Blast kills NATO service member in southern AfghanistanFebruary 15, 2014 - 20:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An improvised explosive device killed a NATO service member in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, Feb 15, the U.S.-led international military coalition said, according to the Associated Press. In its statement, the coalition did not give further details on where the incident occurred or the nationality of the service member killed. Saturday's death brings to five the number of coalition troops who have died in Afghanistan so far this month. So far this year, 12 coalition troops have been killed in Afghanistan, according to a tally kept by The Associated Press. Afghan insurgents have increased attacks in recent months, intensifying a campaign to regain territory as foreign forces draw down ahead of a full withdrawal at the end of 2014. In a statement commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal, the Taliban drew parallels with American forces in the country and called on Afghans to drive them out. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said the USSR's forces had killed innocent people and "destroyed our country," but that "all our nation stood against them and were able to defeat them." Ahmadi said that instead of taking that as a lesson, Americans invaded — making them "the same as yesterday's Soviets." He urged Afghans to "deal with today's invaders as they dealt with yesterday's invaders," adding that "there is no difference between our jihad of yesterday and today." Related links: 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. |