Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-amid-west-asia-tensions-272497">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region.

"He (Qureshi) will visit Riyadh on January 13 to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-appeals-for-calm-after-killing-of-iranian-general-qasem-soleimani-272563">Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud</a> and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability," a Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted by The Express Tribune, as saying on Saturday.

The spokesperson said that Qureshi will meet his Iranian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Javad Zarif</a> in Tehran and exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East region.

Qureshi has already spoken to his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, will undertake the visits on the direction of Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-slammed-by-syed-akbaruddin-for-sharing-a-seven-years-old-fake-video-272024">Imran Khan</a>.

This visit comes in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike ordered by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Donald Trump</a> at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.

Iran retailated by firing dozens of missiles at two US-led coalition bases in Iraq. However, no casualties were reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/qasem-soleimani-and-irans-plan-to-dominate-iraq-273471">Soleimani</a>'s death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since US President Donald Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will embark on a visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on January 13 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East region. "He (Qureshi) will visit Riyadh on January 13 to hold talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and consult on the issues of regional peace and stability," a Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted by The Express Tribune, as saying on Saturday. The spokesperson said that Qureshi will meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Tehran and exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East region. Qureshi has already spoken to his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, will undertake the visits on the direction of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. This visit comes in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions after Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. Iran retailated by firing dozens of missiles at two US-led coalition bases in Iraq. However, no casualties were reported. Soleimani's death marked a dramatic escalation in tension between the US and Iran, which has often been at a fever pitch since US President Donald Trump, in 2018, chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from the 2015 nuclear pact the world powers had struck with Tehran.

Pakistan foreign minister to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia to discuss developments in Middle East

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

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

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

Turkey asks Russia to convince Libyan general to accept truce

The foreign ministers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-most-prolific-rapist-convicted-of-150-offences-272720">Britain</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-government-seeks-to-end-unrest-by-resuming-pension-talks-272609">France</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-germans-killed-as-car-hits-pedestrians-in-northern-italy-272318">Germany and Italy</a> along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.

The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal.

The situation in Libya, where strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-people-killed-in-libya-military-academy-attack-in-tripoli-272302">Khalifa Haftar</a>'s forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda.

The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-of-qasim-soleimani-what-we-know-so-far-272653">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya.

"The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said.

<a>Watch</a>: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey

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"The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;

"The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal."

Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced.

&nbsp;

Targeted killing

European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018.

But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern.

The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves.

In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill

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The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis.

The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources. The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal. The situation in Libya, where strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda. The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday. British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya. "The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said. Watch: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey × "The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal. "The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal." Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced. Targeted killing European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018. But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern. The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves. In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill × The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis. The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.

UK, French, German, Italian FMs meeting on Iran, Libya

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Nissan</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Carlos Ghosn</a> jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies.

The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions.

Citing people involved in the investigation,&nbsp;Nippon Television Network&nbsp;(NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29.

He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said.

He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Beirut</a>.

Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29.

But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery.

The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan.

"It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday.

"I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">Turkey</a> as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe.

Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets.&nbsp;

"Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters.

"The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents

A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters.

Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter."

Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape. The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies. The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions. Citing people involved in the investigation, Nippon Television Network (NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29. He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said. He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to Beirut. Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29. But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery. The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan. "It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday. "I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin. The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe. Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets. "Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters. "The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets. Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters. Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter." Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn reportedly escaped Tokyo on public bullet train

Turkish&nbsp;Foreign Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces&nbsp;killed the Iranian military commander the previous week.

Since the US&nbsp;killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-countries-in-west-asia-amid-us-iran-tensions-272367">Qasem Soleimani</a>, Tehran's most prominent military commander, Cavusoglu said he has held phone calls with his Iranian and US&nbsp;counterparts to discuss it.

Asked if Turkey would be open to mediate between Tehran and Washington, Cavusoglu said Turkey would support any steps to ease tensions in the region. "We will continue to work with other countries to solve this problem or de-escalate tensions in the coming days," he said.

The issue of Iran-US&nbsp;tensions would be on the agenda during Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Vladimir Putin's</a> visit to Turkey on Wednesday, he said, adding President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Tayyip Erdogan</a> had discussed the issue with Iranian, French, Iraqi and Qatari counterparts.

"Our common concern is Iraq turning into a conflict zone for other, third-party countries. This is a very serious risk for Iraq and our region," Cavusoglu said. "Therefore, we will continue to do whatever we can to reduce the cycle of violence."

The United States last week killed Soleimani, the architect of Iran's growing influence in the Middle East, in an overnight attack in Baghdad authorized by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Donald Trump</a>.

Watch:&nbsp;Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

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Iran has promised vengeance and on Friday condemned Trump as a "terrorist in a suit."

Iraq's parliament called on Sunday for the US&nbsp;and other foreign military forces to leave amid a growing backlash against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Soleimani's killing</a>, which has heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Cavusoglu said the parliament's decision was not binding, adding that Erdogan had urged his Iraqi counterpart to act with reason.

"The killing of Soleimani didn't just shift the balances in Iraq, it also did so in Iran. This may lead to radical groups gaining strength," he said.

Cavusoglu said he had also discussed the issue with his Russian, British, Qatari and Pakistani counterparts, and with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces killed the Iranian military commander the previous week.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that Turkey will put in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and had been in contact with both parties after the US forces killed the Iranian military commander the previous week. Since the US killing of Qasem Soleimani, Tehran's most prominent military commander, Cavusoglu said he has held phone calls with his Iranian and US counterparts to discuss it. Asked if Turkey would be open to mediate between Tehran and Washington, Cavusoglu said Turkey would support any steps to ease tensions in the region. "We will continue to work with other countries to solve this problem or de-escalate tensions in the coming days," he said. The issue of Iran-US tensions would be on the agenda during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey on Wednesday, he said, adding President Tayyip Erdogan had discussed the issue with Iranian, French, Iraqi and Qatari counterparts. "Our common concern is Iraq turning into a conflict zone for other, third-party countries. This is a very serious risk for Iraq and our region," Cavusoglu said. "Therefore, we will continue to do whatever we can to reduce the cycle of violence." The United States last week killed Soleimani, the architect of Iran's growing influence in the Middle East, in an overnight attack in Baghdad authorized by President Donald Trump. Watch: Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran × Iran has promised vengeance and on Friday condemned Trump as a "terrorist in a suit." Iraq's parliament called on Sunday for the US and other foreign military forces to leave amid a growing backlash against the Soleimani's killing, which has heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Cavusoglu said the parliament's decision was not binding, adding that Erdogan had urged his Iraqi counterpart to act with reason. "The killing of Soleimani didn't just shift the balances in Iraq, it also did so in Iran. This may lead to radical groups gaining strength," he said. Cavusoglu said he had also discussed the issue with his Russian, British, Qatari and Pakistani counterparts, and with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu: Turkey in touch to ease tensions between with Iran and US

Members of the Tobruk-based Libyan House of Representatives HoR voted on January 4 to reject an agreement between the UN-backed Libyan National Accord government of PM Fayez Serraj and Turkish government that would see Turkish troops sent to the country. #WION #Libya #Turkey

East Libya to cut ties with Turkey

Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar said on January 3 a national war was being fuelled in his country by Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who he called a "deranged Turkish sultan". #WION #Libya #KhalifaHaftar

Libya: Militia group issues call to Jihad

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that will allow the government to deploy troops to Libya to intervene in the civil war. #Turkey #TurkeyMilitarybill

Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground.

President Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling party's alliance has a majority but faces opposition to the plan in parliament, said last week Turkey would deploy troops in Libya to support Fayez al-Serraj's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

The GNA has requested Turkish support as it fights off an offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in the country's east that is backed by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan.

Analysts and officials say Ankara is unlikely to immediately send troops, but rather military advisers and equipment.

A senior Turkish official said last week Turkey may train Libyan soldiers in Turkey, and Reuters reported that Ankara is also considering sending allied Syrian fighters to Tripoli as part of the planned military support.

On Wednesday, Vice President Fuat Oktay said the bill served a symbolic role that Ankara hoped would be a "deterrent" to the parties, and that Turkey may not send troops if Haftar's forces halted their offensive and pulled back.

"The deployment will likely start with military advisers, increased (drones), and special operations that would work with the Libyan military," said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is chairman of the think-tank Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies.

"The hope would be that the Turkish military may not itself be involved in military action," he said.

Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist allies are expected to back the legislation on Thursday despite opposition from the other major parties that say military support would cause Libya's conflict to spread across the region and endanger Turkey's safety.

Ankara signed a military cooperation accord with Tripoli in November and has said it would help prevent Libya sliding into "chaos." It is also meant to protect Turkish private investment in Libya and bolster Turkey's offshore energy claims in the Mediterranean.

But it could also put Turkey at odds with the other foreign players in Libya's war and in the region. The Arab League is the latest to warn against the deployment of foreign fighters in the North African country.

"Ankara sees its involvement in Libya as a symbol of its new status as a regional power," said Asli Aydintasbas, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "The idea is, to be at the big table, you need to be present on the ground."

Ankara has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a U.N. report seen by Reuters.

Better drones from Turkey could help the GNA.

The U.N. said Haftar's Chinese-made drones, which were provided by the UAE and have a broad range, flew 800 air strikes until November, while the GNA's Turkish-made drones carried out 200.

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground.

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground. President Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling party's alliance has a majority but faces opposition to the plan in parliament, said last week Turkey would deploy troops in Libya to support Fayez al-Serraj's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA has requested Turkish support as it fights off an offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in the country's east that is backed by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. Analysts and officials say Ankara is unlikely to immediately send troops, but rather military advisers and equipment. A senior Turkish official said last week Turkey may train Libyan soldiers in Turkey, and Reuters reported that Ankara is also considering sending allied Syrian fighters to Tripoli as part of the planned military support. On Wednesday, Vice President Fuat Oktay said the bill served a symbolic role that Ankara hoped would be a "deterrent" to the parties, and that Turkey may not send troops if Haftar's forces halted their offensive and pulled back. "The deployment will likely start with military advisers, increased (drones), and special operations that would work with the Libyan military," said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is chairman of the think-tank Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies. "The hope would be that the Turkish military may not itself be involved in military action," he said. Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist allies are expected to back the legislation on Thursday despite opposition from the other major parties that say military support would cause Libya's conflict to spread across the region and endanger Turkey's safety. Ankara signed a military cooperation accord with Tripoli in November and has said it would help prevent Libya sliding into "chaos." It is also meant to protect Turkish private investment in Libya and bolster Turkey's offshore energy claims in the Mediterranean. But it could also put Turkey at odds with the other foreign players in Libya's war and in the region. The Arab League is the latest to warn against the deployment of foreign fighters in the North African country. "Ankara sees its involvement in Libya as a symbol of its new status as a regional power," said Asli Aydintasbas, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "The idea is, to be at the big table, you need to be present on the ground." Ankara has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a U.N. report seen by Reuters. Better drones from Turkey could help the GNA. The U.N. said Haftar's Chinese-made drones, which were provided by the UAE and have a broad range, flew 800 air strikes until November, while the GNA's Turkish-made drones carried out 200.

Turkey to back Libya deployment bill but troops unlikely for now

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday (January 2) that up to 250,000 migrants were fleeing from the northwestern Syrian region of Idlib towards Turkey, adding that Ankara was trying to prevent them from crossing its border.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-2-3-million-syrian-refugees-in-turkey-europe-can-be-resettled-in-safe-zone-250434">Erdogan says 2-3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, Europe can be resettled in 'safe zone'</a>

Turkey hosts some 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the largest refugee population in the world. It fears a new wave from Idlib, where up to 3 million Syrians live in the last rebel-held swathe of territory after Russian and Syrian government forces last month intensified their bombardment of targets in the region.

Watch:&nbsp;

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"Right now, 200,000 to 250,000 migrants are moving towards our borders. We are trying to prevent them with some measures, but it's not easy," Erdogan told a conference in Ankara.

The United Nations last week said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in just two weeks between Dec 12 and 25.&nbsp;

The Russian-led campaign that started in April 2019 had already forced at least 500,000 people to leave for areas closer to the border with Turkey, which Russian jets rarely hit.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday (January 2) that up to 250,000 migrants were fleeing from the northwestern Syrian region of Idlib towards Turkey, adding that Ankara was trying to prevent them from crossing its border.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday (January 2) that up to 250,000 migrants were fleeing from the northwestern Syrian region of Idlib towards Turkey, adding that Ankara was trying to prevent them from crossing its border. Also read: Erdogan says 2-3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, Europe can be resettled in 'safe zone' Turkey hosts some 3.7 million Syrian refugees, the largest refugee population in the world. It fears a new wave from Idlib, where up to 3 million Syrians live in the last rebel-held swathe of territory after Russian and Syrian government forces last month intensified their bombardment of targets in the region. Watch: "Right now, 200,000 to 250,000 migrants are moving towards our borders. We are trying to prevent them with some measures, but it's not easy," Erdogan told a conference in Ankara. The United Nations last week said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in just two weeks between Dec 12 and 25. The Russian-led campaign that started in April 2019 had already forced at least 500,000 people to leave for areas closer to the border with Turkey, which Russian jets rarely hit.

250,000 migrants fleeing from Syria's Idlib towards Turkey: Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish authorities on Monday arrested over 100 suspected members of the Islamic State group, local media reported.

According to the report, 147 suspected members including dozens of Iraqis and Syrians, have been arrested.

They were detained across nine provinces in recent days, including Ankara, Bursa and Batman, Anadolu said.&nbsp;

There were 24 arrests in Istanbul on Monday, which followed 20 similar arrests in the city last week.&nbsp;

Turkey has stepped up raids on IS militants in recent months and pushed to repatriate them to their countries of origin.

Turkey was accused of allowing foreign jihadists to pass easily across its border in the early years of the Syrian conflict.&nbsp;

But it took a much tougher response after a spate of IS attacks in 2015 and 2016 that decimated the tourism industry, culminating in a massacre at an Istanbul nightclub celebrating the 2017 New Year in which 39 people died.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish authorities on Monday arrested over 100 suspected members of the Islamic State group, local media reported. According to the report, 147 suspected members including dozens of Iraqis and Syrians, have been arrested.

Turkish authorities on Monday arrested over 100 suspected members of the Islamic State group, local media reported. According to the report, 147 suspected members including dozens of Iraqis and Syrians, have been arrested. They were detained across nine provinces in recent days, including Ankara, Bursa and Batman, Anadolu said. There were 24 arrests in Istanbul on Monday, which followed 20 similar arrests in the city last week. Turkey has stepped up raids on IS militants in recent months and pushed to repatriate them to their countries of origin. Turkey was accused of allowing foreign jihadists to pass easily across its border in the early years of the Syrian conflict. But it took a much tougher response after a spate of IS attacks in 2015 and 2016 that decimated the tourism industry, culminating in a massacre at an Istanbul nightclub celebrating the 2017 New Year in which 39 people died. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-evacuate-wounded-after-deadly-mogadishu-blast-270851">devastating bombing that killed 79 people</a> and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint.

"The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport.

No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government.

Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people.

Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available".

At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital.

The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital.

Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase.

"There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists.

"We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added.

The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia.

Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country.

"There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said.

'Life-threatening injuries'

Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport.&nbsp;

Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast.

"The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said.&nbsp;

"Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well."

Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home.

Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity. The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint. "The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport. No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government. Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people. Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available". At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital. The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital. Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase. "There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists. "We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added. The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia. Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country. "There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said. 'Life-threatening injuries' Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport. Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast. "The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said. "Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well." Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home. Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

Turkish military plane evacuates Somalia bomb victims

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.&nbsp;

The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Syrian regime</a> ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib.

President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

"We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account.

"We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said.

His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday.

Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday.

"We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu.&nbsp;

He said Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Damascus ally Russia</a> to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib.

The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar.

Around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-and-syrian-protesters-hold-anti-russia-rally-in-istanbul-270797">300 protesters</a> -&nbsp;mostly Syrians living in Turkey -&nbsp; held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Libya timetable&nbsp;

Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army.&nbsp;

"The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month.

Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria.

Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday.

The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said.

