Syrian army advances in southwest AleppoFebruary 14, 2020 - 15:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) managed to score a new advance in the southwester part of Aleppo last night, despite artillery strikes from the Turkish military, which attempted to stifle their movements, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by Liwaa Al-Quds (Palestinian paramilitary) and the Local Defense Forces (LDF), the Syrian Arab Army established control over several areas of southwestern Aleppo on Thursday, February 13 night, paving the way for their troops to further expand their presence in the governorate. According to a field report from the Aleppo Governorate, the Syrian Army captured Sheikh Rahilah, Monte Carlo Farms, East Kafr Joum, Al-Mughayr, Lawyers Association District, Talat Qurtabah, Electricity Society, Al-Rahal Society, Police School, and Khan Touman Silos. The latest advance by the Syrian Army comes at the same time they make their push to capture the strategic Regiment 46 Base, which has been under the control of the militants an their allies for much of the war. At the same time, new reports from the Aleppo Governorate claim that the Syrian Army has opened a new front at the Anadan Plain. According to some reports from the Anadan Plain front, Syrian Army troops launched an attack on the militant defenses from the areas controlled by the People’s Protection Units (YPG). If true, this would mark the first time during this war that the Syrian Army has launched an offensive from the YPG-held areas in Aleppo. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |