Rebel commander killed by Turkish military in Syria: reportNovember 19, 2018 - 18:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A rebel commander and several of his fighters were killed during an attack by the Turkish military and their allies in northern Syria this past weekend, opposition activists reported on social media, Al-Masdar News says. According to the reports, the commander of the Furqa Al-Safawah rebel group, Mahmoud ‘Azazi, was killed during a fierce battle with the Turkish military and their allies near the city of Afrin over the weekend. Azazi, as known by his nom de guerre “Abu Nawarah”, was the main commander of Furqa al-Safawah; he had previously fought against the Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG). The Turkish military and their allies launched a new assault on Sunday, November 18 that targeted several rebel groups that were accused of looting and kidnapping in the Afrin region. Turkish army tanks and military vehicles have entered the battlefield and the Turkish artillery units are pounding the positions of the rebels in Afrin. At least 25 militant have been killed and tens more have been wounded in the infighting, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. 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. |