Syrian govt. troops take rebel-held town near Lebanese border: reportApril 14, 2014 - 14:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian state media reported that pro-government troops have seized a rebel-held town near the border with Lebanon, continuing a march to dislodge opposition strongholds from along the rugged frontier. According to the Associated Press, the state news agency SANA said Syrian forces took Sarkha early Monday, April 14, a day after seizing the nearby town of Rankous. Since November, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad have captured several rebel strongholds in the mountainous Qalamoun area along the border with Lebanon. The frontier region has long served as a vital supply line for opposition into Damascus. Syrian soldiers are being aided in their Qalamoun offensive by the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. 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 | 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. |