Syria troops fight to re-take control of DamascusJanuary 29, 2012 - 16:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Violence has escalated in Syria after the Arab League decision to halt its observer mission, with the government launching a campaign to re-take parts of Damascus that had fallen under rebel control. Activists said at least 22 people were killed on Sunday, January 29 as the situation in the country continues to spiral out of control, taking the death toll in the last four days to at least 230. Syrian state TV said "terrorists" had ambushed a bus carrying soldiers on a road south of Damascus. 16 were killed and a further six wounded in the attack, on Sunday. An explosive device was detonated by remote control as the bus was travelling in the suburb of Sahnaya, some 12 miles south of the capital. Activists said five civilians and a deserter were also killed as around 2,000 soldiers in buses and armoured personnel carriers, along with at least 50 tanks and armoured vehicles, moved at dawn into the eastern Ghouta area of Damascus to reinforce troops surrounding three large suburbs, Sky New reported. Arab League chief Nabil al Arabi said on Saturday the mission was suspended after "consultations with Arab foreign ministers because of the upsurge of violence whose victims are innocent civilians." There are fears of sectarian civil war following an increase in targeted assassinations and kidnappings and interior minister Mohammed al Shaar saying the authorities were determined to "cleanse" Syria and restore order. The UN estimates that at least 5,500 people have died since protests began 10 months ago against the rule of President Bashar al Assad. 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 | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |