 Iraqi army recaptures IS-held Gayara air base east of Mosul July 9, 2016 - 15:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Iraqi army announced on Saturday, July 9 the recapture of the old Gayara air base near the Tigris River in an offensive that aims to inch closer to the Islamic State’s (ISIS) stronghold of Mosul, said the governor of Nineveh, According to Rudaw. “Today, at 10 am Iraqi forces launched an attack on Gayara military airport and managed to control it,” Nofel Hamadi, Nineveh Governor told Rudaw Saturday. “IS did not fight back and they escaped to Mosul,” Hamadi added. Gayara is a former Iraqi army air base that has been used by IS militants as a bomb-making center, according to military officials. The army says, according to Rudaw, that Gayara brings them closer to Mosul that has been under ISIS control for two years. Previously known as the Saddam Airbase, Gayara played a crucial role during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. Iraqi troops have recaptured close to 10 villages in the Nineveh plains in recent weeks as part of their drive towards 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 |  Latest 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. |
