Kurdish fighters besiege IS militants in Syrian northeastern cityJuly 16, 2015 - 18:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An activist group and the main Kurdish militia in Syria said Kurdish fighters have besieged members of the Islamic State group in the northeastern city of Hassakeh, the Associated Press reports. Kurdish official Mustafa Bali says members of the People's Protection Units, or YPG, have cut all the roads linking Hassakeh with nearby IS strongholds in the province. The IS group attacked several government-held southern neighborhoods in Hassakeh last month and troops have failed to retake the areas. YPG fighters joined the battle, recently capturing several villages south of Hassakeh. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the YPG said Kurdish fighters captured a juvenile prison and a power station south of Hassakeh on Wednesday. Before IS captured parts of Hassakeh last month, the city had been split between government and Kurdish forces. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |