BEIRUT (AP) – The Latest developments on the war in Syria and the tens of thousands (all times local):
12:50 p.m.
Turkey’s state-run agency says military officials have stopped a group of 34 people at the border with Syria and seized luggage containing four suicide vests and explosives.
Anadolu Agency, citing unnamed security sources Wednesday, said four men, 10 women and 20 children were stopped near the town of Oguzeli, in Gaziantep province. It wasn’t clear when they were detained, but Anadolu said that security forces had acted on a tip about plans to smuggle explosives across the border.
The luggage contained up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of explosives.
There was no information on the nationalities of those detained. The report didn’t say whether authorities believe the group may be linked to the Islamic State group.
Anadolu said an investigation was underway.
___
11:20 a.m.
Syria’s state news agency SANA says opposition gunmen have opened fire on aid vehicles in the besieged rebel-held town of Madaya, near the capital Damascus, but no casualties were reported.
A SARQ official said on Wednesday that the convoy, which included vehicles from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, was evacuating sick people from Madaya when it came under fire by unknown gunmen.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the operation had been completed and people successfully evacuated.
Madaya, which has been besieged by government and allied militiamen for months, gained international attention after harrowing pictures emerged showing emaciated children and starving residents.
SANA said the shooting occurred late Tuesday night delaying operations for several hours.