Reuters: Erdogan says to extend Syria operation despite risk of U.S. confrontation
ANKARA/BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey would extend its military operation in Syria to the town of Manbij, a move that could potentially bring Turkish forces into confrontation with those of their NATO ally the United States.
Turkey’s air and ground “Operation Olive Branch” in the Afrin region of northern Syria is now in its fifth day, targeting Kurdish YPG fighters and opening a new front in Syria’s multi-sided civil war.
A push towards Manbij, in a separate Kurdish-held enclave some 100 km (60 miles) east of Afrin, could threaten U.S. plans to stabilize a swath of northeast Syria.
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MIDDLE EAST
UN Syria envoy says Vienna talks at 'very critical moment'.
Trump urges Erdogan to 'de-escalate' Syria fighting.
Turkey vows to widen offensive against Syrian Kurds.
Hundreds of Kurdish, IS fighters killed in Syria's Afrin: Turkey.
Turkey urged to show restraint in assault on Syrian Kurds.
Rex Tillerson: Russia bears responsibility for Syria chemical attacks.
Iraq seeks aid to rebuild after IS, but donors could be wary.
Saudi corruption sweep to move to trial with 95 detained.
US House Speaker meets Saudi king in regional security talks.
In Davos, Gulf Arabs slam an absent Iran.
ASIA
US sanctions N. Korean, Chinese firms aiding Pyongyang.
North Korea sends rare announcement to all Koreans, calls for unification.
Four US citizens were killed in Kabul hotel attack.
ISIL claims attack on Save the Children in Jalalabad. Gunmen storm Afghan office of Save The Children.
US and Afghan forces free Taliban prisoners in Helmand.
Pakistan condemns US drone attack on its soil.
US diplomat resigns from Suu Kyi panel on Rohingya crisis.
Seoul delegation visits North Korea ahead of Olympics.
South Korean conservatives call for North Korea to suspend military parade.
Japan's Abe to attend Pyeongchang Olympics despite 'comfort women' dispute.
Mattis thanks Vietnam for supporting sanctions on N. Korea.
Refugees more than once, Rohingya fear return to Myanmar.
Philippines' Mayon volcano spews red-hot lava as thousands flee.
Indonesia: Measles outbreak kills scores of children in Papua.
AFRICA
US calls for South Sudan arms embargo after failed truce.
Somali forces kill boys in anti-Shabaab operation: US.
UN threatens sanctions over faltering peace deal in Mali.
Libya: Double car bombing kills 33 in Benghazi. Twin car bombs kill more than 30 in Libya's Benghazi -officials.
Somalia lures defectors in new push against insurgents.
DR Congo violence: Families fear resurgence of fighting.
UN says Congo forces shot at its rights workers in protests.
With dissent crushed, Egypt's presidential campaign is a subdued affair.
New Zimbabwe leader orders top officials to declare assets.
Cape Town told to cut water use or face losing supply by 12 April.
EUROPE
On eve of Trump trip, EU leaders warn against nationalism.
Merkel, Macron to address WEF in Davos on Wednesday.
Scientists get buried in snow at Davos while lecturing on global warming.
Madrid orders Brussels reps to bar Puigdemont meeting.
Putin rival 'Russian Paris Hilton' invited to Trump prayer breakfast.
Germany's cabinet approved record-breaking arms exports.
Pope says fake news is satanic, condemns use in politics.
Paris on flooding alert as rising Seine causes travel disruption.
AMERICAS
Trump says willing to be interviewed by Mueller under oath.
Mueller set to question Bannon on Flynn and Comey.
Democratic mayors blast Trump, decline White House invite. Trump lashes out at mayors boycotting White House event.
Poll: 84 percent of voters call government shutdown 'unnecessary'.
Sessions questioned in Russia probe, Trump may be up soon.
Trump lashes out after Schumer withdraws offer on border wall.
FBI text messages lost because of ‘misconfiguration issues’ that perplex security analysts.
FBI director, under pressure to make changes, is replacing Comey aides.
Trump admin creates 'Cuba Internet Task Force'.
Puerto Rico awaits foreclosure wave as moratoriums expire.
Venezuela: Maduro ready to stand in early presidential poll.
Brazil braces for corruption appeal that could make or break ex-president Lula. Brazil poised for Lula appeal verdict.
Brazil yellow fever crisis: dozens dead as São Paulo closes city gardens and zoo.
Uruguay farmers hold mass protest over high costs.
Lula's Brazil presidential run in doubt after conviction upheld.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Facing death in Iraq, European jihadists won't get help from home.
Two customs officers killed in Mali 'jihadist' attack.
'IS' claims deadly attack on Save the Children office in Afghanistan.
French court to hear 1st trial linked to 2015 Paris attacks.
Paradise Papers firm worked for bank linked to terrorist financing and organised crime.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500 dips after choppy session; chipmakers drag Nasdaq.
Davos 2018: 'More to come' on US trade tariffs. US defends trade barriers as Davos braces for Trump.
US Senate confirms Powell as new Fed chief.
EU fines chipmaker Qualcomm £870m for Apple payments.
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