Islamic State attempts to break out of southwest DaraaMay 25, 2018 - 17:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State group (IS) launched a big attack against the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in southwestern Daraa on Friday, May 25, targeting the latter’s positions in the Yarmouk Basin region, Al-Masdar News reports. IS reportedly began their assault by storming the Free Syrian Army’s defenses at the outskirts of Heit and Sheikh Sa’ad; this would result in a series of clashes that are still ongoing at the moment. The group is allegedly attempting to breakout of southwest Daraa before the Syrian Army begins their long-awaited southern Syria offensive in the coming weeks. At the same time, the Free Syrian Army’s Al-‘Umar Brigade reported that their forces had captured 22 Islamic State terrorists that were attempting to enter Daraa from the Al-Sweida Governorate. 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. |