Joint statement does not condemn Turkish offensive against Kurds, nor does it call for operation to stop, only cautioning against allowing IS to regain foothold in region

But president rejects US responsibility for region: 'Anyone who wants to assist in protecting the Kurds is good with me, whether it is Russia, China, or Napoleon Bonaparte'

One expert says troop pullout will impact US credibility for years to come; another believes president's stock in Mideast has plummeted while Putin's is skyrocketing

American soldiers prepare to evacuate equipment in advance of a full withdrawal, as Trump threatens Turkey with sanctions over offensive

Dropped by their US ally and forced to call in the Damascus regime to face Turkey, the minority group could pay a steep price for its protection

Turkey accuses Kurdish fighters of 'emptying' prison holding jihadists before arrival of its troops in the area

Over 100 relatives of jihadists flee Turkish bombardments in Ain Issa

US forces said planning to assume control of several dozen captured fighters from Kurds to prevent their escape during Turkish assault

But 5 countries have yet to gain support from all the body's members for a declaration; French FM calls for emergency meeting of coalition against Islamic State

Concern of regional destabilization mounts after Ankara launches ground offensive on Kurdish forces following US troop withdrawal from area