Iraqi troops enter center of IS-held strategic townApril 7, 2016 - 13:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces say they have entered the center of a strategically important western Islamic State-held town, the Associated Press reports. Government forces reached the center of Hit on Wednesday, April 6. The operation to retake the small Euphrates river town — initially launched last month — was stalled by politics, heavy IS resistance and tens of thousands of trapped civilians. Iraqi troops first entered Hit on Monday under cover of heavy airstrikes. Since the operation was relaunched last week the U.S. led coalition launched more than 18 strikes on the town, AP says. Hit sits along an IS supply line that links territory controlled by the extremist group in Iraq and in Syria. Through the line, IS ferries fighters and supplies from Syria into Iraq. Photo. AP Related links: 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. |