Russia destroys 11 Islamic State-linked militantsNovember 23, 2015 - 10:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian law enforcement officers on Sunday, November 22, raided a hideout in the North Caucasus of armed militants allied with the Islamic State group, killing all 11 of them in an exchange of fire, the counter-terrorism agency said, according to the Associated Press. The reinforced base in a wooded, mountainous area on the outskirts of Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria republic, contained a workshop for producing explosive devices and a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee said in a statement. It said all 11 militants were killed after opening fire on the officers and using grenades, while there were no fatalities among the officers. An Islamic insurgency has long simmered in the predominantly Muslim North Caucasus republics of southern Russia. The region, which includes Chechnya and Dagestan, has become fertile ground for IS propaganda and recruitment, and the majority of the estimated 3,000 Russians fighting in Syria are believed to come from the North Caucasus. The agency said the group of militants killed in Sunday's raid were allied with IS and had helped to send local residents to Syria to fight with IS. They also were preparing to carry out attacks in the North Caucasus, the agency said. It said two completed explosive devices were found in the hideout. Tensions in the North Caucasus have been further heightened by Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar Assad in his war against the Sunni opposition. Most of Russia's Muslims are Sunnis. Last week, Russia intensified its airstrikes in Syria in retaliation for the Oct. 31 bombing of a passenger plane in Egypt, carrying mostly Russian tourists, for which IS claimed responsibility. 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. |