SDF troops advance on last remaining IS enclave in Deir ez-Zor (video) February 20, 2019 - 18:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly advanced on the village of Baghouz in Deir ez-Zor Governorate on Tuesday, February 19. The village is said to be the last remaining enclave of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in the country, Al-Masdar News says. Footage shows SDF military vehicles and fighters patrolling the war-torn area near Baghouz. According to reports, around 300 militants and 2,000 civilians are under siege by the US-backed SDF, who are reportedly trying to evacuate people trapped inside. “Baghouz is almost done, nothing is left [to retake] of it, except for a tiny place, but that tiny place has civilians, whom IS took hostage, to, as you know, protect themselves against fighter jets,” said Eidan al-Ahmad, a SDF battalion commander. AFP Photo/DELIL SOULEIMAN 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |