Al-Qaeda commander says no merger with other groups in SyriaMay 18, 2018 - 17:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Commander of an al-Qaeda-linked group in Syria denied reports about the group’s intention to dissolve and merge with other rebel factions in Syria’s north, Al-Masdar News reports. In a speech delivered after Friday prayers, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani told a congregation that all reports about creating a merger with any other group – including Faylaq al-Sham – are farce and untrue. “The organizational structure of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is something not to be negotiated or bargained about outside the HTS circle of leadership”, he said. Unconfirmed reports circulated recently stated that Turkey is seeking to create a new rebel alliance which includes all FSA-affiliated groups in northern Syria such as Free Idlib Army, Jaish al-Izza, Jaish al-Nasser, 1st Coastal Division, as well as Faylaq al-Sham which is expected to lead the alliance. Yesterday, Turkey has set up the 12th and last observation post in the west countryside of Idlib province as per Astana peace talks. 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |