Pentagon say top al-Qaeda leader killed in Syria airstrikeNovember 23, 2016 - 15:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. forces conducted a precision air strike near Sarmada, Syria, on Nov. 18, that killed Abu Afghan Al-Masri, a senior al-Qaeda leader in Syria, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Tuesday, November 22 during a press conference, CBS News reports. Al-Masri, an Egyptian, originally joined al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, and later moved to its Syrian affiliate, Cook said. He had ties to terrorist groups operating throughout Southwest Asia, including groups responsible for attacking U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan and those plotting to attack the West. “Al-Masri’s removal from the battlefield represents another blow to al-Qaeda and Syria and demonstrates continued U.S. determination to target al-Qaeda leaders wherever they pose a threat to the U.S., our allies and interests,” Cook said. 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. |