Islamic State sets oil wells ablaze to defend MosulNovember 7, 2016 - 12:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Retreating Islamic State forces in Mosul are setting oil wells ablaze to slow the advance of Iraqi forces, charity Oxfam has said, according to Sky News. The UK charity said thousands of families are forced to live in what it called a "smoke-filled hell" with scant access to clean water in villages and towns around Mosul. U.S.-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces have been closing in on Mosul since they launched an offensive last month to recapture Iraq's second-largest city and last IS stronghold in the country. Oxfam said IS set 19 oil wells on fire in the Qayarrah area, south of Mosul, as they were pushed northwards by Iraqi forces. "The fires have produced clouds of thick black smoke and fumes across an area larger than Greater London," the charity said. Oxfam quoted a 67-year-old man as saying the burning of oil wells were making residents sick. "We need someone to put out the fires. They have been burning for several months now," he reportedly said. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |