Islamic State trapped in central Syria after strategic supply line lostAugust 19, 2017 - 16:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - It was only a matter of time before the Islamic State found themselves besieged in the Hama Governorate; however, not many could have predicted the complete collapse of the terrorist group in the entire Syrian Desert, Al-Masdar News reports. On Friday, August 18, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies reached the Al-Sha’er Mountains from their positions in the Ithriya countryside. With the Syrian Army in control of every road leading the eastern countryside the Salamiyah District, the Islamic State is now forced to dig-in for a siege of the strategic town of ‘Uqayrbat, which has been their stronghold for over two years. According to a military source in Hama, the Islamic State managed to withdraw most of their fighters from eastern Salamiyah before losing their final supply line to the area. The source added that the Islamic State has mostly left suicide bombers in the area so that they can impede the Syrian Army’s liberation of ‘Uqayrbat, which is expected to occur in the coming days. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |