Islamic State falls apart in east Al-Sweida due to Syrian army offensiveJune 21, 2018 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State’s (IS) reign over eastern Al-Sweida is nearing its end, as Syrian troops liberate many areas occupied by the terrorist forces, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by their allies from the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) and National Defense Forces (NDF), the Syrian army scored another major advance in the Badiya Al-Sham region of Al-Sweida last night. The Syrian Arab Army and their allies managed to liberate a dozen towns and hills that were occupied by the Islamic State for nearly four years. Among the areas liberated by the Syrian army and their allies over the last week were the following towns and hilltops: Tal Tulaywat, Tal Layla, Tal Ajar, Tal Khunayfas, Tal Aqas, Tal Ali, Tal Al-Khayl, Tal Umm Janbiris, Khirbat Ambashi, Khirbat Habiriyah, Mushayrifah, and Tal Marar. As a result of the massive advance, the Syrian army has liberated over 650 square kilometers of territory from the Islamic State terrorists. The Syrian army still needs to liberate over 1,000 square kilometers in order to fully clear the Islamic State’s remaining pocket in the eastern countryside of Al-Sweida. Once the large Islamic State pocket is cleared, the Syrian Arab Army will have full control of the Al-Sweida Governorate for the first time in years. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Armenian PM’s helicopter makes emergency landing in Vanadzor The helicopter transporting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an emergency landing in Vanadzor. |