AU forces launch assault on Somali militants’ stronghold September 28, 2012 - 14:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - African Union (AU) forces have launched a beach assault and taken control of parts of Kismayo, the last major stronghold in Somalia held by Islamist militants, Kenya's military says. The port city has been a bastion of the al-Qaeda-aligned group al-Shabab. The Kenyan troops are part of the AU's Amisom force, which is trying to wrest control of the country for the newly elected UN-backed president. Kenyan military spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna confirmed that parts of Kismayo had been captured and the rest was expected to fall soon. Al-Shabab spokesmen said fierce clashes were taking place, BBC News reported.   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 Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP  Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan.Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”.41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience.Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |
