More than 220 Islamic State militants killed in Swaida offensive: monitorSeptember 10, 2018 - 13:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 226 Islamic State militants have been killed so far in battles with the Syrian forces in east Swaida pocket, a monitoring group says, according to Al-Masdar News. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that up to 95 Syrian Army soldiers and pro-government fighters have been reported dead in the same offensive. The Syrian casualties also include members of the Lebanese resistance Hezbollah group. Fierce clashes are currently taking place in Safa Hilltops; the last ISIS bastion in the area. The militant group is making use of the rocky cliffs surrounding the Safa Hilltops in order to fortify themselves and make it harder for the government troops to advance. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |