Syria regime expanding use of banned cluster bombs, report saysMarch 16, 2013 - 11:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An international human rights group says the Syrian regime is expanding its use of widely banned cluster bombs in attacks on residential areas, AP reported. Such bombs open in flight, scattering smaller bomblets. They pose a threat to civilians long afterwards since many don't explode immediately. Human Rights Watch said Saturday, March 16 that at least 156 cluster bombs were used in 119 locations across Syria in the past six months. It says two strikes in the past two weeks killed 11 civilians, including two women and five children. The group says it based the report on field investigations and analysis of more than 450 amateur videos. The Syria conflict was sparked by an uprising against President Bashar Assad that turned into a civil war. Long deadlocked, it entered its third year Saturday. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |