Syrian army readies for Damascus offensive despite Trump’s threatsApril 10, 2018 - 18:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their Palestinian allies are gearing up for a new offensive in Damascus, despite the looming threat of a U.S. attack on their forces. Led by their 4th Mechanized Division and Republican Guard, the Syrian Arab Army has begun positioning their troops around the Yarmouk Camp and Al-Qadam districts. Both of these southern Damascus districts are nearly under the Islamic State’s full control, making them a top priority for the Syrian Arab Army and their Palestinian allies. The Syrian military has held talks with the Islamic State’s leadership in southern Damascus and even offered to transport them to the Deir Ezzor Governorate; however, the latter has refused. With IS refusing to leave, the Syrian Army will begin this southern Damascus operation in the coming days. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |