Syrian army, Hezbollah launch major offensive to drive IS out of key townApril 12, 2018 - 19:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a big counter-offensive against the Islamic State group (IS), targeting the latter’s positions near the key desert town of Al-Sukhnah. Backed by their allies from Hezbollah and Liwaa Fatemiyoun, the Syrian army began the day by storming the IS-held areas along the Deir ez-Zor Highway. According to a Syrian military source in nearby Palmyra, the Syrian Army managed to recapture some points from the Islamic State, but they have yet to recover all the ground they recently lost. The source added that the Syrian Army recently sent a large number of reinforcements to the front in order to ensure the safety of Al-Sukhnah and to reopen the Deir ez-Zor Highway. 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 | 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. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |