Islamic State captures two Russian servicemen near Deir ez-Zor: reportSeptember 28, 2017 - 18:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State claimed that it captured alive two Russian soldiers when the jihadi militants launched a counter-offensive on Syrian army position along the Sukhna-Deir highway, Al-Masdar News reports. The incident occurred when the terror group blitzed al-Shola town located along the road linking Deir ez-Zor to al-Sukhnak. Both towns have for long served as major IS strongholds before driven out by the Syrian forces. According to preliminary reports obtained by AMN about the assault, IS began its offensive by detonating 3 car bombs, thus managing to break through the Syrian Army’ defensives. Fierce clashes then ensued as the jihadi militants stormed the towns. The militant group's social media account reported that the jihadists captured two Russian servicemen and a Syrian soldier in the surprise assault. Earlier this week, Russian blamed the United States’ ‘double-faced policy’ for the death of a major Russian general who was killed by IS shelling on Syrian government forces in Deir ez-Zor. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |