ABC News Online: Afrin: Turkey's President Erdogan threatens to expand military offensive beyond Kurdish town
Turkey's president has vowed to keep up the pressure against a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia after his troops captured the Syrian town of Afrin, threatening to expand the military offensive into other Kurdish-held areas across northern Syria and even into neighbouring Iraq.
Turkish troops and their rebel allies swept into the north-west Syrian town of Afrin yesterday, the culmination of an eight-week campaign to drive the Kurdish YPG fighters from the region.
The Syrian Government demanded the Turkish troops leave Afrin, calling their control of the town "illegitimate".
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MIDDLE EAST
Erdogan vows to extend Turkey's operation to Syria's northeast. Turkey threatens to attack Syrian town held by US troops.
Erdogan tells US to end 'deception' on Syria.
Syrian government demands Turkish troops leave Afrin.
Eastern Ghouta: Despite bomb hail, Tariq resists evacuation. Syria's war: 16 children killed in strike on Ghouta school.
Syria forces battle to secure Damascus.
Mahmoud Abbas blames Hamas for Gaza attack on PM's convoy.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince arrives in Washington on official visit.
ASIA
China’s Xi strikes nationalistic tone, vows to protect ‘every inch’ of China. Xi Jinping lays out vision for China in nationalistic speech to parliament. Xi Jinping warns he is ready to 'fight bloody battles' against China's enemies.
Xi gives stark Taiwan warning in hands-off message to Trump.
Kim Jong Un keeps out of public eye following summit announcements.
Finnish FM: Koreas, US talks won't include denuclearization.
K-pop stars to perform in North Korea for first time since 2005.
Maldives to lift state of emergency, charge ex-president, chief justice with bribery.
Japan prepares to execute up to 13 members of Aum Shinrikyo cult.
Chinese authorities use facial recognition, public shaming to crack down on jaywalking, criminals.
AFRICA
South Sudan wants UN peacekeepers out.
Canada to send helicopters to U.N. Mali mission, allies relieved.
Nigerian army failed to act on warnings before schoolgirls abducted, Amnesty says.
Ethiopia's ruling party to choose new leader.
'I'm no puppet': The only candidate running against Sisi in Egypt's election.
On temporary islands in C.Africa, hundreds flee militia torture.
New S.African president suspends tax chief.
Northern white rhino: Last male Sudan dies in Kenya.
EUROPE
French Police question Sarkozy over alleged Libyan campaign financing. French ex-president Sarkozy in custody over campaign funding.
Norway justice minister quits to avert government collapse.
Spy poisoning: Russian diplomats prepare to leave UK.
Boris Johnson: Russia's position in Skripal case is 'increasingly bizarre'.
Putin tells West he has no 'plans to accelerate an arms race'.
Russia will target European elections in 2019, former NATO boss says.
Mosque in Germany attacked with Molotov bombs.
Italy detains Spanish ship after picking up 218 migrants.
AMERICAS
Texas explosions: FBI investigating new blast at FedEx plant. Fifth package bomb strikes Texas, at FedEx facility near San Antonio.
US Congress closes in on massive spending bill.
White House: No plan to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his election victory. Kremlin says Trump's failure to congratulate Putin not 'unfriendly act'.
US Senators to force vote to redefine U.S. role in Yemen.
President Trump bans deals in Venezuela's crypto-currency.
Tuberculosis batters a Venezuela in crisis.
Cuba opens wholesale market to sell basic staples.
Californians fed up with housing costs and taxes are fleeing state in big numbers.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Saudi crown prince: 'Iran is harbouring al-Qaeda' leaders.
Islamic State takes Damascus area after rebels pull out: monitor.
Iraq: India confirms killing of 39 workers abducted by IS.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
China urges US to not act 'emotionally' on trade. China's premier hopes trade war can be averted, pledges more open economy.
Facebook loses $40bn in share value over user data scandal.
Weinstein Company files for bankruptcy.
