WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed developments in Syria and Gaza in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said on Wednesday, as Syria's Turkey-backed government announced a ceasefire with U.

Turkish security sources, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, called the deal a historic turning point and said stability in Syria was vital to Ankara's goal of eradicating terrorism in Turkey, where the PKK has fought an insurgency since 1984 in which more than 40,000 people have been killed.

Syria conflict escalates as Turkey warns Damascus may use force against Kurdish SDF fighters after deadly clashes near Aleppo reportedly killed 23.

By Ismet Mikailogullari NUSAYBIN, Turkey, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Tuesday it was investigating the burning of its flag during protests along its border with Syria by pro-Kurdish groups, coinciding with clashes there between the Damascus government army and Kurdish-led forces.

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa discussed ways to enhance media cooperation between Syria and Turkey during a telephone call

Turkey's Kurds are hoping that Ankara's bid to end the decades-long PKK conflict won't be hurt by Damascus' lightning offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria that was backed by

ANKARA, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Kurdish forces in northern Syria must lay down weapons and disband now to avoid further bloodshed, after Damascus struck a ceasefire with the group and gave them four days to agree on integrating into the central state.

Recent conflict between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria has again brought to the world's attention the detention facilities where Islamic State group members are held and camps where mostly women and children have been locked up for years.