IS militants kidnap 4 alleged informants in Egypt, kill 2February 27, 2017 - 17:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egyptian security officials and a tribal leader say that Islamic State militants in the volatile northern Sinai region have abducted four civilians accused of cooperating with the military and killed at least two of them, The Associated Press reports. The abductions are the latest in a spree of Sinai attacks, including several targeting Christian residents. On Monday, February 27 officials said militants abducted Islam el-Sakadra from Rafah, and tortured him before shooting him dead. On Saturday, militants stormed a main market in the city of Rafah, and abducted three men over the same allegations. The body of one of the men has been found, but the other two remain missing. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the press or for fear of reprisal. Photo: AP 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |