Jaysh Al-Izza fighters unleash major assault on Christian city in SyriaFebruary 28, 2019 - 14:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armed fighters reportedly unleashed a massive assault on Mhardeh on Wednesday, February 27 resulting in heavy damage to the civil infrastructure of the Christian city in the northern countryside of the Hama Governorate, Al-Masdar News reports. The attack was carried out by the Free Syrian Army’s Jaysh Al-Izza faction, who have been involved in a heavy exchange of hostilities with the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) for months in Hama. According to a military source from Mhardeh, the Jaysh Al-Izza attack on the city resulted in heavy damage to the thermal power plant, leaving thousands without electricity on Wednesday evening. The source said the Islamist rebels fired at least 15 missiles towards the thermal power plant, which has lately been their primary target in their retaliatory attacks against the government. A source from the power plant told Al-Masdar earlier this week that the damage done to the site has cost the Syrian government over 1 billion Syrian Pounds (approximately $1.94 million). Mhardeh is the largest Syrian Christian city in Syria; it is home to tens of thousands of people, including a large number of displaced civilians from the northern Hama region. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |