turkey blames kurdish groups for the bomb attack in ankara. launching air strikes against the kurdish army in northern voting under way in uganda hello, from doha, these are the stop stories on al jazeera - oting under way in uganda as the president seeks to extend his 30 year rule. >> venezuela rush to buy cheap petrol as prices are cut and tensions in the south china sea are causing a rapid

military build up turkey is blaming kurdish rebels for wednesday's car bomb atabbing in the capital ankara, launch aring air strikes against kurdish groups, meanwhile. in northern iraq. the prime minister called on turkey's allies to stop backing the y.p.g., which is fighting i.s.i.l. in parts of syria. 28 people are confirmed dead, and 61 people were injured by the blast. it targeted a convoy of military service vehicles, waiting for traffic signals near the turkish parliament. we go to ankara. the turkish president says all evidence points to syrian kurdish rebels. >> reporter: the pyf and y.p.g.

in northern syria, and the links with turkey which touched upon. a link that will help our allies to understand. we've been saying that, and allies will say they understand. and with a link, terrorist organizations and those that support them will be gauged shamal joins us live from there. the finger pointed in the direction of syria. and turkish officials saying more evidence to come. tell us about that. >> what we understand is that the government here has identified at least 14 suspects they claim were behind the attack, belonging to the y.p.g., which is, as you say, the kurdish armed group operating inside syria. it is linked to the p.k.k., the kurdistan workers party, a rebel organisation that has been at

war with the turkish states for decades. the government. through president recep tayyip erdogan, and through the prime minister have been speaking in the past couple of hours say that the time for the international community to make up its mind, whether it wants to stand by its ally, ie turkey, in the fight against terrorism, or whether it wants to continue to support the y.p.g. in syria. the narrative on the front line fighting i.s.i.l. as far as the turkish government is concerned the y.p.g. is simply a proxy for the syrian regime used in the essential region. that's obviously to instigate matters further. the y.p.g. opened an office in the past couple of weeks in russia. and as we know relationships between russia and turkey

deteriorated since turkey downed a russian air force jet that violated its air space. this is not just about turkish security on its homeland here. it saw a dip or an increase in the number of attacks taking place in the past couple of months, it's about the wider region add conflict. particularly what is going on in syria. >> live were ankara. let's condition and go to zeina khodr. joining us from southern turkish strikes in iraq. tell us about that. >> yes, turkish air force targetting the position of the p.k.k. in the northern iraq mountains like jamal mentioned. turkey has been at war with the p.k.k. for some time now, and the strikes happening a few hours after the bombing in ankara. turkey has been at war with the p.k.k. in the south-east of the

country, not just outside its borders, but in the south-east. there has been ongoing battles in towns and villages. turkey has been targeting the y.p.g., celebrating their positions. turkey sees the advance in the northern corridor close to the border as a national security threat. turkey's p.m. saying we'll take all measures against the organizations even in syria. but the question is can it send ground forces, pressing for a ground operation, telling international allies. there's no appetite from western allies, we have to remember that russia controls the skies. at the end of the day turkey sees az as as a red line, they don't want to see the opposition base fall. the y.p.g. is advancing towards azaz, and some of its forces are

at its doorstep. az as under threat. the turkish military striking positions inside syria. >> now, there has been an attack in the south-east of turkey as well, to add to the list of attacks going on in the region, tell us about that one. >> a turkish military convoy was hit by a roadside bomb. a number of soldiers killed. this was in the city of diar barkar. there has been a war in the south-east. the turkish authorities clashing with p.k.k. groups, but turkish authorities staying and promising that they'll deal a heavy blow to the organization. at the end of the day, the pyd - excuse me, the yp g.s inside syria are telling the turkish government that we do not - we don't have any benefit striking the u.n. ties.

the organization is linked. they deny taking part in the bombing, telling the turks that we have the right to do what we want in our own country. turkey see the it as a threat. >> zeina khodr. aid trucks reached several besieged towns. it's parts of an agreement to allow aid into areas where people are trapped. >> a ray of hope in the midst of war. trucks carrying humanitarian aid spreading to some of syria's besieged towns. >> madaya, near the border, they are bringing medical supplies and a clinic, as well as food. thousands are dropped by forces supporting the president. aid workers say 40 people died of alnutrition in the town since

october. we'll have people not bringing medical support kids, but have assessments made for people not na need. in an extreme food shortage need. >> this convoy is heading to towns in the north. 20,000 people here have been cut off by armed rebel groups. >> heavy gun fire rattles, near. close to damascus. there are trucks lining up, carrying supplies for 30,000 people trapped here. more aid is expected to arrive in der azor in the east. part of which is held by i.s.i.l. the convoys are part of an agreement reached in munich, by a dozen countries. not all the up to s under siege can be reached. >> why doesn't the northern countryside of homs get aid. aid is called to reach outline

areas. is the u.n. waiting for them to force rebels to surrender and agree to ceasefires before aid is surrendered. >> the northern battle area of homes has been a battle ground. supply routes have been cut off. food shortages could get worse for the 120,000 that live here. the last aid convoy was in october. now the opposition controlled east of aleppo where tens of thousands lived is close to being besieged. a pause in the fighting is great to the end of the week. there's no shine that it will happen, an international task force holds a meeting to discuss the practicalities of ending the war in syria. first, they need to see who is on the international list of terrorist groups 16 people have been

massacred by i.s.i.l. in champs in 2014. bringing the total number of convict to 40. iment ran kahn is live. what happened in court? >> there was little over an hour and a half and the judge delivered a verdict against the 16 people, handing down the death sentence. as well as the death sentence handed down to those 16 people, there were seven people where the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. it's been controversial within the trial. we have not seen evidence suggested. these are members of i.s.i.l., and responsible for the massacre over the government. absolutely they were, and they delivered the verdict. this has been a case beset by delays and adjournments. it's been going on for 18 months now. in june 2018. a further 24 people were

sentenced to death. they have not been carried out as of yet. we are seeing the case come to a close. it was controversial. 1500], 1700 shia'as were in camp spiker when i.s.i.l. took over, and they were massacred, a lot shot in the back of the head and jumped in the cam. it was controversial at the time. i have to tell you the massacre has the impact now, you spoke to people from the militias, it's a reason they give for continuing the fight against i.s.i.l. now, voting is under way in uganda for the presidential and parliamentary elections. the president seeking another term to extend the 30 years rule. the main challenger is a former ally, running against him for

the fourth time. malcolm webb has the latest. the opposition has alleged that there'll be rigging. they were frog marched out of a station, taken by police and detained by police. now they are not allowed in to check the list. we spoke to the ruling party's agent, and she denies reg u latteries, and anyone inference -- regularities, and anyone interfering will be denied by the law. there'll be rigging. this time him and his supporters can do it. he urged ugandans to vote early, for polling to end and counting to begin. the nrm released a statement

urging ugandans to poll. it said that everywhere would be able to vote by the end of the day still to come on al jazeera. a fear of fading media freedoms in kazakhstan. and the berlin film festival showcases the wealth of child refugees.

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welcome back. let's recap the headlines here on al jazeera now.

turkey's prime minister says kurdish rebels in syria were behind an attack that killed 28 people in ankara. the suicide car bomber has been confirmed in the syrian national. the blast targetting military buses. the u.n. says aid and being distributed in some besieged areas in syria. trucks carrying food, water and medicine reached villages and towns ugandans are casting their votes in the presidential elections. incumbent leader is seeking to extend the 30 years rule. the main challenges were former allies of the president united nations special envoy for yemen says talks to end the war must happen by march. negotiations put on hold last month after renewed fighting and air strikes.

>> translation: deep divisions assist which prevent me calling talks, and the parties are divided over whether a new round of talks should be convened with or without an end to the hostilities. i have not receive assurances that a new ceasefire, should i call for one be respected. >> well, u.s. secretary of state john kerry says increasing evidence of militarization by china in the south china sea is a concern. beijing downplayed reports of surface to air missiles. there'll be more caution with china in the coming days. several countries lay claim to territories. the regional tension is part of the reason for a spending spree in singapore. >> the sky over the south china

sea is becoming crowded. several nations are accusing clean af of moving in. china refutes this saying 90% of the south china sea is theirs. >> i think china's military expansion. increases and as have, in fact, triggered something of an arms race. >> reporter: a united states footprint in the region is not new. it's been growing over the last several years. >> militarization. south china sea, and the artificial islands in used for military purposes doesn't pose

an&o substantially threat. the u.s. wants its presence felt. the general commands all forces in the region. >> i can't tell you how much it means for me to go out and see all the joint air power and do what we do as team america, and being out here to show the commitment and part of the show of strength in the region is this. the ph pois eyedon. the rates frequently flies them over disputed territory. >> whether it's singapore. the philippines, we were able to easily within the span of a short amount of time put a jet there and operate out of that region the philippines, a long-time ally took its territorial dispute with china to the hague, and announced that it's buying

100 million of maritime. if the situation in the south china sea continues, the region could be one of the defense industries dream markets for years to come. >> scott heidler, al jazeera. signing pore. >> petrol prices have been raised from 2 to 94 u.s. cents a litre. it's the first increase in 20 years. part of president's emergency measures to save the country with the highest inflation rate in the world. virginia lopez reports. >> according to the state-run oil company, fuel subsidies can cost the country as much as $15 billion a year. president nicolas maduro says that at the counter prices the state was paying to fill up people's tax. >> this national fund for missions will receive every extra fund needed.

