Syrian army unleashes major offensive in Rastan pocketFebruary 12, 2018 - 18:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army and allied paramilitaries have launched a new offensive operation against armed groups in a large militant enclave straddling the provincial border of Homs and Hama, Al-Masdar N. On Monday, February 12, military-affiliated sources reported that the Syrian Army and its allies are kicking off a new offensive against militant forces in the Rastan pocket – located in parts of northern Homs and southern Hama province. At present, Syrian pro-government forces are storming the Rastan pocket from southeast Hama and have entered into and captured most of the town of Maqsam al-Hamrat amid intense clashes with rebel fighters. The new offensive by the Syrian Army comes following the decisive conclusion of operations in Idlib for the time being. Russia has made multiple attempts since 2017 to implement an effective ceasefire in the militant-held Rastan region. However, multiple violations of the deescalation agreement by rebel forces, who shell and raid nearby government-held towns (almost) has pushed the Syrian Army to now undertake a full-scale military operation to neutralize the threat emanating from Rastan and its surrounding area. 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. |