Smoke rises from the Syrian town of Kobani, seen from near the Mursitpinar border crossing on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province October 14, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Umit Bektas

U.S.-Led Air Strikes Intensify As Syria Conflict Destabilizes Turkey -- Reuters

(Reuters) - American-led forces have sharply intensified air strikes in the past two days against Islamic State fighters threatening Kurds on Syria's Turkish border after the jihadists' advance began to destabilize Turkey.

The coalition had conducted 21 attacks on the militants near the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani over Monday and Tuesday and appeared to have slowed Islamic State advances there, the U.S. military said, but cautioned the situation remained fluid.

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MIDDLE EAST

Airstrikes boost Kurdish militiamen fighting street battles against Islamic State . In Kobani, Kurd fighters help coordinate airstrikes on IS targets . Kurds say Kobani defence improved by coordinating targets with U.S. .

IS militants continue deadly attacks across Iraq .

Islamic State: Syria rebels warn of backlash over US air strikes .

Map: Areas under IS group control in Iraq and Syria .

U.S. says no talk now about extending Iran nuclear negotiations . U.S., E.U. talk with Iran about its nuclear program. Kerry, Iranian FM in Vienna for nuclear tallks .

Houthi militias enter major Yemeni city of Ibb .

Israel, not jihad, is Lebanon's biggest threat - Hezbollah .

Hamas official slams UN chief Ban's 'hypocrisy' after visit to Gaza, Israel .

Israel police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem .

ASIA

Hong Kong police battle protesters to regain control of key road . Hong Kong police beat protester in violent crackdown on demonstrations .

Insurgent attacks kill 10 across Afghanistan .

Pakistan elders targeted in suicide attack .

China calls on six nations to resume North Korea nuclear talks .

Koreas hold senior-level military talks .

China expresses concern about Indian border road plan .

Sri Lanka bans foreigners from old war zone amid UN probe .

Himalayas blizzard and avalanche kill at least 20 and leave dozens missing .

BBC's website is being blocked across China .

AFRICA

Rival militias fight for Libya's Benghazi .

Liberia needs 79,940 more body bags .

Ebola winning the race, says UN official Anthony Banbury .

US embassy warns of al-Shabab attack in Ethiopia .

Nigeria, Cameroun strategise against Boko Haram .

Nigeria's ex-military ruler Buhari declares presidential bid .

Central African Republic says violence plotted to provoke coup . Three killed in militia violence in Central African Republic's capital .

UN peacekeepers are targets in restive Northern Mali.

Mozambicans choose new leader, eyes on coming resource boom .

Kenya arrests separatist coastal movement leader .

EUROPE

Russia-US relations reset ‘impossible’: PM Medvedev .

Putin, Poroshenko to discuss gas deal, peace moves in Italy . ‘High expectations’: Putin, Poroshenko to talk gas, Ukraine crisis in Italy .

Putin, Poroshenko meeting could include leaders of Germany, France .

Ukraine’s economy choking under Russian pressure, but Western help is scarce .

Spain's Rajoy says 'chapter of dialogue' is opened with Catalonia .

France seeks EU leniency for second year running as 2015 budget set to shred past promises.

Romania's PM tipped to win presidency: poll .

Scottish nationalists pick Sturgeon to lead fight for independence .

AMERICAS

CDC: New Ebola patient took recent airline flight . Ebola outbreak: Officials seeking people who flew with nurse .

US rethinks Ebola response as second Dallas nurse is diagnosed .

Obama: World 'not doing enough' to stop Ebola .

Lost students not among bodies found in Mexico, officials say .

Trouble looms for Obama, Democrats with election day 2014 approaching .

Brazil's Presidential candidates clash in TV debate .

U.S. should stump up billions to curb Central America migration: Perez .

New York gets frigid winter warning from Siberia snowfall .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US and Russia to share intelligence on ISIL .

Has ISIS looted chemical weapons from former Iraqi nerve agent factory that US failed to destroy? UN told 2,500 rockets containing deadly Sarin are in the hands of the jihadists .

New Benghazi indictment confirms 2012 attack was terrorist plot .

Pakistani Taliban split emerges over IS loyalties .

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global shares slide on growth fears .

China, Russia sign landmark energy, finance, tech deals .

Worrying for Saudi, U.S. oil output cuts could take a while .