  Syrian govt. forces say Aleppo airport under control February 20, 2013 - 18:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian govt. forces say the airport in the battleground northern city of Aleppo is still under military control and "safe" from rebels fighting to capture it. According to the Associated Press, the pro-government Al-Watan daily - considered a mouthpiece for President Bashar Assad's regime - said Wednesday, Feb 20, the military is "valiantly defending" the airport and will do so at all cost. The paper says the airport is under "intensive attacks by gunmen" - a rare acknowledgement of the ferocious fighting around Aleppo, Syria's largest city. Assad's troops have been locked in a stalemate with the rebels since July, when Aleppo became a major battlefield in the nearly two-year conflict. The rebels have been trying to capture the airport for weeks. They have recently taken control of most of two military bases protecting the facility.   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 |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
