Al Qaeda-linked fighters capture villages from moderate rebelsNovember 7, 2014 - 21:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian activists said al Qaeda-linked fighters have captured at least three villages from Western-backed rebels in the country's northwest as the militants continue their push to assert control over an area once held by more moderate groups, the Associated Press reports. Nusra Front's advances expose the weakness of more moderate factions, which the U.S. hopes to forge into an effective fighting force. An activist who uses the name of Alaa al-Deen says al Qaeda fighters seized three villages — Safuhan, Fatira and Hazari — in northwestern Idlib province, and were pushing to take others. The development comes a day after U.S. airstrikes hit two Nusra Front compounds in Idlib. In the past week, the al Qaeda affiliate has been overrunning strongholds in Idlib once held by two prominent rebel factions armed and trained by the United States. 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 | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |