Calm prevailed in Iraq on Wednesday after a week of anti-government protests left more than 100 dead, prompting the United States to call on the country's government to exercise "maximum restraint."

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Thursday to discuss Turkey's military offensive in northern Syria, diplomats said Wednesday.

Turkey "is willingly risking further destabilizing the region and a resurgence of IS" (Islamic State) by attacking northeastern Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday. 

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday urged Turkey to show "restraint" in its operation against Kurdish forces in Syria, warning that the fight against the Islamic State group should not be put at risk.

The head of Saudi Aramco hit out Wednesday at the lack of global resolve to stop attacks on more oil installations, one month after strikes on two of its facilities.

The Turkish military operation launched on Wednesday against Kurdish militia fighters in Syria is Ankara's third offensive in the war-torn country.

France "strongly condemns" Turkey's offensive in northeast Syria, European Affairs minister Amelie de Montchalin said Wednesday, within minutes of Ankara launching cross-border strikes.

Senator Lindsey Graham vowed Wednesday that Congress will inflict a cost on Turkey for its offensive against Syria's Kurds as the usually loyal ally of President Donald Trump sharply criticized U.S. policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. military becoming involved in the Middle East was the "worst decision ever made" and that he was ensuring the safe return of troops.

Turkey launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria on Wednesday, with intensive bombardment paving the way for an invasion made possible by the withdrawal of U.S. troops.