At least 1,014 people died in Turkey’s southern provinces, and at least 644 people died in northern Syria, after a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale hit the region in the early hours of Monday. The death toll does not include casualties that followed a second 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the region early afternoon. The death toll is expected to rise further still as strong aftershocks continue to shake the region.
Washington has warned Turkey not to export chemicals, microchips and other products that could lead to Turkish companies or banks being punished for contravening sanctions on Russia.
Numerous arrests have been reported in the Kurdish town of Abdanan in Iran, which has been a focus of security presence and violence during the suppression of nationwide protests by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
The Turkish authorities said that they have acted on intelligence received relating to a potential terrorist plot. They said they were unable to find hard evidence of a terrorist threat, though 15 suspects were remanded in custody after interrogation.
Students in Turkey have begun choosing their elective courses for the spring term. However, most schools in Urfa are not offering courses in the Kurdish language despite students’ desire to study their mother tongue.
Co-chair of the German Left Party, Janine Wissler, travelled to Turkey to meet co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party Saliha Aydeniz in Diyarbakır to exchange ideas and support the pro-Kurdish party.
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