Syrian rebels claim fighter jet shootdownAugust 13, 2012 - 17:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian rebels claimed on Monday, August 13 that they had brought down a Syrian fighter jet for the first time, posting a video of what they said was proof, while the United Nations said it had removed a third of its observers in advance of its mandate expiring later this month, New York Times reported. The rebels said they shot down the jet early on Monday in the eastern city of Deir Ezzour, according to activists. A 33-second video released by the Local Coordination Committees, an activist network based in different areas, shows a jet rushing across the screen before bursting into flames. Both developments three weeks into a ground battle for Aleppo, and as fighting spreads in Damascus, Dara’a and other areas highlight the conflict’s recent spiral away from diplomacy and toward widening war. After 17 months, Syria is being defined by confrontation, with no end in sight, said Gen. Babacar Gaye, Head of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria. “It is clear that violence is increasing in many parts of Syria,” General Gaye said, noting that fighting had forced United Nations observers to leave Aleppo. “The indiscriminate use of heavy weapons by the government and targeted attacks by the opposition in urban centers are inflicting a heavy toll on innocent civilians.” 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |