U.S.-led coalition airstrikes “may have killed Iraqi soldiers”December 19, 2015 - 10:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An air strike by the U.S.-led coalition during an offensive against so-called Islamic State (IS) may have killed Iraqi soldiers, the U.S. military said, according to the BBC News. "Initial reports indicate the possibility one of the strikes resulted in the death of Iraqi soldiers," the U.S. military said in a statement. An officer and nine soldiers died or were wounded in the incident, Iraq's joint operations command said. Iraqi forces have been battling militants in Anbar province. The air strike during close combat near Fallujah caused casualties on both sides, Iraq's joint operations command said. Iraqi army units had been advancing on IS positions near Fallujah but could not be supported by the Iraqi air force due to bad weather, the command said. Coalition air forces carried out two strikes in response to an Iraqi request for support, it said, enabling Iraqi soldiers to advance rapidly and engage the jihadists in close combat. "A third coalition strike carried out without taking into account the distance that had been covered resulted in injuries among our forces too," the command said in a statement. The U.S. military said it was the first reported incident of so-called "friendly fire" during Operation Inherent Resolve, which aims to drive IS militants out of Anbar province. 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. |