Turkey will not withdraw from its observation posts in the Syrian rebel bastion province of Idlib which has seen an increase in violence carried out by regime forces supported by Russian airstrikes, the defence minister said. The posts were established under a September 2018 deal between Syrian regime ally Moscow and Ankara, which backs the rebels, to avert an all-out Syrian government onslaught in Idlib. President Bashar al-Assad's forces surrounded one of 12 Turkish observation posts in Idlib province on Monday after overrunning nearby areas in a push to take the last opposition holdout, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "We respect the agreement reached with Russia and we expect Russia to abide by this agreement," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in comments published on Sunday on the defence ministry's Twitter account. "We will by no means empty those 12 observation posts, we will not leave there," Akar said. His comments came during a visit, together with top army commanders, to the southern province of Hatay on the Syrian border to inspect Turkish troops on Saturday. Turkey, worried over a new wave of refugees from the Idlib region, is pressing for a fresh ceasefire deal, as it sent a delegation to Moscow on Monday. "We are doing what's needed to put an end to this massacre," Akar was quoted as saying by the official news agency Anadolu. He said Ankara expected Damascus ally Russia to "use its influence on the regime in order to stop ground and air assault" in Idlib. The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. The Idlib region hosts some three million people including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. "As long as this pressure remains in place, it will trigger a new migrant wave and put further burden on Turkey which is already hosting nearly four million Syrian brothers," said Akar. Around 300 protesters - mostly Syrians living in Turkey - held an anti-Moscow demonstration near the Russian consulate in Istanbul on Saturday against the intensified attacks in Idlib, shouting "murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Libya timetable Akar's visit to soldiers on the border region comes as Turkey is also readying to send troops to support the UN-recognised government in Tripoli against strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army. "The Turkish Armed Forces are ready for whatever task is given in order to protect our country and people's interests," Akar said. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said Ankara would respond to an invitation from the Libyan national unity government and that the Turkish parliament would vote on a motion to send troops as soon as it returns from recess as early as next month. Ankara signed in November a security and military cooperation deal with the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) but in order to send troops, parliament needs to vote through motion as it does for Iraq and Syria. Anadolu news agency, citing sources in Erdogan's ruling party, reported that the timetable could be brought forward and the motion could be presented to the parliamentary speaker's office on Monday. The General Assembly could vote the measure in an extraordinary session on Thursday, it said. Parliament is due to return from recess on January 7.

Will not withdraw from army posts in Syria's Idlib: Turkey

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-90-people-killed-in-mogadishu-checkpoint-blast-report-270759">killed at least 90 people</a> including two Turkish nationals.

The plane also brought emergency medical staff and supplies, according to a tweet from the Turkish embassy, adding there&nbsp;had been transferred to a Turkish-run hospital in Mogadishu.

Somali Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye told state media that 10 badly injured Somalis would be evacuated to Turkey. He added that Turkey had sent 24 doctors to treat those wounded who could not be evacuated.

Since a 2011 famine in Somalia, Turkey has been a leading aid provider to the country as Ankara seeks to boost its influence in the strategic Horn of Africa in competition with Gulf rivals like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-kuwait-signed-an-agreement-to-resume-joint-oil-output-270025">Saudi Arabia</a> and the United Arab Emirates.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured

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Saturday’s blast, at a busy checkpoint during rush hour in Mogadishu, was the deadliest in war-torn Somalia in more than two years. No-one immediately claimed responsibility, although the city’s mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab.

The dead included many students from a university in the city, authorities said.

A Reuters witness at Mogadishu airport saw 10 injured Somalis and the bodies of two dead Turks loaded on the plane.

The bombing was the 20th vehicle-borne explosives attack of 2019 in Somalia and the year is ending with more deaths from such attacks than 2018, according to the Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based security-think tank.

Grieving families on Sunday arranged burials and funerals for their loved ones, having endured the anguish of identifying charred corpses and body fragments at the blast site and at hospitals around the city.&nbsp;

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that killed at least 90 people including two Turkish nationals.

A Turkish military cargo plane landed in the Somali capital on Sunday to evacuate people badly wounded in a devastating truck bombing in the city a day earlier that killed at least 90 people including two Turkish nationals. The plane also brought emergency medical staff and supplies, according to a tweet from the Turkish embassy, adding there had been transferred to a Turkish-run hospital in Mogadishu. Somali Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye told state media that 10 badly injured Somalis would be evacuated to Turkey. He added that Turkey had sent 24 doctors to treat those wounded who could not be evacuated. Since a 2011 famine in Somalia, Turkey has been a leading aid provider to the country as Ankara seeks to boost its influence in the strategic Horn of Africa in competition with Gulf rivals like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Also Watch: Bomb blast at busy Mogadishu checkpoint claim lives of more that 90, dozens injured × Saturday’s blast, at a busy checkpoint during rush hour in Mogadishu, was the deadliest in war-torn Somalia in more than two years. No-one immediately claimed responsibility, although the city’s mayor blamed al Qaeda-linked Islamist group al Shabaab. The dead included many students from a university in the city, authorities said. A Reuters witness at Mogadishu airport saw 10 injured Somalis and the bodies of two dead Turks loaded on the plane. The bombing was the 20th vehicle-borne explosives attack of 2019 in Somalia and the year is ending with more deaths from such attacks than 2018, according to the Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based security-think tank. Grieving families on Sunday arranged burials and funerals for their loved ones, having endured the anguish of identifying charred corpses and body fragments at the blast site and at hospitals around the city.

Turkey to evacuate wounded after deadly Mogadishu blast

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-230000-people-flee-idlib-in-two-week-russian-backed-offensive-united-nations-270765">Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib</a>.&nbsp;

The protesters -- mostly Syrians living in Turkey -- gathered close to the Russian consulate in Istanbul, shouting "Murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Since mid-December, regime forces and their Russian allies have heightened bombardment on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war.

The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

Protesters in Istanbul, including women with their children, held pictures of victims of the attacks, while some brandished a banner that read: "Russia is killing our people and children and the world is not doing anything."

"What does Russia want from us? Kids, wives are dying. People are dying," Syrian demonstrator Ahmed Marwan, 24, told AFP. &nbsp;

"We aren't terrorists, we are humans. We came to this country to live. Leaving your homeland isn't easy but we live in this pain. Enough already."

Turkey is home to around five million refugees, among which 3.7 million are Syrians.

"We are here to protest this massacre going on in Syria," Turkish protester Gulden Sonmez said.

"Here I also want to make this call to Russia, and especially Bashar al-Assad... anyone who is responsible for this massacre, all of them have to be judged and pay for these war crimes in the name of humanity," she added.&nbsp;

Turkish police blocked the group from walking to the consulate in the busy Istiklal Street, but instead allowed a small group to unfurl a banner that read: "More than 30,000 children killed by Russia and Assad regime."

The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the Idlib region, which hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria.&nbsp;

Alarmed by a new wave of refugees near its border, Turkey this week sent a delegation to Moscow in a bid to press for a fresh ceasefire deal.

Erdogan has already warned Europe that Turkey could not handle a new wave of Syrian refugees fleeing the increased bombardment in Idlib.&nbsp;

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib.

Several hundred Turkish and Syrian protesters held an anti-Russia demonstration in Istanbul on Saturday against intensified Russian and regime bombardment in Syria's rebel bastion of Idlib. The protesters -- mostly Syrians living in Turkey -- gathered close to the Russian consulate in Istanbul, shouting "Murderer Putin, get out of Syria!", referring to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since mid-December, regime forces and their Russian allies have heightened bombardment on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war. The latest violence has displaced more than 235,000 people and killed scores of civilians, despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. Protesters in Istanbul, including women with their children, held pictures of victims of the attacks, while some brandished a banner that read: "Russia is killing our people and children and the world is not doing anything." "What does Russia want from us? Kids, wives are dying. People are dying," Syrian demonstrator Ahmed Marwan, 24, told AFP. "We aren't terrorists, we are humans. We came to this country to live. Leaving your homeland isn't easy but we live in this pain. Enough already." Turkey is home to around five million refugees, among which 3.7 million are Syrians. "We are here to protest this massacre going on in Syria," Turkish protester Gulden Sonmez said. "Here I also want to make this call to Russia, and especially Bashar al-Assad... anyone who is responsible for this massacre, all of them have to be judged and pay for these war crimes in the name of humanity," she added. Turkish police blocked the group from walking to the consulate in the busy Istiklal Street, but instead allowed a small group to unfurl a banner that read: "More than 30,000 children killed by Russia and Assad regime." The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 percent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the Idlib region, which hosts some three million people, including many displaced by years of violence in other parts of Syria. Alarmed by a new wave of refugees near its border, Turkey this week sent a delegation to Moscow in a bid to press for a fresh ceasefire deal. Erdogan has already warned Europe that Turkey could not handle a new wave of Syrian refugees fleeing the increased bombardment in Idlib.

Scores in Turkey protest Russia over Idlib assault

A foreign cargo ship ran aground in Istanbul's Bosphorus strait on Friday, requiring a rescue operation and prompting authorities to temporarily close the picturesque and crowded waterway running through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-send-troops-to-libya-at-tripolis-request-270402">Turkey</a>'s largest city.

There were no injuries or casualties, the governor's office said, adding that the ship had reported engine failure shortly before its grounding near the shore.

There was no damage to the concrete walkway running along the shore, Reuters witnesses said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bosphorus-strait-of-istanbul-turns-from-blue-to-turquoise-273">Bosphorus</a>, among the world's busiest shipping routes, was temporarily closed to international traffic as boats towed the vessel south towards the Sea of Marmara.

The Liberian-flagged Songa Iridum had come from Ukraine's Odessa and was headed for Istanbul's port of Ambarli, according to Refinitiv Eikon shipping data. Shipping agency GAC said the rescue work had been completed on the vessel.

Such accidents are rare on the Bosphorus, which is vital to Russia and other Black Sea states for shipping and some naval passage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> has warned about such accidents as he has revived plans in recent weeks to dig a massive canal on the western fringes of Istanbul to ease traffic on the Bosphorus.

The city's new mayor, environmentalists and hundreds of petitioners oppose the Kanal Istanbul plan.

A foreign cargo ship ran aground in Istanbul's Bosphorus strait on Friday, requiring a rescue operation and prompting authorities to temporarily close the picturesque and crowded waterway running through Turkey's largest city.

A foreign cargo ship ran aground in Istanbul's Bosphorus strait on Friday, requiring a rescue operation and prompting authorities to temporarily close the picturesque and crowded waterway running through Turkey's largest city. There were no injuries or casualties, the governor's office said, adding that the ship had reported engine failure shortly before its grounding near the shore. There was no damage to the concrete walkway running along the shore, Reuters witnesses said. The Bosphorus, among the world's busiest shipping routes, was temporarily closed to international traffic as boats towed the vessel south towards the Sea of Marmara. The Liberian-flagged Songa Iridum had come from Ukraine's Odessa and was headed for Istanbul's port of Ambarli, according to Refinitiv Eikon shipping data. Shipping agency GAC said the rescue work had been completed on the vessel. Such accidents are rare on the Bosphorus, which is vital to Russia and other Black Sea states for shipping and some naval passage. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has warned about such accidents as he has revived plans in recent weeks to dig a massive canal on the western fringes of Istanbul to ease traffic on the Bosphorus. The city's new mayor, environmentalists and hundreds of petitioners oppose the Kanal Istanbul plan.

Cargo ship runs aground in Istanbul's Bosphorus strait

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-seek-accountability-on-khashoggi-no-matter-how-high-it-goes-270052">Turkey</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;send&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;at the&nbsp;request&nbsp;of Tripoli as soon as next month, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>&nbsp;said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions.

Libya's internationally recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-war-all-we-want-is-to-live-in-dignity-says-homeless-mohammed-270106">Government of National Accord</a> (GNA) has been fending off a months-long offensive by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-drone-shot-down-by-russian-air-defences-near-libyan-capital-266794">General Khalifa Haftar's</a> forces in eastern&nbsp;Libya, which have been supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Last month, Ankara signed two separate accords with the GNA, led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Fayez al-Serraj</a>, one on security and military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.

"Since there is an invitation (from&nbsp;Libya) right now, we will accept it,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;told members of his AK Party in a speech. "We will put the bill on&nbsp;sending&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on the agenda as soon as parliament opens."

The legislation would pass around January&nbsp;8-9, he said, opening the door to deployment.

However, it was unclear what specific invitation&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;was referring to, as the interior minister in the Tripoli-based government, Fathi Bashagha, suggested in comments to reporters in Tunis that no such official&nbsp;request&nbsp;had yet been made.

"If the situation escalates and then we have the right to defend Tripoli and its residents... we will submit an official&nbsp;request&nbsp;to the Turkish government to support us militarily so we expel the ghost of mercenary forces," Bashagha said on Thursday.

For weeks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-seek-accountability-on-khashoggi-no-matter-how-high-it-goes-270052">Ankara</a> has flagged the possibility of a military mission in&nbsp;Libya, which would further stretch its armed forces less than three months after it launched an incursion into northeastern Syria against a Kurdish militia.

Turkey&nbsp;has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a UN&nbsp;report seen last month.

The Tripoli government and Haftar's forces were not immediately available for reaction to&nbsp;Erdogan's comments.

Erdogan&nbsp;visited Tunisia on Wednesday to discuss cooperation for a possible ceasefire in neighbouring&nbsp;Libya. On Thursday, he said&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and Tunisia had agreed to support the GNA.

Moscow has voiced concerns over a possible Turkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-approves-libya-military-deal-269504">military deployment</a> to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;in support of the GNA.&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has said&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;will not stay silent over mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner group supporting Haftar.

"Russia is there with 2,000 Wagner (fighters),"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said on Thursday, also referring to some 5,000 fighters from Sudan in&nbsp;Libya. "Is the official government inviting them? No."

"They are all helping a war baron (Haftar), whereas we are accepting an invitation from the legitimate government of the country. That is our difference," he added.

Haftar's eastern-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eastern-libyan-force-warns-against-transporting-military-equipment-in-civilian-planes-269619">Libyan National Army</a> has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal.

Turkish and Russian officials held talks in Moscow this week to seek a compromise on the issues of both&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;and Syria. Russia's Vedomosti said on Thursday the discussions had lasted much longer than the expected three days.

In Syria, Russia is an ally of Syrian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">President Bashar al-Assad</a> while&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has backed rebels seeking his ouster during the more than eight-year civil war. The latest talks follow reports that Russian-backed attacks were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards&nbsp;Turkey.

Turkey&nbsp;has also been ramping up efforts to strike deals with nations around the Mediterranean, where Ankara has been at loggerheads with Greece over resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

Turkey will send troops to Libya at the request of Tripoli as soon as next month, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions.

Turkey will send troops to Libya at the request of Tripoli as soon as next month, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions. Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has been fending off a months-long offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in eastern Libya, which have been supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Last month, Ankara signed two separate accords with the GNA, led by Fayez al-Serraj, one on security and military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. "Since there is an invitation (from Libya) right now, we will accept it," Erdogan told members of his AK Party in a speech. "We will put the bill on sending troops to Libya on the agenda as soon as parliament opens." The legislation would pass around January 8-9, he said, opening the door to deployment. However, it was unclear what specific invitation Erdogan was referring to, as the interior minister in the Tripoli-based government, Fathi Bashagha, suggested in comments to reporters in Tunis that no such official request had yet been made. "If the situation escalates and then we have the right to defend Tripoli and its residents... we will submit an official request to the Turkish government to support us militarily so we expel the ghost of mercenary forces," Bashagha said on Thursday. For weeks Ankara has flagged the possibility of a military mission in Libya, which would further stretch its armed forces less than three months after it launched an incursion into northeastern Syria against a Kurdish militia. Turkey has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a UN report seen last month. The Tripoli government and Haftar's forces were not immediately available for reaction to Erdogan's comments. Erdogan visited Tunisia on Wednesday to discuss cooperation for a possible ceasefire in neighbouring Libya. On Thursday, he said Turkey and Tunisia had agreed to support the GNA. Moscow has voiced concerns over a possible Turkish military deployment to Libya in support of the GNA. Erdogan has said Turkey will not stay silent over mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner group supporting Haftar. "Russia is there with 2,000 Wagner (fighters)," Erdogan said on Thursday, also referring to some 5,000 fighters from Sudan in Libya. "Is the official government inviting them? No." "They are all helping a war baron (Haftar), whereas we are accepting an invitation from the legitimate government of the country. That is our difference," he added. Haftar's eastern-based Libyan National Army has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal. Turkish and Russian officials held talks in Moscow this week to seek a compromise on the issues of both Libya and Syria. Russia's Vedomosti said on Thursday the discussions had lasted much longer than the expected three days. In Syria, Russia is an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while Turkey has backed rebels seeking his ouster during the more than eight-year civil war. The latest talks follow reports that Russian-backed attacks were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey. Turkey has also been ramping up efforts to strike deals with nations around the Mediterranean, where Ankara has been at loggerheads with Greece over resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

Turkey to send troops to Libya at Tripoli's request

Russian aircrafts pounded<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-russian-airstrikes-kill-8-civilians-in-idlib-including-5-children-270040"> northwest Syria </a>killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost.

