Islamic State nearly wiped out in key southern Damascus suburbMay 19, 2018 - 11:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State’s presence in the southern Damascus suburb of Hajar Al-Aswad is nearing its end, as Syrian troops intensify their assault on terrorist group’s last positions, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by heavy airstrikes from the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF), the Syrian Arab Army and their Palestinian allies were able to seize more ground from the Islamic State terrorists on Friday, May 18, giving them control of almost all of the suburb. According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Army and their Palestinian allies control over 90 percent of Hajar Al-Aswad, but less than half of both Al-Tadamon and Yarmouk Camp. The source added the Islamic State will likely give up their last positions inside Hajar Al-Aswad by the end of the weekend, as they are outnumbered and vulnerable to heavy missile strikes by the Syrian military. Furthermore, the Islamic State will need all the fighters they can get once the Syrian Army begins their full siege of the Yarmouk Camp in the coming days. 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. |