Turkish-backed groups engage in intense clashes in AfrinJune 11, 2018 - 17:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Intense clashes broke out between the Turkish-backed rebel groups near the Afrin region of Aleppo on Monday, June 11 evening, pro-opposition activists reported via social media, according to Al-Masdar News reports. According to these reports, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army’s Sultan Murad group have been involved in a fierce confrontation for several hours tonight. The clashes are reportedly taking place in the area between the city of ‘Azaz and Afrin region in northwest Aleppo. The cause of these clashes is still unknown; however, as of recently, the rebel groups have been fighting over their share of the abandoned homes in Afrin. With most of the population displaced, the Turkish-backed rebels have taken the opportunity to loot and declare ownership of the abandoned homes. Photo. AP 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |