Kurdish forces attack Turkish base, fierce clashes break outApril 30, 2019 - 15:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A fierce battle broke out on Tuesday, April afternoon between the Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Turkish Army in the northern countryside of the Aleppo Governorate, Al-Masdar News reports. According to a report from Aleppo, the YPG forces at the Mennagh Airbase began the hostilities by shelling the Turkish military base that is located west of Azaz city. The report said the YPG shelling resulted in several casualties for the Turkish military; the move prompted the latter to respond by firing a number of rockets and artillery shells towards the Kurdish group’s positions. Currently, the two sides are exchanging heavy artillery and missiles near Azaz, with both claiming the other has suffered several casualties from their attacks. The situation in northern Aleppo has gotten progressively worse over the last three weeks, as Turkish-backed rebels from the National Liberation Front (NLF) continue to redeploy to the front-lines with the YPG and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkey has repeatedly warned that they will be conducting a military operation to clear these areas controlled by the YPG and SDF; however, they have been unable to launch any significant attacks due to the presence of U.S. and French troops. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |