Turkish army reportedly controls 7% of Afrin regionFebruary 15, 2018 - 10:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish army and its accompanying terrorists have taken control of 24 townships and villages in Afrin region since the start of operation "Olive Branch", the Syrian Human Rights Watchdog affiliated to the country's dissident groups said in a report, according to IRNA. The report said the areas taken from Syrian democratic forces constitute only seven percent of townships and villages in Afrin region located north of Aleppo. On January 20, the Turkish army launched the operation in the northern Syrian region of Afrin. According to Turkish media, 6,000 Turkish military men are participating in the operation. The Ankara government claims the aim of its operation is to destroy elements of Turkish Workers Party (PKK), Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and People's Protection Units (PYG). It accuses the military unit of PYG of cooperating with PKK. 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 | 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. |