Syrian rebels fire mortar bombs into central DamascusMarch 25, 2013 - 14:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian rebels fired dozens of mortar bombs into central Damascus on Monday, March 25, hitting a high-security area within a kilometer (less than a mile) of President Bashar al-Assad's residence, residents and a security source said, according to Reuters. The military retaliated with artillery fire from Mount Qasioun, overlooking the Syrian capital. "I've heard dozens of regime shells so far, pounding rebels," one resident said. It was some of the heaviest fighting in the heart of the city since an uprising against Assad erupted two years ago. The security source, who asked not to be identified, said mortar rounds had landed in Ummayad Square, a major intersection where military headquarters and state television are located. On Sunday, mortar bombs hit the car park of the state television building, residents said. One resident said the latest rebel bombardment began at 6:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) and was still continuing. "I don't know what is going on exactly other than that the city is under attack," she said, adding that she could hear sirens from the streets. State television reported dozens of casualties at the Opera house, across the street from the headquarters of Assad's Baath party the Air Force Intelligence building. The mortar bombs appeared to be coming from rebels who had pushed into the Kfar Souseh district, a few hundred meters (yards) from Ummayad Square, but there were no immediate reports of the insurgents trying to advance further. Assad's forces have retained control of central Damascus and most other Syrian cities, while losing swathes of territory elsewhere, especially in the north and east. The conflict, in which the United Nations says at least 70,000 people have been killed, has already forced more than a million Syrians to flee the country. Sustained fighting in Damascus could send thousands more refugees into neighboring states, especially Lebanon, which already hosts 370,000 of them. 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. |