World News Briefs -- January 20, 2018

DW:  

DW: Turkey's Erdogan says ground offensive on Syria's Afrin has begun

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish forces have begun a new air and ground operation to oust Kurdish militants from Afrin. Turkey accuses the Kurdish militia YPG of being a terror group.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that a military operation against the northwestern Syrian town of Afrin, held by US-backed Kurdish militias, "has de-facto been started on the ground."

"This will be followed by Manbij," he added, referring to another Kurdish-controlled Syrian town to the east.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Turkey war planes launch strikes on Afrin. Airstrikes pound Syria's Afrin as Turkey launches 'Operation Olive Branch'.

Turkish PM says land forces will make 'necessary activities' in Syria on Sunday.

Syrian Kurdish YPG says Turkish strikes kill 9.

Syrian government says was not told of Turkey's Afrin strike: state media.

500 new trainees join US-backed Syria border force.

Syria conflict: 15 refugees found frozen to death.

Russia-led Syria peace congress to be held Jan 30: negotiator.

Assad regime promotes Syria as a 'tourist' destination.

Iraqi, Kurdish PMs try to resolve bitter dispute.

Iraqi parliament postpones vote on election date.

Iran's wealth gap: tens of millions struggle to get by.

Mike Pence starts Middle East tour amid Jerusalem anger.

Israeli Arab MPs to boycott speech by 'messianic' Pence.

ASIA

BREAKING NEWS: Four gunmen 'in suicide vests shoot at guests' during attack on Intercontinental Hotel in Afghan capital of Kabul. Gunmen attack Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, take hostages, deaths reported.

Violence in Kashmir leaves three civilians dead. Four killed as India, Pakistan trade fire on Kashmir border.

Kashmir fighting escalates between India, Pakistan.

Philippine troops fight first clash with militants since Marawi battle, six wounded.

IOC: Two Koreas to march together at Winter Olympics opening ceremony. North and South Korean officials meet in Switzerland to thrash out plans for their joint team at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

North Korea to send 22 athletes to Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

China denies violating shipping sanctions against North Korea.

South China Sea: China accuses US warship of 'violating its sovereignty'.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh afraid to go home. Rohingya militants say Myanmar refugee return plan 'deceitful'.

Philippines stops sending workers to Kuwait over abuse fears.

Sri Lanka president takes charge of economy as coalition rift widens.

AFRICA

Tripoli airport reopens after fighting suspended flights.

Four US, Canadian captives freed in Nigeria.

Somali troops rescued 32 children from ‘terrorist school’ says government.

Pence meets Sisi on Mideast tour amid Arab anger over Jerusalem.

Former armed forces chief to challenge Egypt's Sisi.

Zimbabwe tells illegal vendors to quit Harare streets, may use army to clear them.

Museveni: Uganda may reintroduce executions.

South Africa's ANC to force Zuma to quit as president.

Comoros says abuse of passports-for-cash scheme worries Gulf allies.

EUROPE

Future of Ukraine talks up in the air after government rules against Russian ‘occupation’.

Russia not responsible for situation in Donbass — Kremlin.

Russia feels that US lacks will for cooperation in addressing global issues — Kremlin.

Germany’s Social Democrats consider opening govt talks.

Germany weighs new sanctions against Iran: report.

Serbian president visits Kosovo after politician’s slaying.

Macron says 'special' UK deal possible.

Tens of thousands stage anti-corruption protest in Romania.

Mary Lou McDonald to replace Gerry Adams as Sinn Fein leader.

AMERICAS

GOP, Democrats show no sign of retreat on shutdown’s 1st day. Congress seeks way to end government shutdown.

Trump to Democrats: no immigration talk until government reopened.

Tens of thousands take to US streets for Women's March.

Jamaican authorities declare state of emergency over crime.

Honduran security forces battle protesters as election chaos lingers.

Vowing anti-graft revolution, Mexican governor shakes election.

Pope Francis decries destruction of environment, corruption in Peru. Pope Francis warns of threat to Amazon peoples on Peru visit.

Lac-Megantic trial: Workers cleared over Canada rail disaster.

Nasa removes US astronaut from ISS mission.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda's 're-radicalisation' schools lure ISIL fighters in Syria.

Northern Afghanistan turning into springboard for international terrorism — Lavrov.

ISIS still has up to 10,000 loyalists in Syria and Iraq, warn experts.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fixing Facebook: users will be asked to rank most reliable news sources in campaign to drive out ‘fake news’.

Twitter admits Russia-linked troll accounts more widespread than first feared.

Coca-Cola pledges to recycle all packaging by 2030.