gasoline 91 will cost one bolivar, and gasoline 95 six per litre. >> reporter: the magnitude of a price increase in a country seeing petrol as a natural right was that team doesn't wait for nicolas maduro to finish his speech before rushing to pa petrol station to fill up the tank. it was long overdue. >> it comes too late. had it been done slowly, not so thoroughly. the affect on the property was -- on the pocket will be greater. >> reporter: the move comes as maduro faces pressure from an strenghtened political opposition. only two months, the ruling socialist party suffered a defeat in parliament elections due to anger over the crisis. but raising the price of fuel is not easy, in 1989, a similar increase in food and gasoline

prices left thousands in the street to protest. so traumatic were the events of those days that fears of a repeat had kept prices as such for 20 years. battling food prices, wages that are worthless. and now power cuts. an increase in petrol prices will lead to an increase in the cost of the transport, food and basic services. economists say the measures, though welcome, could fall short in the country that even at the new price still has the world adds cheapest petrol protests in new delhi university spread to other parts of india. students and teachers in other cities are joining demonstrated for the release of a stupid leader arrested on sedition

charms. he faces trial against a man convicted in parliament. nationalists accused demonstrators of being anti-indian. government protesters gathered in the capital. demonstrations took place as the country celebrated eight years of independence from serbia. it han blogging activities in october. the government accused the opposition of coming to power through violence. a court in az abbing stan sentence said two pen to two year gaol terms tore what it called offenses to national pride and honour. the men focused an excerpts. the ruling alarmed observers,

saying kazakhstan ... exploring identity is central though this man's art. recasting something familiar with a sacred symbol. whether his works are inspired. irreverent or risque, depend on opinion, d and that matters in kazakhstan. >> anyone could get offended and take me to court and quote me convicted, depending on the way the wind is blowing. >> since 2012, dozens have been prosecuted for incitement. among them environmental

activists and this bloffer who said that kazakhstan should be part of russia. many cases were filed under article 174 of the penal code. >> article 174 criminalizes actions that incite social, national, tribal, racial class or religious hatred or insults dignity or honour. or religious feelings of citizens. the critics say it's a vague definition, open to interpretation and abuse rights groups warn that anyone can be a target. >> there are a lot of gaps in the law. a lot of ignorance. there's little tolerance among the population as a hold. very little culture of discussion. >> prosecutions are justified says the government when kazakhstan's diverse population, and its sovereignty are threatened. >> kazakhstan is in central europe.

it's a different region, for us, stability within society, entering ethnic harmony. interreligious values, that there is in kazakhstan. >> kazakhstan occupies an uncomfortable vacuum. neither in europe and asia, between two superpower neighbours. >> i don't want to harm the image of kazakhstan. i don't want to offend my own people. >> he believes art should have no red lines, not thin ones, between self-expression and sedition nike terminated their contract with boxer manny pakky awe over comments he made about homosexuality. the sports ware manufacturer say they oppose discrimination. 8-time world champion pacquiao

apologised for his comments. he is due to fight bradley in april and is running for a seat in philippine elections. a theme at the berlin film festival is the search for security and a better life. thursday there is a special screening for a high-approach film. the directors will not be there, they are children in the middle east. understood eem barber plains. >> reporter: strictly speaking, it's not a documentary. it's probably as close as you can get to experiencing the refugee camp, without travelling to the turkish syria border life on the border was filmed by eight children between war and i.s.i.l. attacks. a group of film-makers taught

them to use cameras and script scenes. and some of the stories that emerge merged -- emerged were too traumatic to show. >> some of the kids - we wanted to make - to give them the comeback to talk about themselves. we didn't want to tell them to, you know, to shoot this story what's happened before. it's like two times happen to them. >> the movie features harrowing scenes where the director and his sister return to the bombed out towns, looking for the family's home put there are lighter moments too, like when they get to see a hollywood blockbuster.

now it's getting a special screening, thanks to rule bending. >> it goes against regulation. we don't screen film competitions. >> this was so strong, and, of course, the theme was strong, and what is coming out was strong and necessary. we need to show that here in berlin. we created a platform for it. the experience was intense for all involved. and for one member of the team it led to death threats. he's seeking asylum in germany. >> i had to leave. i went to turkey, on to greece. as a film-maker, it's hard for me doing the great work and forced to leave my country. >> the issue of immigration and controversial since the country took in a million refugees in 2016. >> with films like live on the

border, the film festival is providing a reminder of conditions left behind. >> you want to get more on the story and the others unfortunate been telling me about. head over to the website at aljazeera.com. >> i'm ali velshi. >> i'm david schuster in for ali velshi. "on target" tonight. donald trump a long shot for wing the nomination, has even the democrats worried that he's going to roll all the way to the white house. there is no dismissing donald trump. just three days before the south carolina republican presidential primary, this polling shows that the no holds barred real estate tycoon and reality television star is simply