FSA filmed hanging Turkish flag over Afrin legislative council building (video) March 19, 2018 - 10:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army forces celebrated the capture of Afrin by hanging the Turkish flag over the city's legislative council building on Sunday, March 18, after declaring full control over the city following an eight-week offensive to drive out the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), Al-Masdar News reports. Fighters waved flags and tore down the statue of a legendary Kurdish figure after claiming the city centre on Sunday. The two-month Turkish-led operation aimed to rid the border region of a Kurdish militia that Turkey considers a terrorist group. According to local media, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier in the day that the center of Syria’s Afrin is “entirely under the control” of the Turkish Armed Forces and Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters, inside Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch. 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. |