Al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria seizes large parts of northern city: activistsMarch 28, 2015 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian opposition activists said al Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, the Nusra Front, has seized large parts of the northwestern city of Idlib from government forces. According to the Associated Press, they say the advances were made in fierce fighting Saturday, March 28, with the militants sweeping into neighborhoods close to the city center. The Nusra Front is leading a major offensive that began earlier this week to take Idlib. If the city falls, it would be the second provincial capital lost by President Bashar Assad's forces in the four-year-old conflict. A Syrian military official said army forces were fighting "fierce battles" against "armed terrorist groups" to regain control. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said militants seized control of most of Idlib after government forces withdrew to bases in the city. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |