Syrian army launches major anti-IS offensive at rebel requestOctober 13, 2017 - 17:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army has begun a major operation to expel Islamic State militants from areas held by the group in southern Damascus. Even more interesting, it appears this offensive is being carried out at the request of the Free Syrian Army, Al-Masdar News reports. The army began its operation this morning after Syrian warplanes hit IS positions in the district of Hajar al-Aswad and in the Yarmouk Camp area. At the present time, IS militants in the Syrian capital hold the districts of Hajar al-Aswad, al-Asali and al-Tadamon and parts of Yarmouk Camp. This offensive comes after representatives from Damascus-based forces of the Free Syrian Army, Jaysh al-Islam, Ahrar al-Sham and Aknaf Bait al-Maqdas signed a ceasefire with the Syrian Army and Russia at a meeting in Egypt. According to sources, Free Syrian Army leaders in Damascus actually asked the Syrian Army to launch this new offensive. It is unclear whether or not units of the rebel faction will assist government forces in their operation against IS. 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. |