The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib.

The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-syrian-army-gains-ground-in-idlib-surrounds-turkish-army-post-270045/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes".

Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks.

"The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said.

Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side."

"We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. &nbsp;

Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed.

UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday. Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost. The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib. The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase. Watch Video: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes". Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks. "The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said. Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side." "We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed. UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian planes pound Idlib area as Turkey, France call for de-escalation

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey.

Turkey already hosts about 3.7 million Syrians - the world's biggest refugee population. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday it could not handle a new influx and was urging Russia to stop the strikes in Syria's northwestern Idlib province.

The Turkey-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said on Monday 120,000 Syrians were fleeing towards the Turkish border - higher than Erdogan's estimate of 80,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-objects-to-malaysias-un-submission-on-south-china-sea-scmp-268661">UN</a>&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the hostilities, which he said had displaced 30,000 people in the last week alone, his spokesman said.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">Idlib region</a>, the last significant area of Syria still under rebel control after 8-1/2 years of civil war.

Russia and Iran have supported Assad's forces during the Syrian conflict while Turkey has backed Syrian rebels fighting Assad.

Russian and Syrian army jets have been targeting civilian convoys trying to flee the Idlib city of Maarat al-Numan, leaving hundreds of families still trapped there, activists and aid groups have said.

"It's a tragic situation for civilians remaining in the city since Russian jets are hitting any convoy that leaves the city, while those who were able to reach areas closer to the border have nowhere to shelter," said Mohamad Rasheed, an activist in the area.

&nbsp;

LIBYA ALSO IN FOCUS

The Syrian army said on Monday it had fought fierce battles in southeastern Idlib and seized several villages after killing large numbers of what it called terrorists.

"People are lying on the ground sleeping in the open with no blankets and under rain and cold," said Feras Saad, who fled the city with his family and found shelter in the border village of Harabosh.

Moscow and Damascus both deny allegations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and say they are fighting al Qaeda-inspired Islamist militants.

A Turkish diplomatic source said the delegation in Russia will also discuss Turkey's potential troop deployment and military support to Libya, after Ankara and Tripoli signed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">military cooperation</a> accord last month.

Russia has said it is concerned about any such deployment.

Erdogan said on Sunday Turkey could increase military support to Fayez al-Serraj's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been fighting off an offensive by east Libya forces led by <a href="wionews.com/world/eastern-libyan-force-warns-against-transporting-military-equipment-in-civilian-planes-269619">Khalifa Haftar</a>.

Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have backed Haftar's forces.

Later on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss developments in Syria and Libya. It did not give further details.

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey.

A Turkish delegation was in Russia on Monday for talks on Syria, following reports that Russian-backed attacks there were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey. Turkey already hosts about 3.7 million Syrians - the world's biggest refugee population. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday it could not handle a new influx and was urging Russia to stop the strikes in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. The Turkey-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) said on Monday 120,000 Syrians were fleeing towards the Turkish border - higher than Erdogan's estimate of 80,000. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the hostilities, which he said had displaced 30,000 people in the last week alone, his spokesman said. "The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to recapture the Idlib region, the last significant area of Syria still under rebel control after 8-1/2 years of civil war. Russia and Iran have supported Assad's forces during the Syrian conflict while Turkey has backed Syrian rebels fighting Assad. Russian and Syrian army jets have been targeting civilian convoys trying to flee the Idlib city of Maarat al-Numan, leaving hundreds of families still trapped there, activists and aid groups have said. "It's a tragic situation for civilians remaining in the city since Russian jets are hitting any convoy that leaves the city, while those who were able to reach areas closer to the border have nowhere to shelter," said Mohamad Rasheed, an activist in the area. LIBYA ALSO IN FOCUS The Syrian army said on Monday it had fought fierce battles in southeastern Idlib and seized several villages after killing large numbers of what it called terrorists. "People are lying on the ground sleeping in the open with no blankets and under rain and cold," said Feras Saad, who fled the city with his family and found shelter in the border village of Harabosh. Moscow and Damascus both deny allegations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and say they are fighting al Qaeda-inspired Islamist militants. A Turkish diplomatic source said the delegation in Russia will also discuss Turkey's potential troop deployment and military support to Libya, after Ankara and Tripoli signed a military cooperation accord last month. Russia has said it is concerned about any such deployment. Erdogan said on Sunday Turkey could increase military support to Fayez al-Serraj's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been fighting off an offensive by east Libya forces led by Khalifa Haftar. Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have backed Haftar's forces. Later on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss developments in Syria and Libya. It did not give further details.

Turkey, Russia talk Syria as thousands flee bombing

Turkey said on Tuesday it would keep pushing for accountability "regardless of how high it goes" over the murder of Saudi journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-verdict-far-from-justice-turkey-269814">Jamal Khashoggi</a> inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, after what it called a "sham trial" of 11 people.

Khashoggi disappeared after going to the consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2, 2018, to obtain documents for his planned wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building, and his remains have not been found.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia sentenced five people to death and three to jail over the murder, while dismissing charges against three others, finding them not guilty. A U.N. investigator accused Riyadh of making a "mockery" of justice by exonerating senior figures who may have ordered the killing.

The presiding Saudi court rejected the findings of a UN&nbsp;inquiry by ruling that the killing was not premeditated, rather carried out "at the spur of the moment".

Turkey said on Monday the trial outcome fell far short of serving justice, and on Tuesday Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun slammed the verdict as an "insult to the intelligence of any fair observer".

Watch:&nbsp;11 found guilty in Khashoggi murder case, 5 sentenced to death

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-11-found-guilty-in-khashoggi-murder-case-5-sentenced-to-death-269816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The international media must pursue the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-arabia-court-hands-death-penalty-to-five-24-years-imprisonment-to-three-269717">case of Khashoggi</a> until there is true accountability...Those responsible must face justice sooner or later," Altun said on Twitter.

"This despicable murder was done at a diplomatic facility against every diplomatic norm imaginable! We will follow this case to the end regardless (of) how high it goes."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-case-acquittals-raise-eyebrows-269769">murder of Khashoggi</a>, a US&nbsp;resident and critic of the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, caused a global outcry, and some Western governments, as well as the CIA, said they believed the prince ordered the killing.

Saudi officials say he had no role, though in September the crown prince indicated some personal accountability, saying "it happened under my watch".

After Monday's verdict, a source familiar with US&nbsp;intelligence assessments said key US&nbsp;government agencies rejected the validity of the court proceedings and CIA experts still believed Prince Mohammad personally ordered or at least approved of, the killing.

The source said the five men condemned to death were essentially foot soldiers in the killing, while two senior security officials acquitted played a more significant role.

Turkey said on Tuesday it would keep pushing for accountability "regardless of how high it goes" over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, after what it called a "sham trial" of 11 people.

Turkey said on Tuesday it would keep pushing for accountability "regardless of how high it goes" over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, after what it called a "sham trial" of 11 people. Khashoggi disappeared after going to the consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, to obtain documents for his planned wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building, and his remains have not been found. On Monday, Saudi Arabia sentenced five people to death and three to jail over the murder, while dismissing charges against three others, finding them not guilty. A U.N. investigator accused Riyadh of making a "mockery" of justice by exonerating senior figures who may have ordered the killing. The presiding Saudi court rejected the findings of a UN inquiry by ruling that the killing was not premeditated, rather carried out "at the spur of the moment". Turkey said on Monday the trial outcome fell far short of serving justice, and on Tuesday Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun slammed the verdict as an "insult to the intelligence of any fair observer". Watch: 11 found guilty in Khashoggi murder case, 5 sentenced to death "The international media must pursue the case of Khashoggi until there is true accountability...Those responsible must face justice sooner or later," Altun said on Twitter. "This despicable murder was done at a diplomatic facility against every diplomatic norm imaginable! We will follow this case to the end regardless (of) how high it goes." The murder of Khashoggi, a US resident and critic of the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, caused a global outcry, and some Western governments, as well as the CIA, said they believed the prince ordered the killing. Saudi officials say he had no role, though in September the crown prince indicated some personal accountability, saying "it happened under my watch". After Monday's verdict, a source familiar with US intelligence assessments said key US government agencies rejected the validity of the court proceedings and CIA experts still believed Prince Mohammad personally ordered or at least approved of, the killing. The source said the five men condemned to death were essentially foot soldiers in the killing, while two senior security officials acquitted played a more significant role.

Turkey will seek accountability on Khashoggi verdict no matter 'how high it goes'

Turkey's President Erdogan: We Will Not Take More Refugees #Gravitas #Turkey #Erdogan #WION

Gravitas: Turkey Says No To More Refugees

Turkey cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, warning that European countries will feel the impact of such an influx if violence in Syria’s northwest is not stopped. #Turkey #RecepErdogan #Turkeymigrants #Idlib

80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-arabia-court-hands-death-penalty-to-five-24-years-imprisonment-to-three-269717">Jamal Khashoggi</a> was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime. For Turkey, the Saudi court failed to deliver justice.

The decision announced by the Saudi court "is far from meeting the expectations of both our country and the international community to shed light on the murder with all its dimensions and deliver justice," the foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

A Saudi Arabian court&nbsp;on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.

The criminal court of Riyadh has sentenced five people to death for committing and directly participating in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

The court sentenced 24 years of imprisonment to three individuals for their role in covering up the crime and violating the law.

And charges against three individuals have been dismissed.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident, was killed in October 2018 by Saudi agents while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz.

For decades, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggis-killers-will-pay-the-price-says-turkish-president-228875">Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family</a> and also served as an adviser to the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime.

After the verdict over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was announced, Turkey criticised it for falling short of being able to decrypt the killing and motive of the crime. For Turkey, the Saudi court failed to deliver justice. The decision announced by the Saudi court "is far from meeting the expectations of both our country and the international community to shed light on the murder with all its dimensions and deliver justice," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Saudi Arabian court on Monday sentenced five people to death for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. The criminal court of Riyadh has sentenced five people to death for committing and directly participating in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The court sentenced 24 years of imprisonment to three individuals for their role in covering up the crime and violating the law. And charges against three individuals have been dismissed. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and US resident, was killed in October 2018 by Saudi agents while at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork ahead of his wedding to Hatice Cengiz. For decades, Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family and also served as an adviser to the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Khashoggi verdict 'far from justice': Turkey

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month.

Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life".

"They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him.

"If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said.

Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country.

Maritime accord

Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya.

"Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said.

"Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord.

In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya.

"It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying.

In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month. Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month. Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life". "They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him. "If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said. Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country. Maritime accord Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus. While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya. "Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said. "Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord. In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya. "It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying. In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Erdogan says Turkey will increase military support to Libya if necessary

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