BREAKING NEWS

Erdogan says Turkish-backed rebels close to taking Syria's al Bab

By REUTERS

NOVEMBER 16, 2016 09:38

ANKARA - Turkish-backed rebels are just 2 km (1.25 miles) from the northern Syrian city of al Bab and are expected to take it from Islamic State quickly despite some resistance, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

The rebels said on Tuesday they had taken Qabasin, several km northeast of al Bab, to set the stage for an onslaught on the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in the northern Aleppo countryside. Kurdish-dominated militias have also been pursuing a drive to seize al Bab.

At a news conference before departing on a trip to Pakistan, Erdogan also accused Germany of not being fully committed to the fight against terrorism and of supporting the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group.

He also said that an executive presidential system in Turkey, which he has long sought, should not mean the president cutting ties to his political party, saying that would constitute a weakness in the system.

New York's Bryant Park holiday market in flames

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

12/27/2024 07:34 PM

US: Likely Azerbaijan Airlines downed by Russian air defense

By REUTERS

12/27/2024 06:58 PM

Turkey to allow pro-Kurdish party to visit jailed militant leader

By REUTERS

12/27/2024 06:55 PM

Bashar al-Assad's uncle Rifaat flew from Beirut to Dubai

By REUTERS

12/27/2024 06:27 PM