Syrian rebel forces come under IS attack in DamascusSeptember 2, 2015 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian rebel forces have come under attack from Islamic State (IS) on the southern outskirts of Damascus, BBC News reports. Militants from the jihadist group are reportedly battling Jaysh al-Islam fighters in the Qadam district and those of Ajnad al-Sham in nearby Asali. The fighting has brought IS closer than ever to the heart of the capital. It is unclear whether the attacks will be limited to rebel-held areas or will later shift to the government-controlled city centre. IS militants launched the assaults on Qadam and Asali over the weekend from Hajar al-Aswad, where they have been based since July 2014. The pro-IS Amaq news agency reported that the jihadist group had captured half of Qadam and supporters posted photographs purportedly showing militants advancing through the district. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, said they were only believed to control two streets. There have so far been no reports of any clashes between IS and government forces in the area. A Syrian military official told the AFP news agency that he was "very happy" about the jihadists' attacks on the rebels and that troops were "ready to react if they try to advance into government-held territory". The Observatory said Qadam had been relatively quiet since a truce between rebel groups and government forces there a year ago. In April, IS militants based in Hajar al-Aswad briefly took control of parts of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp. That same month, they kidnapped two rebel fighters from Qadam and beheaded them. Photo: AFP 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. |