Syrian rebels capture army artillery base in Deir al-ZorNovember 22, 2012 - 14:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian rebels captured an army artillery base in the eastern oil producing province of Deir al-Zor on Thursday, Nov 22, weakening President Bashar al-Assad's control of the strategic region bordering Iraq, several opposition sources said, according to Reuters. "The Mayadeen military base fell at 8.30 a.m. (1:30 am Eastern Time)," Abu Laila, an official in the Military Revolutionary Council in the province, said, adding that 44 rebel fighters had been killed in the siege of the base. "The whole countryside, from the Iraqi border and along the Euphrates to the city of Deir al-Zor, is now under rebel control," he said. Another opposition source in contact with rebels confirmed that the base, 42 km (26 miles) south-east of the city of Deir al-Zor, had fallen. The capture of the base follows that of a military airport 80 km (50 miles) to the south-east on the Iraqi border last week. Rebels have stormed several bases in the north and center of the country, indicating growing military strength, according to opposition sources and diplomats. But no major city has fallen to the opposition and Assad's airpower has ensured that rebels' hold on many parts of the country remains tenuous. Attempts to bring rebels under unified command have made little progress. Sheikh Nawaf al-Bashir, a tribal leader from the province said the fall of Mayadeen leaves Assad with three major army bases left under his control in the province. The main road to Iraq, from the outskirts of the city to the border crossing of Albu Kamal, is now with rebels, he said. 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 | 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. 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. |