Al-Qaeda affiliate takes control of southern Yemeni town: officialsFebruary 1, 2016 - 13:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Yemeni security officials say a local al-Qaeda affiliate has seized a town from southern separatists, setting up checkpoints at its entrances and besieging government buildings, the Associated Press reports. The officials said Monday, February 1 that al-Qaeda gunmen in pickups seized the entrances of the town of Azzan and stormed the city council. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP as the group is known, has widened its reach amid a civil war pitting a loose array of forces backing Yemen's internationally recognized government against Shiite Houthi rebels and troops loyal to a former president. AQAP seized the southern port city of Mukalla and the southern town of Jaar last year. 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 | 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. |