Russia denies airstrikes over Idlib demilitarized zoneMarch 11, 2019 - 13:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Monday, March 11 morning that their air force did not conduct any airstrikes inside the Idlib demilitarized zone, Al-Masdar News reports. “The information that has appeared in some Russian media with a reference to so-called military sources on Russia allegedly launching airstrikes in Idlib does not correspond to reality”, the ministry said. Kommersant reported, citing sources earlier in the day, that the Russian Aerospace Forces had launched airstrikes on Idlib as a response to terrorists’ violating the ceasefire. According to the media outlet, the alleged airstrikes had been agreed on with Ankara. That same day, a military source from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) said that the Russian Air Force targeted the Turkestan Islamic Party’s positions in the jihadist-held Jisr Al-Shughour countryside. The overwhelming majority of the airstrikes in rural Idlib last week were carried out by the Syrian Air Force; however, the source from the SAA did say the Russian Air Force targeted TIP’s positions near the Turkish border. 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. |