Several rockets land near U.S. base in Iraq: reportNovember 9, 2019 - 10:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - About 17 rockets have been fired at a military base hosting U.S. forces in northern Iraq, but because the barrage only landed near the base, it did not result in any injuries or significant damage, Reuters reported, citing an Iraqi military statement. A security source said that the rockets struck near the Qayyara military base. The attackers behind the strike remain unknown. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility. Pentagon chief Mark Esper said in October that U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Syria’s north, as Turkey pressed on with its offensive against Syrian Kurds. Syrian state television later reported that an estimated 260 American troops had left north-eastern Syria for Iraq. Soon after the start of the Turkish offensive, U.S. President Donald Trump changed his opinion. On 20 October, Trump tweeted that the United States had “secured the oil”. Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper said at a press conference in Kabul that the United States was considering leaving a small contingent of U.S. troops in Syria in order to secure the oil fields and continue fighting terrorists. 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. |