Islamic State "releases 25 more Assyrian Christian hostages"December 26, 2015 - 10:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Assyrian group says Islamic State militants have released 25 more Assyrian Christian hostages they had held captive in Syria for 10 months, the Associated Press reports. The 25 Christians were part of about 230 Assyrian Christians that were captured by the extremist group after it overran Assyrian communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in the northeastern Syrian province of Hassakeh. The Stockholm-based Assyrian Human Rights Network said the 25 arrived in the Christian town of Tal Tamr on Friday, December 25. It said the released included 16 children and their mothers. It says the release brings the number of Assyrian hostages that have so far been released to 148. Osama Edward, the network's director, said the release was the result of mediators who negotiated between the church and IS. 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 | 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. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |