20 Syrians reported captured in Lebanon August 15, 2012 - 17:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Family members of a Lebanese man held by Syrian rebels say they have captured more than 20 Syrians and will hold them until their relative is freed, AP reported. The Lebanese prisoner Hassane Salim al-Mikdad appeared in a video released by rebels saying he is a member of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant group allied with Iran and Syria. He said he was sent to Syria to fight with regime forces. Hezbollah denied al-Mikdad is a member and the family says he has been living in Syria for more than a year. Abu Ali al-Mikdad, a relative, told reporters in Beirut Wednesday, August 15 that they have abducted "more than 20 Syrians" including a senior member of the Free Syrian Army rebel group. The latest development shows that Syria's violence could easily spillover to Lebanon, where there are deep divisions between supporters and opponents of Assad's regime.   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 |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
