Syrian army storms last Islamic State stronghold in east SwaidaAugust 16, 2018 - 18:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Having reportedly encircled the Islamic State in its last bastion of east Swaida, the Syrian forces began to break through Safa Hilltops amid massive militant collapse, Al-Masdar News says. Storming the militant fortress was only possible after heavy and non-stop artillery and missile shelling that destroyed the group’s defensives and positions. A military source said that army units met up after rolling into the area from the southwestern and southeastern axes, advancing from Tall Alam and Qabr Sheikh Hussein respectively. The same source added that so far the government troops have managed to secure up to 12 km deep into Safa hilltops aid fierce clashes with the extremist militants. 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. |