Islamic State sleeper cell "attacks SDF troops in Euphrates region"February 18, 2019 - 13:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Intense clashes broke out in the eastern region of the Euphrates River Valley on Sunday, February 17 following a new attack by an Islamic State sleeper cell in the town of Dhiban, Al-Masdar news reports. According to reports from the front, the Islamic State sleeper cell attacked a group of fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Dhiban, resulting in fierce clashes and a number of casualties. The reports said that at least nine SDF fighters were killed and several others were badly wounded as a result of the attack. Meanwhile, at least three of the Islamic State terrorists were killed and two others captured by the Syrian Democratic Forces – the captured ISIS fighters were foreigners, the report added. In response to the attack by the Islamic State, the Syrian Democratic Forces have sent reinforcements to Dhiban in an attempt to protect the town. 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. |