Syrian rebels pounding two besieged Shiite townsJuly 7, 2013 - 16:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Syrian rights group says that rebels are pounding two besieged Shiite towns in the northern province of Aleppo, according to The Associated Press. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday, July 7, that fighting was flaring up on the outskirts of the towns of Nubul and Zahra. Fighters seeking the overthrow of President Bashar Assad have besieged the towns for months and tried to force out his troops there. A hardline Sunni brigade warned last week they would punish Shiites for harboring the forces, suggesting the towns' population of some 40,000 is at risk. The fighting underscores the growing sectarian nature of the two-year old uprising against Assad's regime. Lebanese and Iraqi Shiites have joined pro-Assad forces. Foreign Sunni fighters have joined bands of predominantly Sunni Syrian rebels. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |