Rebels in Daraa besieged as Syrian army makes major advanceJune 20, 2018 - 16:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The rebel forces in northeast Dara’a have found themselves besieged by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) after an intense battle on Wednesday, June 20, Al-Masdar News reports. The Free Syrian Army’s (FSA) Southern Front Brigades and their allies from Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham were rudely awakened on Tuesday night, when a large number of Syrian Arab Army troops stormed their positions in the Al-Lajat region. Led by the Taha Group of the Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army started their operations in northeast Dara’a last night, when their troops attacked the Air Defense Base that was under jihadist control. The Syrian Army would take control of the Air Defense Base during the twilight hours last night; this would pave the way for their advance this afternoon. According to the National Defense Forces (NDF), the Syrian Army has since captured the towns of Al-Museikah and Al-Dallafa after a fierce battle with the jihadist rebels in the Al-Lajat region. Following the capture of these two towns, the Syrian military worked their way around Busra Al-Harir, where they managed to seize several farms near the town. With this advance, the Syrian Army was able to impose fire control over Busra Al-Harir, while also cutting the main supply to the rebel forces in the Al-Lajat region. Busra Al-Harir is an imperative town in northeast Dara’a that is located directly east of the Syrian Army’s stronghold, Izra’a. The jihadist rebels have now issued distress calls to their allies around Dara’a in an effort to help alleviate the pressure on their forces. Despite this latest attack, the Syrian Army has yet to launch their large-scale offensive in the southwestern part of the country. The Syrian Army is expected to kickoff their southwestern Syria offensive in the coming days, as all of their forces are now present in the Al-Quneitra and Dara’a governorates. Photo. Reuters/Umit Bektas 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |