World News Briefs -- Janaury 26, 2018


BBC: Turkey's Erdogan vows to fight Kurdish forces as far as Iraq

Turkey is prepared to take its fight against Kurdish forces in northern Syria as far east as Iraq, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.

Speaking in Ankara, Mr Erdogan reiterated that his forces will move against Kurdish-controlled Manbij, which risks confrontation with the US.

US troops are based in the city, which was taken from the Islamic State group (IS) by Kurdish-led forces in 2016.

Turkey launched its operation against the Kurdish militia last weekend.

Backed by pro-Turkish Syrian rebels, Turkish forces attacked the Kurdish-held enclave of Afrin with the declared aim of driving out the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey's Erdogan threatens to expand Syria border offensive.

Afrin: Kurdish forces call on Damascus in fight against Turkey.

Syria opposition weighs Russian peace talks invite.

Coalition: At least 831 civilians killed since start of ISIS war.

Iraq calls on investors to help $100 billion reconstruction drive.

Iran leader said eyeing ways to muzzle 'Mad Dog' internet.

Trump threatens to stop aid to Palestinians.

Netanyahu's threats to attack Iran 'panicked' Obama into nuke talks, author says.

ASIA

South Korean hospital blaze kills at least 37, fleeing patients brave flames. South Korea hospital fire kills at least 41 people.

Exclusive: Despite sanctions, North Korea exported coal to South and Japan via Russia - intelligence sources.

Unease mixes with excitement as Pyeongchang awaits the world.

Isis killings in Afghanistan leave aid agencies 'hanging on by fingernails'.

Okinawa governor says U.S. military 'crazy, 'out of control'.

China unveils huge plans for the Arctic, with ‘Polar Silk Road’ on the way.

Philippines warns powerful volcanic eruption may still come.

'I’m pregnant, not incapacitated': PM Jacinda Ardern on baby mania.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Boko Haram attacks in numbers - as lethal as ever.

Nigeria farm violence leaves 10 dead in 2 days.

Conflict in Congo has led to children being sexually abused and recruited as soldiers, finds Unicef.

Somalia calls on UN to end arms embargo.

UN returns to rebel-held South Sudan with new 'nimble' strategy.

South Sudan peace monitors urge consequences on ceasefire violations.

Ethiopia could be sitting on one of the world’s great untapped gold deposits.

Libya: UN relief wing and partners seek $313 million to assist hundreds of thousands of people.

EUROPE

Trump to pitch America First to Davos elites.

Catalan officials deny receiving CIA warning ahead of Barcelona attack.

Germany: Angela Merkel's conservatives and SPD open 'grand coalition' talks.

British Defense Minister: Russia is ready to 'kill thousands and thousands' of British people.

Tillerson to meet with Ukraine’s Poroshenko in Davos.

Julian Assange asks UK court to drop his arrest warrant.

Paris flood alert as River Seine bursts its banks.

'They were like animals': Nutella promo sparks 'riots' in French supermarkets.

AMERICAS

Donald Trump denies report he tried to fire Robert Mueller in June. Trump-Russia inquiry: President denies trying to fire Robert Mueller. Trump calls report he ordered Mueller’s firing ‘fake news.

Davos 2018: Trump says the US is open for business.

Trump proposes US citizenship plan for 1.8 mn undocumented immigrants.

Trump says he didn't know UK far-right group were 'horrible racists'.

IMF: Venezuela inflation will increase 13,000% this year.

Venezuela expels Spanish ambassador after EU sanctions.

Brazil judge seizes ex-President Lula's passport.

After Hawaii false alarm, lawmakers want President, Pentagon involved in missile alerts.

Congressional Black Caucus buried 2005 Obama-Farrakhan photo, photographer says.

California rocked by three earthquakes in one day, scientists expect more to come in 2018.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Analysis: US Treasury Department reveals new details about the Taliban’s network.

U.S. blows up Taliban commander as he takes a shower.

Chechnya: Islamic State's fertile Russian recruiting ground.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

European business execs applaud Donald Trump's tax cuts at Davos.

Canada's Competition Bureau sues Ticketmaster for inflating prices with fees.

China to develop Arctic shipping routes opened by global warming.

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