SDF troops capture half of IS' stronghold in southeast Deir ez-ZorDecember 11, 2018 - 17:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) scored a big advance in the key town of Hajin, yesterday, after seizing several points from the Islamic State group, Al-Masdar News says. Backed by U.S. Coalition airstrikes, the Syrian Democratic Forces managed to capture the strategic Hajin hospital after a fierce battle with the Islamic State militants inside the town in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. As a result of the advance, the Syrian Democratic Forces now find themselves in control of at least half of Hajin, leaving only the southern half of the town still occupied by the Islamic State militant group. The battle for Hajin has not been easy for the Syrian Democratic Forces; however, with help from the U.S. Coalition, they have been able to overpower the Islamic State defenses at the northern part of the town. Another major boost for the Syrian Democratic Forces is the new U.S. observation posts in northern Syria that have forced the Turkish military to halt their potential invasion of Kobane (var. ‘Ayn Al-Arab), Tal Abyad, and Ras Al-‘Ayn. Thanks to the U.S. observation posts, the SDF can concentrate on the battle of Hajin and the last remaining towns under the Islamic State’s control. Photo. AFP Photo/DELIL SOULEIMAN 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. |