Syrian govt. forces launch offensive against HomsJune 30, 2013 - 11:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian forces have launched a major offensive against rebel-held parts of the city of Homs. Aircraft, tanks and mortar units attacked several areas, activists say. Unverified footage showed clouds of smoke from explosions across the city, BBC News reports. Syrian state TV said the army had achieved a "great success" in Homs after "killing many terrorists". The attack follows gains in Homs province by the forces of President Bashar al-Assad in recent weeks. They captured the strategically important town of Qusair, between Homs and the Lebanese border, in early June. Rebels say communication lines in Homs were cut before the bombardment began. The city has been a rebel stronghold since the uprising against President Assad began more than two years ago. An activist in Homs told The Associated Press that the assault was "the worst campaign against the city since the revolution began". In the Khalidiya and nearby Old City districts of Homs, shelling had been continuous since 10:00 (07:00 GMT), activist Tariq Bardakhan said. It followed reported shelling in Khalidiya. The UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least two civilians had been killed, and there had been clashes around the historic Khalid Ibn al-Walid mosque in Khalidiya. Elsewhere in Syria rebels have claimed some victories, reportedly making gains in fighting in the southern city of Deraa in recent days. 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. |