IS group is “on the run” in Afghanistan, President saysMarch 15, 2016 - 17:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Afghanistan's president declared on Tuesday, March 15 that Islamic State militants are "on the run" in his country, following a massive military operation that included elite commando units which drove the insurgents out of remote districts on the border with Pakistan, the Associated Press reports. Ashraf Ghani attributed the success in dislodging IS loyalists to ground operations, combined with close air support and the participation of retired commanders who had joined an elite commando division of the army to take on the extremists in districts of eastern Nangarhar province. Over the past six months, IS fighters — mostly disenchanted Taliban insurgents — had dug in across Nangarhar. The Unites States largely provides air support in the anti-militant struggle in Afghanistan. IS gunmen had fought for control of some remote districts on the Nangarhar border with Taliban, who had previously had a foothold in the region. Initially, Afghan security forces let the two groups fight each other, as their assets were spread thin fighting insurgents elsewhere. The valleys and mountains of the border region provide perfect cover for trafficking of mean, weapons, drugs, minerals and other contraband that provide millions of dollars in funding for the insurgency. Officials have said most militants claiming loyalty to IS are former Taliban fighters disillusioned with a lack of progress toward their goal of overthrowing the Kabul government. The Taliban's war is now in its 15th year. "I promised the people of Nangarhar that no quarter would be given to Daesh, and none has been given," Ghani said, using an alternative name for the Islamic State group. "In Nangarhar, Daesh is on the run." With Afghan forces under pressure since the end of the U.S.-NATO combat mission in 2014, concerns have risen that they are struggling against the insurgency alone. The Taliban intensified and spread their fight last year, testing the resolve and capacity of the Afghan forces. With the training and backup of the pared-down U.S.-NATO mission, the Afghan army and police, who also fight on the front lines, are slowly developing a defensive capability. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |