Syrian forces plough through Islamic State in southern DamascusMay 4, 2018 - 11:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Fierce urban warfare continues to break up in a small pocket still held by the Islamic State in southern Damascus amid heavy airstrikes and shelling, Al-Masdar News reports. The Syrian forces managed to break through the Islamic State defensives on Thursday, May 3, splitting the enclave into halves and getting closer to reclaim the Hajar Aswad neighborhood. Army troops from eastern and western axes met up after engaging in tough clashes against ISIS; a group that is internationally designated as a terror organization. Meanwhile, thunderous explosions could be heard around the clock in the Syrian capital as Russian and Syrian fighter jets deliver deadly airstrikes to pave the way for the ground invasion. 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. |