Kurdish guerrillas reportedly kill 24 Turkish soldiers Oct 19 morningOctober 19, 2011 - 12:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kurdish guerrillas killed 24 Turkish soldiers in attacks on military posts in southeastern Turkey early on Wednesday, October 19, security sources told Reuters, the biggest single death toll for Turkish security forces in years. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan canceled a planned visit to Kazakhstan after the attacks, sources in his office said. At least 18 soldiers were also wounded when militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) opened fire on military outposts in Cukurca and Yuksekova districts in Hakkari province on the border with Iraq, the sources said, Reuters reported. Earlier, the sources said 21 soldiers had been killed but later raised the toll. Turkey's armed forces could not be immediately reached for comment. The PKK did not immediately claim responsibility for the attacks. The attacks come only a day after five policemen and three civilians, including a 2-year-old girl, were killed in a roadside bomb attack planted by suspected Kurdish rebels in nearby Bitlis province. Wednesday's attacks also come only days after Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited troops in the region to boost morale in an area that has seen increased violence in recent months. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. 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. |