Iran detains members of Azeri separatist group on espionage chargesJune 24, 2016 - 10:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian authorities detained six members of an Azeri separatist group on espionage charges in the country's northwest, state-owned IRAN newspaper reported on Thursday, June 23, according to the Associated Press. The report said the suspects gathered "classified military and economic documents and handed them over to enemies." It says they were members of the "Gamo" separatist group in East Azerbaijan province. The paper didn't elaborate how the suspects obtained access to classified information. Many Iranian leaders are Azeri or have Azeri roots, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has final say on all state matters. Also Thursday, Iranian media quoted a local official in the southwestern province of Khuzestan as saying that authorities killed and detained several people suspected of sabotage and terrorism recently. The report didn't provide other details, AP says. And on Tuesday, Iran said 10 "terrorists" were arrested in the capital, Tehran, and three border provinces. The announcement came a day after authorities said that security forces had broken up one of the biggest terrorist plots ever on its soil, AP says. According to the statement, the suspects planned to carry out suicide attacks and other bombings in parts of the Iranian capital. Photo. Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |