to report intense fighting as the turkish army backed by elements of the free syrian army are grinding their way into our for in tents fighting is being reported in many areas of this enclave turkish military claiming that they are gradually taking control of a number of villages and also crucially a mountain top which is considered very strategic in this campaign on the also in the last twenty four hours another front has been opened up against the syrian kurdish militia by again the free syrian army which have been trained by the turkish military on top of that airstrikes are still continuing along with artillery and with that reports of growing numbers of civilian casualties so an intense offensive is a clear dorrian what turkey is trying to achieve in northern syria. i think the message is coming from is that they want to have a permanent solution to the threat that they believe is posed by the syrian kurdish militia they claim that it is linked to an insurgency inside turkey a decades long insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives they see the presence of this militia

africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of affluence and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense minister on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen the chief of staff and also the turkish head of intelligence in moscow on thursday also told continuing on friday to try and see whether russia gives the green light why is that will russia controls the airspace over a free and also has troops on the ground in that area it's all about politics it's incredibly complicated and you're seeing different players now carving up trying to carve up different areas of syria expanding their spheres of influence it is a very very complicated situation we have talks coming

africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of africa and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense ministry on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen the chief of staff and also the turkish head of intelligence in moscow on thursday also told continuing on friday to try and see whether russia gives a green light why is that will russia controls the airspace over a free and also has troops on the ground in that area it's all about politics it's incredibly complicated and you're seeing different players now carving up trying to carve up different areas of syria expanding their spheres of influence it is a very very complicated situation we have talks coming up i

turkey is mobilizing thousands of free syrian army rebels inside syria they were taken in a convoy of buses as part of a military operation against syrian kurdish fighters known as the white in the syrian town a bath rain he calls them a terrorist group has intensified shelling on afrin in recent days and turkish officials say an offensive is imminent seventy the aca is an anti-hero in the turkey syria border. the situation around the fighting is heating up there is been an increase in shelling from turkey into africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of affluent and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense minister on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen

and we have twenty martyrs from the free syrian army

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army the lines high here we were in the media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part but no not particularly one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city told me folks. what our target courts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along. what is clear here on the outskirts of how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army the syrian rebels that are already taking part in this operation that turkey has undertaken. while we were here two bullets whizzed overhead. and we're told. for this. sort of they shot at us and. we. pushed out of here in two thousand and fourte

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag flies high here we are on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with y.p. ji the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part but no not particularly one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. the love of the room. because they betrayed us and especially because they took. the displaced along with many. of the. conditions especially now in the winter. what our target courts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along. which is over to the side where there's been fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters and syrian rebels that are already taking a large part in this operation that turkey has

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag flies high here we are on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part but on. i'm not sure that. one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over. two years living in the. conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain. which is over to this side where there's been fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters the syrian rebels that are really taking a large part in this operation that turkey has undertaken against.

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag that flies high here we're on a media trip into as as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part you know i'm not sure that you will see one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. we're fighting the white b.g. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city. i've been displaced along with many of my neighbors for two years living in the camps there are such bad conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the y p g with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain is also a mountain which is over to this side where there's been active fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how muc

turkey is mobilizing thousands of free syrian army rebels on its border with syria as part of a military operation for. threatened against syrian kurdish fighters known as the y.p. jean based in the town of baffling turkey classifies them as a terrorist organization i'm going to fears the establishment of a kurdish code are along its border the army has intensified shelling enough rain in recent days and says a ground assault could happen soon the spokesman for you the un secretary general antonio good to have is warning against increased military activity in the region we've seen the reports of shelling in africa and we reiterate our call on all concerned parties to avoid further escalation in any acts that could deepen the suffering of the syrian people all parties must ensure protection of civilians at all times under any circumstances and stephanie decker has more from an taqiyya. the situation around the fitting is heating up there is been an increase in shelling from turkey into africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the reb

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag that flies high here we're on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with a y p g a kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region of africa the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part in the night. we ask one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. with the white b.g. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city telephones i've been displaced along with many of my neighbors for two years living in the camps. conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain. which is over to this side where there's been. what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters and sy

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag flies high here we are on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part but on that issue. one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city. i've been displaced along with many. living in the camps there are such bad conditions especially now in the winter. what are turkish escorts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain. which is over to this side where there's been fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters the syrian rebels that are really. taking a large part i

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army for the lines high here we are on the media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part but i'm not. one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey. operation it seems it's personal. because they betrayed us and especially because the. conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along. which is over. but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters and syrian rebels that are really taking a large part in this operation that turkey has undertaken against. while we were here two bullets whizzed overhead. and we're told. for this. sort of they shot at us and o

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag that flies high here we're on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part in all matters should we ask one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. with b.g. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city. i've been displaced along with many of my neighbors for two years living in the camps there are such bad conditions especially now in the winter. what our turkish escorts are telling us is that the front line with the y p g with the kurdish fighters is just further along. what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course of the free syrian army the syrian rebels that are already taking part in this operation that. w

these are some of those free syrian army fighters moving through turkey to join the battle. just like the turkish government, they are opposed to the kurdish ypg setting up enclaves inside syria. some of the fsa factions have already joined the fighting against them. turkey sees a huge threat in northern syria because of the kurdish forces and these forces are supported by a us—led international coalition which includes britain and some european countries. they see a threat in that region. this is what they are fighting over, the area around afreen. the ypg has been expecting an attack for almost two years and they are well prepared but turkey has a power and artillery on its side and it's pounding the kurdish positions. this battle pits two american allies, the ypg and turkey, against each other and trapped in the kurdish enclave, more than1 million people waiting for peace. bill hayton, bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. thousands of anti—government protestors have held rallies in cities across romania. they're angered at what the

syrian army rebels on its border with syria it's all part of a military operation threatened against syrian kurdish fighters known as the y.p. jean were based in the town of a fleeing the army says a ground assault could happen soon. the lebanese army has found the bodies of nine syrian refugees they froze to death in a snowstorm trying to cross the border into lebanon soldiers are looking for others caught in the blizzard and u.s. vice president mike pence is on his way to the middle east for a three day trip to discuss moving the american embassy in israel from tel aviv to jerusalem u.s. decision to recognize jerusalem as israel's capital has provoked widespread international opposition. the headlines news continues here on al-jazeera after witness statement that's what. yes yes yes yes. and she has not. used any. changed. to the or. something but i'm isn't much the actual possibility he was the one he was to the signature mogul probably i'm. just well i mean you watch the dross on mccartney has just what i mean he was no horse so watching the court missed him blubbering him and he

a build up inside syria by free syrian army fighters to the east of those are the rebels that turkey supports. turkey and reinforce the f.s.a. with thousands more men over the last few days these buses drove the fighters across the border into syria they will be part of a ground offensive against the y.p. ji the kurdish group turkey considers to be a terrorist organization it is also however the group the americans consider their best ally in fighting eisel the international dimensions are vast russia and now wants to pulled out a few hundred military personnel that had enough money in shortly after the campaign started and russia controls this air space meaning turkey could not be flying their planes without russia's consent turkey says it is only targeting what it calls terrorists but there are already reports coming out of africa in that civilians have been affected it seems syria seven year war is entering yet another phase stephanie decker al-jazeera on the turkey syria border. let's bring in our panel joining us from istanbul sinan ogun chairman of the center for economic and f

we spot a few free syrian army fighters on the side of the road there rarely seen this openly in turkey turkey has brought many of these episodes. fighters from syria they are now waiting along the border for orders to advance we managed to speak to one of them who tells us the battle won't be easy record that. we're facing quite a few challenges first the weather didn't help us as it was foggy and raining second the why p.g. has advanced snipers that's why we are taking it slower trying to control these mountains first turkey is a with the moment is to secure its border area with african. air strikes and artillery can be heard all along this area but we're told that the y.p. g a well prepared and know the terrain this could be a long and difficult fight stephanie decker al-jazeera on the turkey syria border. kenya's government has declared the opposition movement a criminal group hours after its leader raila odinga swore himself and at a mock inauguration thousands of his supporters attended the ceremony insisting he is the legitimate later argued a presidential poll that returned her

a build up inside syria by free syrian army fighters to the east about three now those are the rebels that turkey supports. turkey and reinforce the f.s.a. with thousands more men over the last few days these buses drove the fighters across the border into syria they will be part of a ground offensive against the y.p. ji the kurdish group turkey considers to be a terrorist organization it is also however the group the americans consider their best ally in fighting eisel the international dimensions are vast russia and now wants to pulled out a few hundred military personnel that had enough money in shortly after the campaign started and russia controls this air space meaning turkey could not be flying their planes without russia's consent turkey says it is only targeting what it calls terrorists but there are already reports coming out of africa in that civilians have been affected it seems syria seven year war is entering yet another phase stephanie decker al-jazeera on the turkey syria border. let's bring in our panel joining us from istanbul sinan ogun chairman of the center for ec

that's free syrian army fighters syrian rebels that turkey supports together with turkish troops entering syria from the north and western side and that's take a look at how the last twenty four hours unfolded. the border echoes with the sounds of war turkey's offensive on africa is now well under way the ground operation started on sunday turkish soldiers supporting free syrian army fighters inside syria. turkish president brigitte type defiant as he addressed a large crowd in the city of. jugglers. this is a national struggle and in this national struggle we will crush anyone who stands against us let this be known. it's been a week of rhetoric politicians promising that turkey was going to attack to rid of the y.p. kurdish fighters that i'm pro considers terrorists but they're also the u.s. is best ally on the ground in fighting i still regardless of international complications turkey is fully committed to this offensive we're on turkey's border with africa and throughout the day we've heard the sound of jets in the sky also intense artillery and machine gun fire outgoing from a turkis

syrian army elements of the free syrian army of the front against the syrian kurdish militia again reports of heavy fighting there and despite turkey having this overwhelming firepower before the ground and backed by airstrikes they are facing off a middle opponent the free says the syrian kurdish militia are very highly organized disciplined and back to the hall of the years of fighting these lambic state i don't believe to be very well armed the united states has been backing these kurdish militia in the war against the islamic state but that is why turkey say it is so necessary to carry out this operation they accuse this militia of supporting a kurdish insurgency inside turkey but in this ongoing fighting there is over a million civilians called top and we are hearing growing reports of civilian casualties many blamed on turkish air strikes on princess is taking all steps to minimize casualties in fact. has made a rousing speech defending to operation what do you have to say. but indeed this is more of the same he's drawing on very heavy nationalist rhetoric he's saying that this is a

these are some of those free syrian army fighters moving through turkey to join the battle. just like the turkish government, they are opposed to the kurdish ypg setting up enclaves inside syria. some of the fsa factions have already joined the fighting against them. turkey sees a huge threat in northern syria because of the kurdish forces and these forces are supported by a us—led international coalition which includes britain and some european countries. they see a threat in that region. this is what they are fighting over, the area around afreen. —— afrin. the ypg has been expecting an attack for almost two years and they are well prepared but turkey has a power and artillery on its side and it's pounding the kurdish positions. this battle pits two american allies, the ypg and turkey, against each other and trapped in the kurdish enclave, more than1 million people waiting for peace. bill hayton, bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. thousands of anti—government protestors have held rallies in cities across romania. they're anger

these are some of those free syrian army fighters moving through turkey to join the battle. just like the turkish government, they are opposed to the kurdish ypg setting up enclaves inside syria. some of the fsa factions have already joined the fighting against them. turkey sees a huge threat in northern syria because of the kurdish forces, and these forces are supported by a us—led international coalition which includes britain and some european countries. they see a threat in that region. this is what they are fighting over — the area around afrin. the ypg has been expecting an attack for almost two years and they are well prepared, but turkey has air power and artillery on its side and it's pounding the kurdish positions. this battle pits two american allies, the ypg and turkey, against each other, and trapped in the kurdish enclave, more than 1 million people waiting for peace. bill hayton, bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news: thousands of anti—government protesters have held rallies in cities across romania. they're angered at

g from the ground we're also hearing that the free syrian army has been arriving in buses as well as in trucks that have been fitted out with machine guns we are receiving reports in terms of the civilian situation there and they we're hearing that people have been ordered to retreat into their homes and into shelters but there are reports coming through of people who have been wounded and injured and who are being taken to the local hospital now all of this follows threats over the last few days by the turkish president as the one that he was going to launch a ground offensive into africa was really just a question of when and he said that this was really the only answer to root out what he has called terrorist elements there take a listen all throughout the hour for an operation has a factory been started on the ground this will be followed by. the promises of not so nobody has a right to say anything. now man is an area that is mostly arab it is waste of the euphrates and it is the next step in terms of the turkish military's way of dealing with the kurdish militia it is not far f

from the ground we're also hearing that the free syrian army has been arriving in buses as well as in trucks that have been fitted out with machine guns we are receiving reports in terms of the civilian situation there and maybe you hearing there people have been ordered to retreat into their homes and into shelters but there are reports coming through of people who have been wounded and injured and who are being taken to the local hospital now all of this follows threats over the last few days take the president and the one that he was going to launch a ground offensive into africa was really just a question of when and he said that this was really the only answer to root out what he has called terrorist elements there take a listen and do it but as soon as the after an operation has a factory been started on the ground this will be followed by a man bitch i don't see the promises of not. only has a right to say anything. now man big is an area that is mostly arab it is west of the euphrates and it is the next step in terms of the turkish military's way of dealing with the kurdish mi

from the ground we're also hearing that the free syrian army has been arriving in buses as well as in trucks that have been fitted out with machine guns we are receiving reports in terms of the civilian situation there and they we're hearing that people have been ordered to retreat into their homes and into shelters but there are reports coming through of people who have been wounded and injured and who are being taken to the local hospital now all of this follows threats over the last three days by the president and the one that he was going to launch a ground offensive into africa it was really just a question of when and he said that this was really the only answer to root out what he has called terrorist elements there take a listen throughout the hour for an operation has a factory been started on the ground this will be followed by a man bitch the promises of not so nobody has a right to say anything. now man bridge is an area that is mostly arab it is waste of the euphrates and it is the next step in terms of the turkish military's way of dealing with the kurdish militia it is

a build up inside syria by free syrian army fighters to the east about three now those are the rebels that turkey supports. turkey and reinforce the f.s.a. with thousands more men over the last few days these buses drove the fighters across the border into syria they will be part of a ground offensive against the y.p. g. the kurdish group turkey considers to be a terrorist organization it is also however the group the americans consider their best ally in fighting eisel the international dimensions are vast russia and now wants to pulled out the few hundred military personnel that had enough money in shortly after the campaign started and russia controls this air space meaning turkey could not be flying their planes without russia's consent turkey says it is only targeting what it calls terrorists but there are already reports coming out of africa in that civilians have been affected it seems serious seven year war is entering yet another phase stephanie decker al-jazeera on the turkey syria border. let's bring in our panel joining us from istanbul sinan ogun chairman of the center fo

from the ground we're also hearing that the free syrian army has been arriving in buses as well as in trucks that have been fitted out with machine guns we are receiving reports in terms of the civilian situation there and maybe you hearing there people have had to retreat into their homes and into shelters but there are reports coming through of people who have been wounded and injured and who are being taken to the local hospital now all of this follows threats over the last few days take the president the one that he was going to launch a ground offensive into africa it was really just a question of when and he said that this was really the only answer to root out what he has called terrorist elements there take a listen through it but as soon as he asked for an operation has a factory been started on the ground this will be followed by man bitch i don't see the promises of not so nobody has a right to say anything. now man big is an area that is mostly arab it is waste of the euphrates and it is the next step in terms of the turkish military's way of dealing with the kurdish milit

border so what is happening in a scene stephanie have the turkish and free syrian army entered a frame well they ventured the region of a foot in certain areas particularly to the north and just about northwest of where we are so that offensive is ongoing i can tell you in this position where along the western border that turkey has with there's been intensive tank shelling and artillery heavy artillery outgoing since we've been here now is where i live it's actually gone relatively quiet but that's a base just behind this mountain we were just pushed out from there there is still subban i don't think it's loud enough at the moment for the camera to pick up so it shows you that there is an active offensive here at the same time you probably see the herder behind me with his sheep life does continue here as normal the villages are a little tense they are concerned about if there might be any incoming because there have been some incidents of shells that have landed inside turkey but yes as you mentioned there are a lot of strong messages coming out of ankara that they're not going to st

syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of affluence and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense ministry on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen the chief of staff and also the target head of intelligence in moscow on thursday also talks continuing on friday to try and see whether russia gives the green light why is that will russia controls the airspace over a free and it also has troops on the ground in that area it's all about politics it's incredibly complicated and you're seeing different players now carving up trying to carve up different areas of syria expanding their spheres of influence it is a very very complicated situation we have talks coming up in vienna and in sochi and certainly it doesn't look like an

we spot a few free syrian army fighters on the side of the road they are rarely seen this openly in turkey turkey has brought many of these f.s.a. fighters from syria and they are now waiting along the border for orders to advance we managed to speak to one of them who tells us the battle won't be easy record that. we're facing quite a few challenges first the weather didn't help us as it was foggy and raining second the y.p. tree has advanced snipers that's why we are taking it slower trying to control these mountains first. turkey's aim at the moment is to secure its border area with . airstrikes and artillery can be heard all along this area but we're told that the y.p. g a well prepared and know the terrain this could be a long and difficult fight stephanie decker on the turkey syria border british prime minister theresa may has figured out a three day visit to china. chang welcome to her and beijing and his visit is aimed at securing a free trade agreement with china as the u.k. prepares to leave the european union has brought along a fifty strong delegation of business leaders from s

syrian army fighters inside syria backed by turkey they are now advancing they join what has been an offensive pretty much from the border the western border and the northern border we've had f.s.a. fighters as well backed by turkish forces move in from this area and also from the north intensive shelling we've been hearing here throughout the day that we've also been speaking to sources who will tell you that people are resilient that they will not give up their city they will not give up their area to wipe fighters are well trained and they have prepared for this they also say that. the city that there hasn't been shelling on the city itself mostly along these border areas which is why most. are now somewhat empty as people have made their way further in to this region as this offensive. and united nations security council meeting to address the war in syria is underway in new york kristensen the u.n. for us so one of the security council members saying about this offensive that he has launched. well security council members are being very tight lipped but it's clear from what litt

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag flies high here we were in the media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part in all not particularly one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. with the white b.g. because they betrayed us. and especially because they took over. two years. especially now in the winter. what are. telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along. which is over. what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting the free syrian army fighters and syrian rebels that are already taking part in this operation that turkey has undertaken against. while we were here two bullets whizzed overhead. and. for this. sort of they shot at us an

syrian army and turkish forces and you know a day or so later retaken by the white b.g. but of course turkey has superiority when it comes to the sky they're flying jets they're bombing from the air and that of course carries with it a huge advantage the u.s. secretary of state rex tillerson says russia the ultimate responsibility for the syrian government's use of chemical weapons it comes after at least twenty one people suffered breathing problems after an alleged chemical attack on a rebel held enclave near damascus rebels and the syrian observatory for human rights are accusing the syrian government of being behind the attack a similar attack was reported that ten days ago it has been besieged by government forces since twenty thirty four hundred thousand people are trapped. only yesterday more than twenty civilians most of them children were victims of the per chlorine gas attack. the recent attacks and these are a serious concerns that bashar assad's syrian regime may be continuing its use of chemical weapons against its own people who were conducted the attacks r

