26 dead as Syria launches anti-IS airstrikes in PalmyraSeptember 19, 2015 - 11:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian government war planes have launched one of the heaviest bombardments yet on the city of Palmyra, which is held by Islamic State (IS) militants, activists say, according to BBC News. About 25 air strikes left at least 26 people dead, including 12 militants, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. IS captured Palmyra, which includes a Unesco World Heritage site, in May. Elsewhere, air strikes on Idlib killed 17 people, the Observatory said. The city of Idlib is a stronghold of an alliance of jihadist and Islamist groups calling itself the Army of Conquest. Syrian military sources quoted by Reuters have said Syria is using new types of very accurate weapons supplied by its ally, Russia. Earlier on Friday, the US and Russian defence ministers spoke by phone for the first time in more than a year to discuss the crisis. The latest air strikes came a day after Syrian air force jets attacked Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS. Since occupying Palmyra, IS has destroyed some of its most famous antiquities including its two main temples and three funerary towers. Unesco's director-general Irina Bokova has said the systematic destruction of the city constitutes a "war crime". IS has ransacked and demolished several similar ancient sites that pre-date Islam in Iraq. 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 | Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |