World News Briefs -- January 19, 2018 (Eveing Edition)



Reuters: Turkey shells Syria's Afrin region, minister says operation has begun

SUGEDIGI, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkish artillery fired into Syria’s Afrin region on Friday in what Ankara said was the start of a military campaign against the Kurdish-controlled area.

The cross-border bombardment took place after days of threats from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to crush the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in Afrin in response to growing Kurdish strength across a wide stretch of north Syria.

Direct military action against territory held by Kurdish militia would open a new front in Syria’s civil war and would see Ankara confronting Kurds allied to the United States at a time when Turkey’s relations with Washington are reaching breaking point.

“The operation has actually de facto started with cross-border shelling,” Turkish Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli said, adding that no troops had crossed into Afrin.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran nuclear deal cannot survive if U.S. pulls out: Russia's Lavrov. Russia says Iran nuclear deal cannot be saved without US.

Hezbollah slams US decision to keep troops in Syria.

Syrian opposition iced out of White House.

Macron sees IS military defeat in Syria, Iraq within 'weeks'.

1.3 million children displaced by Iraq's war with Islamic State: UNICEF.

Lebanon says foiled IS holiday attacks.

More than 32,000 Yemenis displaced in two months: UN.

Israel reveals plans for 40-mile underground wall around Gaza.

Israel apologises for deadly embassy shooting in Amman.

ASIA

Exclusive: Rohingya refugee leaders draw up demands ahead of repatriation.

China to enshrine Xi's thought into state constitution amid national 'fervor'.

The Afghan city of Farah ‘on verge of collapse’, locals call for action.

U.S. says Kabul closer to holding peace talks with Taliban.

Tensions soar along India, Pakistan border in Kashmir.

Prime Minister Abe and Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull meet in Tokyo and agree to boost defense ties.

Taiwan blocks China flights after route row.

Graham: Seoul 'undercutting' Trump by allowing North Korea at Olympics.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh protest repatriation move.

China's birth rate drops despite end of one-child policy.

China detains prominent human rights lawyer and Xi Jinping critic.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces pregnancy.

AFRICA

US says four Shabaab militants killed in Somalia strike.

Egypt's Sisi announces intention to run for second term. Failure to launch: Egypt opposition hits roadblock on path to presidency.

U.N. warns of 'lost generation' in South Sudan's grinding conflict.

At least 5 Niger troops killed in Boko Haram attack.

DR Congo general ambushed in troubled eastern region.

Somali authorities say troops rescue 32 children from 'terrorist school'.

Uganda accuses UN of ‘preserving yerrorism’ in neighboring DR Congo.

African U.N. envoys suggest Trump meet leaders in Ethiopia after 'shithole' remark.

Zimbabwean president wants UN to observe vote.

Cape Town could run out of water by April.

EUROPE

Merkel upbeat SPD will approve talks with her conservatives.

Ukraine declares Russian 'occupation' in eastern region. Ukraine crisis: Kiev defines Russia as 'aggressor' state.

Belarus bristles at Kazakhstan’s offer to host Ukraine talks.

Russia's police raid Alexei Navalny's campaign headquarters in Saint Petersburg.

Russia accuses Washington of leaking diplomats' bank details.

Hungary blasted over 'Stop Soros' bill targeting NGOs.

Romania braced for huge protests amid 'big step backwards' on rule of law.

French police clash with striking guards at Europe’s largest prison.

AMERICAS

Supreme Court to take up Trump travel ban.

Schumer after Trump meeting: Progress but no deal yet.

Congress likely racing toward a government shutdown.

Trump steps to forefront of anti-abortion movement.

Pope shocks Chile by accusing sex abuse victims of slander.

Soldiers, military police move into 4 Rio de Janeiro slums.

Venezuela food shortages prompt wave of looting.

Trudeau bans anti-abortion groups from summer jobs funding.

Far from home, Mexican migrants eager to influence presidential race.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Anti-IS coalition civilian killings tripled in 2017: monitor.

Judge bars transfer of U.S-Saudi citizen being detained by military.

Al-Qaeda launches recruitment drive for Daesh fighters – reports.

German rapper-turned-jihadi Denis Cuspert reportedly killed in Syria.

The ISIS 'senior commander' who grew up on the Jersey Shore.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends higher despite government shutdown threat.

US 'erred' in supporting WTO membership for China, Russia: USTR.

Stock market's value under Trump has grown by $6.9 trillion to $30.6 trillion.

The Dow's 31% gain during Trump's first year is the best since FDR.

Google and Tencent forge new tech partnership.

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick a billionaire after $9.3bn investment deal.

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