Five Lebanese soldiers killed in Syria border clashJanuary 24, 2015 - 14:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Five Lebanese government soldiers have been killed in clashes with militants near the Syrian border, the Lebanese army has said, according to BBC News. Nine militants also reportedly died in the fighting in the village of Ras Balalbek, near the town of Arsal. No group has claimed responsibility for the gunmen's attack which was repelled. The area has seen previous incursions by Islamist militants from Syria's conflict. In August, gunmen attacked Arsal, capturing Lebanese soldiers. Some of the soldiers have since been killed. Lebanon's security has been severely damaged by the Syria crisis that began in 2011. It has also been worsened by its own paralysed government. The country has been without a president since May last year. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |