Rebels in southwest Syria surrender towns to armyJuly 19, 2018 - 16:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Having agreed on to hand over their towns, rebel forces conceded as the Syrian forces took over several locations in west Daraa countryside as military operations resume in the adjacent Quneitra province, Al-Masdar News reports. According to a military source, the Syrian army entered Sheikh Saad and al-Tiyrah towns, as well as rebel positions of Al-Rubaii checkpoint , Tall Ashtara located south of Sheikh Saad. The latest development puts the Syrian army face-to-face with the Islamic State in Taseel, Adwan and Jaleel towns, which are part of a wider pocket controlled by the terror group. The same source pointed out that the Syrian Army is now mulling a major offensive to reclaim all ISIS-held territories, with help from surrendered rebel fighters who had been in a state of war with ISIS for years. Meanwhile in Quneitra province, battles continue to rage with the Syrian Army recapturing Al-Sukariyah and Qarqas towns after fierce clashes with Nusra-linked militants. 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. |