Army says breaks into last Islamic State stronghold in southwest SyriaJuly 30, 2018 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian army continues to roll into the Islamic State-controlled enclave in southwest Syria amid massive militant collapse, Al-Masdar News reports. Having recaptured the town of Abdin early on, the government troops are now fighting to storm al-Shajarah; the last main bastion for the group in the area. A military source spoke of the unprecedented resistance shown by IS militants to prevent the fall of their last fortress, where they are ‘using everything they have from VBIEDs to suicide bombers with explosive vests’ in order to curb the Army’s advance. The battles for al-Shajarah town have resulted in the death of scores of IS militants, including the town’s Emir called Abu al-Walid al-Masri; an infamous extremist of an Egyptian nationality. In a related context, the government forces have uncovered a weapon depot for the organization just outside al-Shajarah town, which contains various weapons including the US-made TOW missiles, in addition to huge quantities of IEDs and landmines. 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. |