Thousands of soldiers pour into southern Syria for pending offensiveJune 9, 2018 - 10:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Thousands of soldiers from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and National Defense Forces (NDF) were seen heading towards the southern provinces of Dara’a and Al-Quneitra on Thursday and Friday, June 7 and 8, Al-Masdar News reports. These soldiers are expected to reinforce the troops that are already in southern Syria for the upcoming offensive against the rebel forces. Most recently, the National Defense Forces sent their Qalamoun and Damascus branches to the Dara’a countryside, where they will be tasked with aiding the Syrian Army as they attempt to retake the provincial capital and Nassib Crossing. According to a military source in Damascus, this upcoming offensive is expected to be the biggest operation to take place during this seven year long war. With the rebels not backing down, this upcoming operation could be one of the bloodiest battles of this war. 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. |