U.S. Apache helicopters hit IS for first time in IraqJune 14, 2016 - 10:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Apache helicopters have struck an Islamic State target for the first time in Iraq, the Pentagon said Monday, June 13, according to AFP. The sophisticated attack choppers destroyed an IS car bomb Sunday near Qayyarah, which is about 80 kilometers south of Mosul, the group's main stronghold in Iraq. "The government of Iraq approved the use of Apaches in support of ISF (Iraqi Security Forces) operations," Defense Department spokesman Christopher Sherwood said. "The strike was vetted and approved through the same process the (US-led) coalition uses for all strikes." Pentagon chief Ashton Carter has since early December made it clear to the Iraqi government that the U.S. military is willing to use its Apaches based in Iraq to support local forces, AFP says. But the government had until now declined. U.S. officials say this is because Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi didn't want to anger Shiite militias, who oppose the ramping up of US combat operations in Iraq. Still, coalition warplanes and drones have since August 2014 been bombing IS targets in Iraq and Syria after the jihadist group overran large parts of the two countries. The Apache strike came as Iraqi forces advanced towards Qayyarah with the eventual aim of retaking Mosul. 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. |