Syrian forces prepare to besiege rebel-held areas in AleppoFebruary 17, 2015 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian government forces backed by Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters have reportedly captured two villages near the northern city of Aleppo, and will soon be able to besiege rebel-held neighborhoods in the country's largest city. According to the Associated Press, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Aleppo-based activist Amer Hassan said government forces were able to cut off the highway linking Aleppo with the Turkish border. The Observatory's chief Rami Abdurrahman says government forces are also advancing toward two nearby Shiite villages that have been under siege for nearly two years. Abdurrahman and Hassan say the push by the government and Hezbollah is the biggest blow to rebels in the province in three years. Aleppo, Syria's largest city and once commercial center, has been divided by neighborhood between government and opposition forces since mid-2012. 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |