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Dec. 22, 2018 / 10:00 PM GMT

By Josh Lederman

In his phone call with President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly promised that Turkey would take responsibility for finishing off the Islamic State if the U.S. pulled out of Syria, a senior White House official tells NBC News.

Erdogan said to the president, In fact, as your friend, I give you my word in this, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to disclose details of a presidential phone call.

A second U.S. official confirmed that Erdogan had said during the call that Turkey could deal with any remaining ISIS fighters if Turkey were able to operate in northern Syria.

The Turkish Embassy in Washington and Turkish officials in Ankara had no comment Saturday.

What took place during Trumps phone call Friday with the Turkish leader has been a central question in the debate over Trumps decision to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria, a decision he made without consulting U.S. allies and over the opposition of all his top national security aides. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned in part in protest over the Syria decision, and on Saturday, NBC News reported that the U.S. envoy leading the coalition to defeat ISIS, Brett McGurk, has also resigned in protest.

Turkey has long sought a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria to clear the way for Turkish forces to attack Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Turkey considers the Kurdish forces to be terrorists who threaten Turkey's stability, but the U.S. has been training the Kurdish troops and relying heavily on them to fight ISIS there.

Although a senior Trump administration official who briefed reporters last week said that Trump merely informed Erdogan of his plans to withdraw, other U.S. officials as well as Turkish officials have told NBC News that Trump agreed to pull out of Syria during the call after Erdogan argued that with ISIS nearly defeated, there was no need for U.S. troops to stay.

For Trump, the Turkish offer underpins his argument that the U.S. can safely withdraw from Syria without risking a resurgence of ISIS because other countries can and will ensure the extremist groups lasting defeat. Although ISIS has been wrested from nearly all of the territory it once held in Syria, terrorism experts have warned that the group still has fighters there who could exploit a vacuum of power to reconstitute themselves and potentially plan attacks on the U.S.

Trump tweeted Saturday that the U.S. had stayed in Syria far longer than originally envisioned and claimed that when he took office ISIS was going wild.

Now ISIS is largely defeated and other local countries, including Turkey, should be able to easily take care of whatever remains, Trump wrote. Were coming home!

Josh Lederman

Josh Lederman is a national political reporter for NBC News.

Abigail Williams contributed.

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White House says Erdogan promised Trump he'd finish off ISIS ...

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - One of the killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was heard saying I know how to cut on the audio of the killing Turkey shared with U.S. and European officials, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.

FILE PHOTO: Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi speaks at an event hosted by Middle East Monitor in London, Britain, Sept. 29, 2018. Picture taken September 29, 2018. Middle East Monitor/Handout via REUTERS

Erdogan also slammed Riyadh for its changing account of how Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and prominent critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct.2. The journalist had gone there to collect documents for his forthcoming marriage.

The case has caused global outrage and has damaged the international standing of the 33-year-old crown prince, the kingdoms de facto ruler. The U.S. Senate on Thursday delivered a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump for his support of the crown prince, whom it blamed for the killing.

The United States, Germany, France, Canada, we made them all listen... The man clearly says I know how to cut. This man is a soldier. These are all in the audio recordings, Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul. He did not give further details about the recording.

Istanbuls chief prosecutor has said Khashoggi was suffocated by his killers in the consulate, before his body was dismembered and disposed of. His remains have not been found.

Khashoggi repeatedly told his killers I cant breathe during his final moments, CNN reported on Monday, quoting a source who said they had read the full translated transcript of an audio recording.Saudi Arabia has said the prince had no prior knowledge of the murder. After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh later said Khashoggi had been killed when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

Erdogan renewed his criticism of Riyadhs explanation of the killing. Originally it had said Khashoggi had left the consulate. That was disputed by his Turkish fiancee, who had waited outside the building and said he never emerged.

The prince says Jamal Khashoggi left the consulate. Is Jamal Khashoggi a kid? His fiancee is waiting outside, Erdogan said. They think the world is dumb. This nation isnt dumb and it knows how to hold people accountable.

Turkish officials said last week that the Istanbul prosecutors office had concluded there was strong suspicion that Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide to Prince Mohammed, and General Ahmed al-Asiri, who served as deputy head of foreign intelligence, were among the planners of Khashoggis killing.

After Riyadh ruled out extraditing the two men, Turkey said this week that the world should seek out justice for Khashoggi under international law.

Erdogan has repeatedly said he would not give up the case. Trump has said he wants Washington to stand by the Saudi government and the prince, despite the CIA assessment that it was probably the prince who ordered Khashoggis killing.

Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ezgi Erkoyun; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones

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One of Khashoggi killers said 'I know how to cut' on audio ...

Daesh attacked Al-Katef neighborhood in Al-Bukamal city in the eastern Deir Ezzor countryside with mortar shells.

A woman was injured when an artillery bombardment hit the village of Bassala, south of Idlib.

PKK media official tells Sputnik that PKK will respond to Turkish attack on Kurdish areas in northern Syria by escalating operations inside Turkey.

Another Daesh SVBIED captured.

Syria: National Army seized a car bomb in Jarablus (N. Aleppo) and arrested several people including the drivers + 3rd person. Car was later blown up outside the town.

Saif Abu Bakr of FSA al-Hamza Division of Syrian National Army 2nd Legion announces the faction received training and military equipment to fight against the YPG, @baladinetwork reports that 200 fighters graduated for the East Euphrates battle

Salih Muslim: We do not know what is going on between the US and Turkey but Afrin was bombed with NATO bombs

US Ambassador Jeffrey says Iran forces needs to leave Syria: "We see no reason to tolerate this." Their military presence so near Israel is an "extremely dangerous situation that they introduce. it's our position that they need to go."

After being asked about tensions with Turkey vis-a-vis the SDF in the northeast, Amb. Jeffrey says the deployment overnight of 100 Syria Peshmerga to NE Syria was "done with our understanding and as one of several arrangements" being undertaken.

OIR Spokesman: In my official capacity, I accidentally shared content that was insulting to our Coalition partner Turkey, a key partner in the mission to defeat ISIS. I meant no disrespect. We have a duty to mutual security, and we are committed to defeating ISIS. Please accept my apology.

Jeffrey: I have told the Turks an attack on SDF in Syria is a "bad idea."

Amb Jeffrey @AtlanticCouncil : We support SDF for specific goal: fighting ISIS which they're not doing as a favor to us. They are partners in a transactional relationship. Afterwards they are a Syrian party like anyone. We don't have permanent relations with substate entities.

Wissam Al Tair spent 8 years building FB's biggest pro Assad network "Damascus Now", whitewashing Assad crimes and covering up his atrocities. 48 hours ago he was abducted by security apparatus and haven't been heard of or seen since. No one knows his whereabouts.

Amb Jim Jeffrey at @AtlanticCouncil: US has three goals in Syria: -enduring defeat of ISIS -"changed government, not government change and not getting rid of Assad" -Iranian ground troops out of Syria and long range capabilities too

Violent clashes between the SDF and ISIS on the outskirts of Abu Al Khater town in Eastern Deir ez-Zur

Afrin, a Turkish artillery, killed 2 YPG members

Al-Moallem: Our priority is liberating Idlib from terrorism. No-one in Syria accepts independent or federal entities. All those who conspired against Syria under leadership of USA will not be in a comfortable position next year, while our situation is improving day by day

Civilians in Northeastern Syria protest against the upcoming Turkish-FSA offensive.

Pentagon: We do not know what Erdogan has told Trump about

FSA National Liberation Front announces the killing of an Officer and 4 elements of Assad government militia as well as the wounding of others, thwarting an attempt to infiltrate on the axis of Kansba Latakia this morning, tightly controlled by the elements of "Unit 82"

SDF took control over significant parts of Abu al Khatir, east of Hajin USA SOF also on the ground SE Deir ez-Zur

General Command of FSA National Liberation Front based in Greater Idlib statement confirms their full support for the upcoming TSK-led operation in the East Euphrates against the PKK/PYD, stating they will not allow these separatist militias to divide the territory of Syria

IS took credit for torching SDF vehicle in Raqqa

Ahrar Sharqiya says they have detained suspected YPG member attempting to plant a vehicle bomb in city of Jarabulus

DMC video of the clashes between Daesh militants and SDF

Turkish FM Cavusoglu says "I never said anything that means we could work with Syrian regime leader Assad or that we approve of him"

Two people were injured by intensive rocket fire by pro-Assad forces on the town of Jarjanaz in the eastern countryside of Idlib

The Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey and Iran are scheduled to meet in Geneva on December 18 The discussions will be focused on the political settlement in Syria with an emphasis on formation of a constitutional council.

International coalition aircraft launches several raids on ISIS militants positions in Eastern Deir-ez-Zur

SDF is advancing at hawi Al-Susah

Continued clashes between SDF and ISIS at Hajin town

Car bomb dismantled and detonated at Jarabulus outskirts

The Ansar al-Tawhid group announces raid of its fighters on positions of the pro Assad forces in the village of al-Dhabia, southeast of Idlib.

Erdogan: Assad killed one million people and our country received nearly 4 million Syrians, at a time when the Syrian issue has become a means of the machinations that have been waged against us in recent years.

Turkish Armed Forces complete preparations for operations in Syria - Erdogan

President Erdogan says Turkey's military operation in northern Syria will continue until the last of the militants are cleared

Erdogan: US President Trump gave a positive answer to our operation in the east of the Euphrates

Erdogan: We will launch a military operation against the militants in the east of the Euphrates suddenly and by surprise

Turkey to launch military operation east of the Euphrates River "any moment now" President Erdogan

Erdogan: I talked with Trump, the terrorists must go from the east of the Euphrates. If they won't go then we will send them. Because they are threat to us

Turkey's Erdogan says strategic partnership with US requires terrorist groups to be ousted from east of Euphrates in northern Syria

KDP President @masoud_barzani meets with US SPE @brett_mcgurk in Erbil to express his concerns about the future of Kurds in Syria

Military vehicles are being moved in Gazientep

SDF: 71 ISIS militants killed in Hajin

New Turkish convoy has entered Al Surman village in Eastern Idlib

ISIS used car bomb against SDF in Hajin

Video of airstrike carried out by Iraqi F-16 last week

A number of SDF were injured by a landmine explosion in the eastern city of Hajin Deir Al-Zour, Syria

Hama: An artillery bombardment of the northern town of Latamna by the pro-Assad forces in Halfaia

Pro-Assad forces shelled Jarjanaz village in Southern Idlib with heavy missiles

Turkish Interior Minister: We carried out the Euphrates shield and the Olive Branch, despite U.S. opposition and threats

The Turkish Interior Minister: Washington has tried to encircle Turkey in northern Iraq and Afrin now trying to encircle it east of the Euphrates

Bashir: Sudan is keen on Syria's stability, security and territorial integrity under its legitimate leadership and peaceful dialogue among all parts

Clashes between the rebels and the pro-Assad forces on the abandoned battalion front, east Idlib

Eastern Deir Ez Zur countryside: a picture showing the effects of the great destruction in the neighborhoods of a Hajin city, as a result of air raids and artillery shelling by the coalition on the city in the past days.

SDF launched large-scale offensive from different axis on remains of ISIS in Eastern Deir-ez-Zur

Turkish military convoys enters the control points in Murek and Shir Magar village of Hama countryside in conjunction with the withdrawal of another column from the al-Sarman towards Turkey

Hasakah Northern countryside: Video showing PYD members digging trenches in Ras Al Ain.

Sudan's Al Bashir Arrived in Damascus Syria for a meeting with Assad

The National Liberation Front (NLF) is addressing an attempt of advance by the SAA forces on the front of scientific research and Al-Rashidin neighborhood in western Aleppo

Syrian Democratic Forces captured the village of Al-Bukhater in the countryside of Deir Al-Zour.

Idlib: The National Defense Forces in Abu Dali bombard the town of Jarjanas with rockets

Syria: a ceremony with Russia n MP was held today in Ibta (NW. Daraa) as ~250 deserters officially joined Assad forces after "reconciliation".

4 civilians were killed, and 18 others were injured so fare, after a car bomb explosion in main public market in Afrin city north of Aleppo. 13:30 Syria local time.

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Erdogan: Assad killed one million people and our country ...

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attend a news conference after an agreement-signing ceremony between Turkey and Venezuela at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela December 3, 2018. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero

CARACAS (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday criticized sanctions on Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, while President Nicolas Maduro defended the countrys right to export gold after U.S. sanctions last month targeted its shipments of the metal.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials it accuses of corruption, and on certain financial transactions with the Maduro government, which it accuses of violating human rights and triggering an economic meltdown. Ties between Turkey and the United States, two NATO allies, have also been strained.

U.S. President Donald Trump last month signed an executive order banning anyone in the United States from dealing with entities and people involved in corrupt or deceptive gold sales from the South American country. Turkey this year has become the largest importer of non-monetary gold from Venezuela.

Political problems cannot be resolved by punishing an entire nation, Erdogan said, with Maduro by his side at a forum attended by business people from both countries. We do not approve of these measures that ignore the rules of global trade.

Venezuela is suffering a bout of hyperinflation and a fifth year of recession that has led to shortages of food and medicine. Maduro frequently blames a U.S. economic war for the countrys woes, but critics say the crisis is proof socialist policies started under his predecessor Hugo Chavez have failed.

While Erdogan did not directly mention the United States or Trump, he said his friend Maduro was facing manipulative attacks from certain countries and acts of sabotage from economic assassins. In response, Erdogan said he was willing to strengthen trade ties.

Trade between the two countries have been growing, with Turkish data showing the country imported $900 million in gold from Venezuela in the first nine months of the year. Without naming the United States, Maduro decried sanctions and said Venezuela had the right to sell gold.

It is very petty to try to use an illegal sanction to prevent Venezuela from selling its gold to the world, Maduro said during a joint press conference later on Monday with Erdogan, who also visited Paraguay after attending the Group of 20 summit in Argentina last weekend.

Reporting by Corina Pons; Writing by Luc Cohen; Editing by Chris Reese and Richard Chang

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Turkey's Erdogan slams Venezuela sanctions, Maduro defends ...

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkeys insistence on finding the truth behind the recent killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was not aimed at damaging the

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan holds a news conference on the final day of the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 1, 2018. REUTERS/Andres Stapff

Saudi royal family.

Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Erdogan said that solving the Khashoggi killing would also be in the interest of the Saudi monarchy.

We have never seen this as a political issue, Erdogan said. We want to make sure that the murder is revealed in all aspects and that the perpetrators are tried.

Khashoggis killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has strained Saudi Arabias ties with the West and battered the image overseas of its de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia has said the prince had no prior knowledge of the murder. After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh later said Khashoggi had been killed and his body dismembered when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

Erdogan has said the killing was ordered by the highest level of Saudi leadership but probably not by King Salman, putting the spotlight instead on the 33-year-old crown prince.

We have no interest in harming the Saudi Arabian state or the Saudi royal family. We believe bringing to light all aspects of the murder and prosecution of all perpetrators will be in the interest of Saudi Arabia, he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he brought up the Khashoggi issue while at the summit.

At a news conference in Buenos Aires, Trudeau said he had a frank conversation with the Saudi crown prince at the leaders dinner on Friday.

I spoke to the crown prince to highlight our concerns and the need for better answers on the killing of Khashoggi and the need for cease fire in Yemen, Trudeau said.

Western nations are calling for an end to the Saudi-led military campaign in neighboring Yemen, which was launched by Prince Mohammed, as a humanitarian crisis there worsens.

Erdogan also said Prince Mohammed had sent his chief prosecutor to Turkey to investigate the Khashoggi killing, but the prosecutor failed to share information with Turkey.

Turkey has evidence documenting that Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of the crown prince, was killed in 7-1/2 minutes, Erdogan said. He said Ankara has shared this evidence with all countries who requested it, including the United States, Britain, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Additional reporting by Ece Toksabay in Ankara; Writing by Scott Squires and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Will Dunham and Alistair Bell

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Erdogan says not aiming to harm Saudi royals in Khashoggi ...