Saudi Arabia sets Iranian sailors free after two yearsFebruary 21, 2018 - 18:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Nine Iranian sailors were freed on Wednesday, February 21 after two years of captivity in Saudi Arabia, according to the director of a local branch of Iran Fisheries Organization in southern city of Bushehr, IRNA reports. Speaking to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Hassan Ahmadi said that the sailors were fishing in the Persian Gulf somewhere between Farsi and Arabi Islands two years ago when their vessel was seized by the Saudi coast guards. The owner of the vessel was shot by the Saudi coast guard, no sign of him has been found yet, Ahmadi said. The released sailors have no information on the destiny of the owner of the vessel, the official added. Saudi officials said the reason for the seizure of the vessel and the arrest of its crew members was that they illegally crossed into the Saudi territorial waters for fishing, according to Ahmadi. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |