Iraqi special forces advance further in eastern Mosul: spokesmanJanuary 9, 2017 - 18:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi special forces made further advances against Islamic State in Mosul on Monday, January 9, pushing militants out of another district a day after driving them back to the eastern bank of the Tigris river, a spokesman said, according to Reuters. The elite counter-terrorism service (CTS) had taken full control of the Baladiyat district and encircled neighboring Sukkar, Sabah al-Numan told Reuters. The advance also consolidated Iraqi forces' control of several districts close to the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh, east of the river. A U.S.-backed offensive to drive Islamic State out of Mosul, its last major Iraqi stronghold, has gained momentum since the beginning of the year. CTS forces reached the east bank of the Tigris on Sunday, an advance which will eventually enable them to begin assaults on the city's west, all of which IS still holds. Recapture of Mosul after more than two years of Islamic State rule would probably spell the end of its self-declared caliphate, which spans areas of Iraq and Syria. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |