An estimated 5,000 people have been displaced by clashes between Turkish-led forces and Kurdish fighters in north-western Syria. The civilians have fled communities near the border since Turkey launched an offensive to drive a Kurdish militia out of the Afrin region on Saturday. Some are reported to have been prevented from crossing into territory controlled by the Syrian government.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Defense Ministry on Tuesday announced the launch of a military campaign with the support of the US-led coalition to clear a remote area of southern Mosul from remaining Islamic State (IS) sleeper cells. In a statement posted to its Facebook page, the Defense Ministry said a military operation had been launched to hunt down “remnants of the terrorist group in the Mukhtar Islands based on accurate intelligence and support from the international coalition forces.” The area is located in the southern region of Mosul on the banks of the Tigris river and has seen a wave of random attacks claimed by IS militants.
Lastly, it might be Oscar season but the buzz is all about hip hop artist Drake and an upcoming album release he has hinted at this week. Drake released two new songs Gods plan and diplomatic immunity ahead of a possible full album release. Childish Gambino and Christina Aguilera have also hinted new music will be coming out soon.