the monday brought a new development with turkey opening a new front in the ground offensive free syrian army fighters will now move towards africa and from the us. initially the f.s.a. forces entered syria through turkey from its west and routed borders and after the airstrikes and heavy shelling helped pave the way in the first twenty four hours turkey says it is targeting y p g fighters a kurdish group it says is a terrorist organization which also happens to be america's strongest ally in fighting isis and in syria as ever complicated web of regional and international allegiances and to russia key to allowing turkey to operate in a free mean something many already knew but the turkey's president admitted to on monday for the first time. we will handle a free there's no stepping back from a free we discussed this with our russian friends we have an agreement with them. turkey's top military officials and intelligence chief for in moscow in the run up to the offensive russia had military personnel in a free in which it has now pulled out the people of africa and we've spoken to feel a

in a surrounded by turkish and free syrian army forces to the north east and west and syrian government forces to the south most of those fleeing are traveling through government held territory to an enclave inside aleppo city that's controlled by kurdish versus the syrian observatory for human rights is accusing government forces of blocking them let's get more on all of this now we're joined by our correspondent stephanie decker she is live for us from the turkish syrian border so what else is this u.n. report saying stephanie about the situation for civilians. yes it's corroborating what we've been hearing from our sources of the fact that most of these border villages up the mountain you see behind me there's been intensive shelling all not of the last couple of days we've heard some today but it is less than it has been in the last few days that they people have fled those border villages and as you mentioned around five thousand people are the u.n. estimates they haven't managed to get out of often province they are displaced inside the province in the u.n. report saying that the

fighters the free syrian army which is backed by turkey together with turkish troops that have ventured sort of north of africa and west of a foot in this is sort of across the border and also we know that there's been reinforcements to the east of offering this is inside syria they haven't really moved yet but they're scared missions there's fighting already in the northwestern part reports of some villages that have been taken then you hear counter claims by the white p.g. that they haven't taken it is also very much a propaganda war and it's hard to verify the exact moves the bigger picture is certain there was an intensive air campaign which started late yesterday afternoon seventy two planes you did not and now the ground offensive is under way as well so of course it is a concern for the civilians tens of thousands around two hundred thousand the latest estimates rules a lot of i.d.p.'s because after the throughout this war had been relatively peaceful. right as you say it's very difficult to verify precisely what's happening we know that the turkish government president has said

free syrian army forces to the east and west and syrian government forces to the self most of those fleeing are traveling through government held territory to an enclave inside. that is controlled by. the syrian observatory for human rights is accusing government forces of blocking them well let's get more on the. stephanie she is live from the turkish syrian border what else is the u.n. report saying about the situation. it's terrible but they are moving away now it is quite a damning report in the sense that they're saying that the civilians call and get out of the province of pretty. pretty close to the road there is one way out for people because turkey borders it to the west and north and has its forces on the east and even a bit in the south there's a government held areas so they're saying that the authorities the p y d the road reports that the government the syrian government. people have managed to get out just a few have turned them back and this is the same that we've been hearing from our sources over the last couple of days so it's a very difficult situation the borders with t

we spot a few free syrian army fighters on the side of the road they are rarely seen this openly in turkey turkey has brought many of these f.s.a. fighters from syria and they are now waiting along the border for orders to advance we managed to speak to one of them who tells us the battle won't be easy record that. we're facing quite a few challenges first the weather didn't help us as it was foggy and raining second the why p.g. has advanced snipers that's why we are taking it slow or trying to control these mountains first. turkey's a with the movement is to secure its border area with. airstrikes and artillery can be heard all along this area but we're told at the white parent and know the terrain this could be a long and difficult fight stephanie decker on the turkey syria border the pakistani government has recommended that afghan refugees be given a five month extension to their refugee status to use this announcement the spelled fears of a large scale repatriation of refugees back to afghanistan more than one point four million afghan refugees are currently in pakistan their legal s

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag that flies high here we're on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part you know i'm not sure that. one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. with the white b.g. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city. i've been displaced along with many of my neighbors for two years living in the camps there are such bad conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the y p g with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain is also which is over to this side where there's been active fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course s

syrian army and turkish forces and you know a day or so later retaken by the white b.g. but of course turkey has superiority when it comes to the sky they're flying jets they're bombing from the air and that of course carries with it a huge advantage. and at least twenty one people suffered breathing problems after an alleged chemical attack on a rebel held enclave near damascus rebels and the syrian observatory for human rights are accusing the syrian government of being behind the attack they say white smoke was released after syrian government forces fired a barrel of rockets into duma a similar attack was reported there on january the thirteenth causing seven cases of suffocation duma is in eastern guta which has been besieged by government forces since twenty seen four hundred thousand people. only yesterday more than twenty civilians most of them children were victims of the purge chlorine gas attack. the recent attacks and the really serious concerns that bashar the syrian regime may be continuing its use of chemical weapons against its own people . whoever conduc

africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of affluence and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense ministry on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen the chief of staff and also the turkish head of intelligence in moscow on thursday also told continuing on friday to try and see whether russia gives the green light why is that will russia controls the airspace over a free and also has troops on the ground in that area it's all about politics it's incredibly complicated and you're seeing different players now carving up trying to carve up different areas of syria expanding their spheres of influence it is a very very complicated situation we have talks coming

we spotted a few free syrian army fighters on the side of the road there rarely seen this openly in turkey turkey has brought many of these f.s.a. fighters from syria and they are now waiting along the border for orders to advance we managed to speak to one of them who tells us the battle won't be easy record that. we're facing quite a few challenges first the weather didn't help us as it was foggy and raining second the why p.g. has advanced snipers that's why we are taking it slow and trying to control these mountains first. turkey say with the moment is to secure its border area with afy. air strikes and artillery can be heard all along this area but we're told that the y.p. jia well prepared and know the terrain this could be a long and difficult fight stephanie decker zero on the turkey syria border now the u.s. government is winding down its disaster aid supports or despite thousands of people still being without power after her hit the island four months ago many fuel stations banks and supermarkets have reopened nearly all phone services are all operational but politicians in the t

syrian army rebels on its border with syria they were taken in a convoy of buses as part of a military operation against syrian kurdish fighters known as the white b.g. in the town of a three mm turkey told them a terrorist group the army has intensified shelling on a freedom in recent days and says a ground assault could happen soon. a qatari royal who was a close ally of saudi arabia says the gulf diplomatic crisis has been manufactured in an audio recording obtained by al-jazeera banally i think any accuses saudi arabia and the u.a.e. of fabricating the rift with cattle as a way to seize their neighbor's wealth he also says he was honest so much pressure from the two countries that he wanted to end his life reports. the man saudi arabia and the u.a.e. were presenting as an alternative to leadership stepped up his attacks on the blockade in countries in a new audiotape shake of the lebanon early earth any a member of. the family says the gulf's biggest diplomatic best was triggered by saudi and princes whom he accuses of plotting to take the towers wealth by force. as. well. in the o

as we enter syria it is the free syrian army flag that flies high here we're on a media trip into as organized by the turkish authorities they take us close to where there's been fighting with the kurdish armed group turkey calls a terrorist organization turkish forces are trying to push it out of the region about the front line is just a few kilometers west of here both turkish troops and the free syrian army are taking part you know i'm not sure but we also one of the f.s.a. fighters why he is involved in turkey's operation for some it seems it's personal. with the white b.g. because they betrayed us and especially because they took over my city. i've been displaced along with many of my neighbors for two years living in the camps there are such bad conditions especially now in the winter. what our target escorts are telling us is that the front line with the kurdish fighters is just further along that mountain is also which is over to this side where there's been active fighting but what is clear here on the outskirts of city is how much of a presence they are of course supporting

the monday border new development with turkey opening a new front in the ground offensive free syrian army fighters will now move towards africa and from the us. initially the f.s.a. forces entered syria through turkey from its west and northern borders and after the airstrikes and heavy shelling helped pave the way in the first twenty four hours turkey says it is targeting y p g fighters a kurdish group it says is a terrorist organization which also happens to be america's strongest ally in fighting isis and in syria as ever complicated web of regional and international allegiances enter russia key to allowing turkey to operate in a free in something many already knew but the turkey's president admitted to on monday for the first time. we will handle it there's no stepping back from a free and we discussed this with our russian friends we have an agreement with them. turkey's top military officials and intelligence chief for in moscow in the run up to the offensive russia had military personnel in africa in which it has now pulled out the people of africa and we've spoken to feel a s

the free syrian army that they had taken that back from the y p g we've just had a statement from the white p.g. saying that's not the case it is very difficult terrain as well we were in syria yesterday with turkish authorities on an organized trip we were close to one of the front lines speaking to free syrian army fighters all seeing them why they were involved in this operation which certainly is more of a cause for turkey and them telling us that basically some of their villages which are arab villages were taken by the kurds is a very complicated situation also for many of these f.s.a. fighters it is personal it is the eighth day adrian and it is again a new front that further complicates this war that has so many different elements to it stephanie thanks indeed down to zero stephanie deck of their lives in kentucky let's get more now on those u.n. back talks in vienna al jazeera is one of the hobby that has been speaking to the opposition delegation and they explained their position. this round in vienna was meant to be a real test for the commitment to the implementation of us

turkey is mobilizing thousands of free syrian army rebels on its border with syria it's part of a military operation threatened against kurdish fighters known as the y.p. jean based in the town of three in the army has intensified shelling on a free man in recent days and says a ground assault could happen soon stephanie decker has more from antakya. the situation around the freezing is heating up there is been an increase in shelling from turkey into africa and also hearing reports that around fifteen thousand free syrian army fighters these are the rebels inside syria supported by turkey are mobilizing towards the east of affluence and this is all in line with the political rhetoric that's been coming out of anger over the last week or so the last voice added to that the defense ministry on friday saying that the operation would happen that there should be no delay and that turkey had no choice but to rid of what they call terrorists along this border all of this very significant player is russia and this is why we've seen the chief of staff and also the turkish head of intelligence in m

and has been cleared the task of taking of a member it will fall off auction of the free syrian army that's allied to the syrian government whether the us will try to convince turkey from taking mumble as it's done in the past is unclear at this stage russia syria's ally says it will not interfere in the conflict but it does control over enclaves airspace which means turkish air strikes that began on twenty january must have had russian clearance if you are free in and none bridgewater for turkish backed forces will control a two hundred kilometer continuous threat of serious muslim border was to of the euphrates protect his main aim is to create a thirty kilometer saves all along its border which means the rest of the territory could be hundred over to the syrian government operation opens a new front in the near seven year long city and war which activists say has already claimed more than three hundred forty thousand lives a city of our friend could also have severe humanitarian consequences. still ahead on al-jazeera the devastating impact of yemen's conflict on the most vulnerab

turkey is mobilizing thousands of free syrian army rebels inside syria and it would take them a convoy of buses as part of a military operation against syrian kurdish fighters known as the why p.g. in the syrian town of a free in turkey calls them a terrorist group has intensified shelling on nothing in recent days and turkish officials say an offensive is imminent spokesman for us to get terrorists is warning against increased military activity in the region we've seen the reports of shelling in africa we reiterate or call on all concerned parties to avoid further escalation in any acts that could deepen the suffering of the syrian people all parties must ensure protection of civilians at all times under any circumstances. joins us live now from the turkey syria border stephanie what activity is saying that. when the last hour or so we've heard about two or three. bodies of shelling just landed around that way were around less than a kilometer away from the syrian border also i'll just step out of shot and that there was some tanks that were just sort of maneuvering around their base