Islamists flee Malian town after days of French airstrikesJanuary 20, 2013 - 15:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Video from a Malian town which radical Islamists fled after days of French airstrikes shows the street dotted with burned out vehicles and scattered bullets, AP reported. The central town of Diabaly remained calm Sunday, January 20 a day after it came back under government control. The Associated Press obtained video filmed by a local resident, which shows people from the town inspecting the fighters' vehicles and charred weaponry which had been destroyed by French airstrikes and Malian ground forces. Malian military spokesman Capt. Modibo Traore said Saturday evening that soldiers had secured the town. The departure of the Islamists from Diabaly marks a success for the French-led military intervention that began Jan 11 to oust the Islamists. They first took control of the north nine months ago after a coup. 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |