Clashes flare up between Syrian troops, rebels south of DamascusNovember 12, 2013 - 16:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Activists say clashes have flared up between Syrian troops and rebels on the southern outskirts of Damascus as part of a weeks-long government push to advance on opposition-held areas., the Associated Press reports. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fighting is underway around the rebel-held Hejeira suburb on Tuesday, Nov 12. The Observatory also said clashes are taking place near the government-controlled Sayyida Zainab neighborhood, known for a famous Shiite shrine. The Observatory and a spokeswoman for a Damascus Syrian rebel council says Shiite fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah are fighting alongside Syrian government forces in the two neighborhoods. The spokeswoman spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for her safety. Government troops and pro-Assad fighters have seized four other nearby neighborhoods in recent weeks. Related links: 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. |