Syrian troops liberate entire western Euphrates bank from ISSeptember 23, 2017 - 17:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The elite Tiger Forces of the Syrian Arab Army have liberated all of southeast Raqqa and northwest Deir ez-Zor Governorates from Islamic State terrorists following a massive offensive push up the western bank of the Euphrates, Al-Masdar News reports. On Saturday, September 23, reports – backed by photo evidence – came in from military sources stating that the strategic town of Ma’adan, thought to be an IS stronghold along the western Euphrates bank was liberated. By securing the entire western bank of the Euphrates north of Deir Ezzor city, the Syrian Army has de facto besieged any IS forces which may remain in the desolate inland desert spaces of southeast Raqqa, although it is hard to believe that the terrorist group left behind militants to defend such valueless areas. Given the general pattern of IS strategic withdrawals, it appears that the jihadist faction has completely withdrawn either to the eastern bank of the Euphrates and/ or south of Deir ez-Zor city. 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |