Five Lebanese soldiers killed in Syria border clashJanuary 24, 2015 - 14:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Five Lebanese government soldiers have been killed in clashes with militants near the Syrian border, the Lebanese army has said, according to BBC News. Nine militants also reportedly died in the fighting in the village of Ras Balalbek, near the town of Arsal. No group has claimed responsibility for the gunmen's attack which was repelled. The area has seen previous incursions by Islamist militants from Syria's conflict. In August, gunmen attacked Arsal, capturing Lebanese soldiers. Some of the soldiers have since been killed. Lebanon's security has been severely damaged by the Syria crisis that began in 2011. It has also been worsened by its own paralysed government. The country has been without a president since May last year. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |