take retaliatory measures, as we've told them. This is not a threat or a bluff," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber.

"We are not a country that will bow down to those who show a animosity towards Turkey," he said, reiterating a threat of retaliation that Turkey made last month.

Cavusoglu added that he did not expect the US administration to take such action.

"Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey and he frequently says that his administration and the previous U.S. administration is also responsible for Turkey not being able to buy Patriot systems. This is true," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey, like other partners in the F-35 programme, was part of the manufacturing supply chain for the high-tech jet aircraft, producing some 900 parts. A U.S. official said it would cost some $500 million to $600 million to shift F-35 manufacturing from Turkey.

Separately, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate, as saying that Russia and Turkey were in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey.

The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday.

The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday. Turkey began accepting delivery of the S-400s earlier this month in a move that has strained ties with its NATO ally, the United States. In response, Washington suspended Ankara from the F-35 jet programme over security concerns and has warned of possible US sanctions, but Turkey has so far dismissed the warnings. On Thursday, the officials said Turkey was still engaged in talks with US officials to procure the Patriot defence system, which Washington had offered as an alternative to the S-400s. They also said France would deploy one SAMP-T battery, a missile defence system developed by the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium, along the southern Turkish border. "If the United States portrays an adversarial attitude towards us, we will take retaliatory measures, as we've told them. This is not a threat or a bluff," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber. "We are not a country that will bow down to those who show a animosity towards Turkey," he said, reiterating a threat of retaliation that Turkey made last month. Cavusoglu added that he did not expect the US administration to take such action. "Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey and he frequently says that his administration and the previous U.S. administration is also responsible for Turkey not being able to buy Patriot systems. This is true," Cavusoglu said. Turkey, like other partners in the F-35 programme, was part of the manufacturing supply chain for the high-tech jet aircraft, producing some 900 parts. A U.S. official said it would cost some $500 million to $600 million to shift F-35 manufacturing from Turkey. Separately, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate, as saying that Russia and Turkey were in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey.

First shipment of Russian S-400 missile defence system completed, second planned: Turkey

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>.

The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-removing-turkey-from-f-35-programme-after-its-russian-missile-defence-purchase-236770">purchase of the S-400 system</a> -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now".

But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme -&nbsp;a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors.

The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber.

"When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States."

It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector.

But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress.&nbsp;

"That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber.

He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets.&nbsp;

"If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. &nbsp;

"We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 system -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now". But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme - a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors. The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400. Watch Video: "Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber. "When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States." It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector. But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress. "That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber. He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets. "If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. "We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.

If US doesn't give F-35 planes, will get it from another country: Turkey foreign minister Cavusoglu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/for-turkey-xinjiang-visit-amounts-to-a-risky-gamble-234168">Turkey</a> on Thursday slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a>` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations.

"Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added.

The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US.

"The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read.

However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries.

"As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying. Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added. The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US. "The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read. However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries. "As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey slams USA's decision to remove it from F-35 program

The United States has removed Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet program, this comes a day after Turkey received first delivery of S-400 missile defense system from Russian. Watch this video to know more.

US: Turkey can't have both S-400 and F-35

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported.

Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

The agency said the migrants had entered Turkey illegally but the nationalities of the victims was not immediately known.

The governor said there were 67 people on board the minibus which he said had a capacity of 17 to 18 people. Bilmez was quoted by DHA earlier saying the death toll was 15.

Sixteen of the victims were migrants and another was the minibus driver, DHA said.

Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran.

The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT.

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez. The agency said the migrants had entered Turkey illegally but the nationalities of the victims was not immediately known. The governor said there were 67 people on board the minibus which he said had a capacity of 17 to 18 people. Bilmez was quoted by DHA earlier saying the death toll was 15. Sixteen of the victims were migrants and another was the minibus driver, DHA said. Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran. The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT.

Minibus with migrants overturns in Turkey killing 17

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 18th, 2019

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