Syrian rebels reportedly seize key town near Jordan borderMarch 25, 2015 - 14:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Opposition activists say Syrian rebels have seized a key town near the border with Jordan, following four days of intense battles with government forces. According to the Associated Press, there was no immediate comment from the government on the reported fall of Busra Sham, a town in southern Syria known for its historical citadel and Roman amphitheater declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. For the rebels, the town's capture is a strategic gain because of its geographical location. Rebel groups fighting to topple President Bashar Assad have been on the offensive in the area for weeks. Several opposition groups and at least one of the Islamic rebel groups who took part in the battles for Busra Sham announced the capture of the town on Wednesday, March 25. 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |