The Kurdish forces targeted by Turkey were the US-led coalition’s main ground partner in years of battle against the Islamic State group. The war monitor said at least 10 civilians and 29 SDF fighters had been killed since the launch of the offensive on Wednesday. France, which was the US’ main partner in the anti-Islamic State coalition, has threatened sanctions against NATO member Turkey. Turkey is still far from having reached the goals of its military invasion, but the risk appears to be growing that detained Islamic State fighters could break free. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he doubted that Turkey would be able to ensure Islamic State prisoners stay behind bars.

Source: Taipei Times October 11, 2019 15:56 UTC