Turkish security forces kill 13 Kurdish militantsFebruary 9, 2012 - 12:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish security forces killed 13 Kurdish militants in fighting in southeast Turkey overnight, security sources said, marking an escalation in violence at a time when cold winter weather normally limits clashes, Reuters reports. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters attacked some 10 different security force locations at 2:30 am in Cukurca in Hakkari province near the Iraqi border, the sources said. One soldier and four militants were killed in the fighting and military operations were continuing in the area. Separately, nine PKK guerrillas died in clashes with Turkish troops in a mountainous region of Bingol province after the soldiers discovered a winter shelter used by the militants. Security sources said most of the militants were believed to have killed themselves by detonating hand grenades rather than being captured. Three of the militants were capture alive, two of them wounded, the sources said. More than 40,000 militants, soldiers and civilians have been killed since the PKK began its fight for self-rule in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast in 1984. Turkey, the United States and the European Union all classify the PKK as a terrorist organization. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |