World News Briefs -- January 15, 2018

Kurdish YPG fighters head a convoy of US military vehicles in Syria. (Reuters: Rodi Said, file photo)

ABC News Online: Syria: Turkey and Russia voice opposition to US-led border security force

Plans for a US-led coalition to train a 30,000-strong border security force in Syria has been met with strong opposition from Turkey and Russia.

The coalition on the wejsaid initial training was already underway of the Kurdish-dominated force that would secure Syrian-opposition-held territory bordering Turkey to the north, Iraq in the south-east and Syrian forces backed by Russia and Iran along the Euphrates River Valley.

The group will be largely drawn from Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — an alliance of militias in northern and eastern Syria dominated by the Kurdish YPG.

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MIDDLE EAST

Erdogan accuses U.S. of creating `Army of Terror' on Turk border. Erdogan: US trying to form 'terror army' in Syria.

Russia's Lavrov: US wants to slice up Syria.

Turkey to launch imminent Syria operation against YPG.

Twin blasts kill dozens in Baghdad. Double suicide bombing in Baghdad kills at least 38 people.

UAE claims Qatari fighter jets intercepted 2nd civilian aircraft - reports. Qatar denies intercepting Emirati civilian aircraft.

Car bomb blast in Lebanon's Sidon wounds Hamas member.

Iran unblocks Telegram messaging app as protests wane.

Israel vows to destroy all Gaza attack tunnels by year-end.

Mahmoud Abbas dismisses Donald Trump's peace efforts as 'slap of the century' to Palestinians.

ASIA

Indian army kills 7 Pak soldiers, 5 JeM terrorists in J&K. Kashmir border violence kills nine.

Japan says China sent nuclear-powered sub to disputed isles.

Chinese President Xi publishes a new book on governance.

North Korea to send orchestra to Winter Olympics. North Korean pop group could perform at Winter Olympics.

Thai junta boss eyes staying on with little stopping him.

Huge oil spill left after burning tanker sinks off China.

Indonesia Stock Exchange floor collapse leaves dozens injured. Indonesia Stock Exchange reopens after structural collapse.

AFRICA

Deadly clashes in Libyan capital force airport to close. 10 killed in clashes at Libya's main international airport.

Libyan eastern army accuses Turkey of sponsoring terrorism in Libya.

Three DR Congo soldiers killed while fighting Ugandan rebels.

Somalia's Shabaab forcing civilians to hand over children: HRW.

'People were screaming': troops destroy $200,000 aid camps in Somalia.

Sudan announces arrival of military reinforcements in Kassala province. Sudan deploys more troops to Eritrea border.

Zimbabwe aide: I feared Robert Mugabe lynching.

WHO says 'high' cholera risk in DR Congo capital.

Zambia cholera crisis: 'Burying people by the hundreds'.

Tropical cyclone threatens Mauritius and Reunion.

EUROPE

Russia's Sergei Lavrov slams US for ignoring 'multipolar' world.

Russia will not support U.S. bid to change Iran nuclear deal: Lavrov.

Russian Ambassador offered US counterpart to resume contacts in '2+2' format.

Growing number of nations banking on military might to guarantee sovereignty, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

UK air force scrambles 2 fighters as Russian jets fly nearby.

Spain to impose direct rule on Catalonia if ex-leader Carles Puigdemont tries to govern from Brussels.

Merkel could join Macron in Davos for epic clash with Trump.

IMF concerned by Ukraine's new anti-corruption draft law - paper.

Pope warns world is one step away from nuclear war.

AMERICAS

China absence looms over Canada meeting on how to pressure North Korea.

Trump defends himself anew against charges that he is racist.

Hawaii missile false alarm due to badly designed user interface, reports say. Hawaii alert: Employee who sent missile warning reassigned.

Venezuelan rogue police pilot says he is wounded as authorities close in.

Peru earthquake: Casualties reported after powerful quake hits south coast.

Chile, Peru await tricky Pope Francis visit.

Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

The US military is fighting terrorism in 76 countries around the world — here's where.

The legacy of the 'Islamic State'.

Sahel defence ministers in Paris in push for 'G5' force.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar fall weighs on global stocks; US shut for holiday.

Ford to invest $11bn and have 40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles by 2022.

Airbus says A380 superjumbo production could end.