Officials: 17 al-Qaida militants killed in Yemen latest fightingJune 16, 2012 - 15:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Yemeni military officials say government troops have killed 17 al-Qaida militants in the latest fighting in the south, according to AP. The officials say the fighting raged until early Saturday, June 16, around Azan town in southern Shabwa province, one of the few remaining al-Qaida strongholds. Six soldiers were wounded. Yemeni warplanes pounded militant hideouts in the mountains surrounding Azan on Friday but the officials say casualty figures from those bombings were not available because of the ruggedness of the terrain. The military has advanced against al-Qaida strongholds in the south. Troops on Friday took Shoqra, the last town under militant control in Abyan province, which borders Shabwa. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |