Iran bans drones after device shot down in TehranFebruary 20, 2017 - 18:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian officials have banned the flying of all private drones over Tehran after two recent incidents led to one of the devices being shot down near the supreme leader's office, AFP reports. "Based on a recent order regarding prevention of unlicensed flight by private drones, we have stopped these planes which had created security... problems," said Revolutionary Guards official General Alireza Rabii, whose department is in charge of the capital's security. The order comes after two separate incidents of security forces opened fire on small camera drones flying over central Tehran. The first one, owned by Iranian state television, was shot down in December for entering "the no-fly zone" over Enghelab square, which is near the offices of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the president and several other state institutions. Last month, anti-aircraft cannons were fired at another drone, footage of which was shared on social media. The unidentified drone left the area a few minutes later. Rabii said media drones, equipped with cameras, had led some people to complain after the devices flew over their homes and disturbed their privacy. The drones can film "sensitive, vital and important places," which may be exploited by the "enemy", he added. Permits must be obtained to operate drones, he said, adding that authorisation would not be given to individuals. The use of camera drones has significantly increased in Iran in recent years. They are mostly operated by photography studios, advertising agencies, filmmakers and aviation enthusiasts. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |