Libya government forces advance in IS bastionAugust 2, 2016 - 17:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Forces loyal to Libya's unity government have advanced inside the jihadist stronghold of Sirte, they said Tuesday, August 2 following the first US air strikes on Islamic State group positions in the city, AFP reports. Fighters backing the Government of National Accord (GNA) seized the central district of Al-Dollar after clashes that killed five of their members and wounded 17, they said on social media. The Tripoli-based GNA launched an operation in May to retake Sirte, which the jihadists have controlled since June 2015. The fall of the coastal city, located 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli, would be a major blow to IS, which has also faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq. On Monday, GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj visited pro-government forces in Misrata, 190 kilometres to the northwest of Sirte, a statement said. More than 300 pro-GNA fighters have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded since the beginning of the battle for Sirte, according to medical sources in Misrata. The pro-GNA forces are mostly made up of militias from western Libya established during the 2011 revolt that overthrew longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Pro-government forces entered Sirte on June 9, reaching central and northern parts of the city. IS has hit back with suicide car bombs and sniper fire. Libya descended into chaos after the 2011 ouster and killing of Kadhafi, with rival authorities vying for control in the oil-rich country. The GNA was the result of a UN-brokered power-sharing agreement struck in December, but it has yet to be endorsed by the elected parliament based in the country's far east. 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 | 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. |