SDF troops advance on last remaining IS enclave in Deir ez-Zor (video)  February 20, 2019 - 18:39 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly advanced on the village of Baghouz in Deir ez-Zor Governorate on Tuesday, February 19. The village is said to be the last remaining enclave of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in the country, Al-Masdar News says. Footage shows SDF military vehicles and fighters patrolling the war-torn area near Baghouz. According to reports, around 300 militants and 2,000 civilians are under siege by the US-backed SDF, who are reportedly trying to evacuate people trapped inside. “Baghouz is almost done, nothing is left [to retake] of it, except for a tiny place, but that tiny place has civilians, whom IS took hostage, to, as you know, protect themselves against fighter jets,” said Eidan al-Ahmad, a SDF battalion commander. AFP Photo/DELIL SOULEIMAN   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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
