French troops kill at least 10 extremists in Mali, recover armsDecember 24, 2015 - 10:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French forces in Mali say that they have killed about 10 extremists and recovered arms and explosives after heavy fighting in the country's north near Niger, the Associated Press reports. A statement from the French military sent early Wednesday, December 23, said the forces also seized pick-up trucks and a dozen motorcycles after four hours of fighting with al-Mourabitoun extremists in Mali's northeastern Menaka region on December 19 and 20. The Islamic extremist group was the first to claim responsibility for the November 20 attack on the Radisson Blu hotel that killed 20 people. It said it worked with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, saying it was their first joint operation. A French-led operation pushed extremists from urban centers in northern Mali in 2013, but insecurity remains and extremists are launching attacks further south. 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 | “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. 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. |