Russian experts arrive in Syria to demine Palmyra March 31, 2016 - 14:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - First units of Russian demining experts have arrived in Syria to demine the historic part of the ancient city of Palmyra, Russian news agencies quoted the Defense Ministry as saying on Thursday, March 31, Reuters reports. Russia's six-month-old intervention in Syria helped to swing military momentum in Assad's favor, reversing last summer's gains by insurgents including Western-backed rebels and helping government forces to drive Islamic State out of Palmyra. The recapture of the Palmyra and its military airport, in the central Syrian desert, opens up the road further east to the Islamic State bastions of Deir ez-Zor province and Raqqa. "After liberating Palmyra it is necessary to move into the nearby regions which lead to the eastern parts of the country, for example, Deir ez-Zor," Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Wednesday. "At same time, we need to start in the direction of Raqqa, which is currently the main Islamic State stronghold." Any offensive on Deir al-Zor or Raqqa however would probably need significantly more firepower than the Palmyra assault.   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 |  Latest 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. |
