Islamists seize key Syrian towns, villages near Turkish border: activistsAugust 13, 2014 - 12:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian opposition activists said extremists from the Islamic State group have seized key towns and villages near the border with Turkey after deadly clashes with other rebels in the area, according to the Associated Press. They said fighters of the group captured the towns of Akhtarin and Turkmanbareh in the Aleppo countryside Wednesday, Aug 13, dislodging other rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad. They also took three nearby areas. The towns are the latest prize for Islamic State militants, who have carved out a self-styled caliphate across vast swaths of eastern Syria and northern and western Iraq, the AP notes. The towns' takeover was reported by several activists, jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State group on social media and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 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 | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |