Iraq clashes leave 15 dead - mayorApril 24, 2013 - 19:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 15 people were killed in clashes between Iraqi security forces and militants on Wednesday, April 24 in the northern town of Sulaiman Pek, the mayor of a nearby town said, according to Reuters. Four army helicopters were bombing the center of Sulaiman Pek 160 km (100 miles) north of the capital Baghdad, to drive gunmen out of the town, witnesses told Reuters by telephone. "The clashes between Iraqi security forces and the militants started last night," said Shalal Abed, the mayor of Tuz Khurmato via phone from Sulaiman Pek. He said the two sides were still fighting. Ten militants and five soldiers were among the dead, he said. Thousands of Sunnis have held weekly rallies since December to protest against what they see as marginalization by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government and security forces who they say have unfairly targeted them. Government forces' raid on a Sunni Muslim protest camp in the town of Hawija on Tuesday triggered fierce clashes there and stoked fears of renewed violence. 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 | Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |