Kurdish forces launch offensive to expel Islamic State from west RaqqaAugust 24, 2017 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), after having successfully chased Islamic State militants out of the central districts of Raqqa, are now in the process of an offensive operation to take full control over all of the city’s western districts, Al-Masdar News reports. On Wednesday, August 23, Kurdish forces secured all of Old City area from the Islamic State group. In doing so they de facto reduced the control IS has over Raqqa to the western and northern neighborhoods of the main metropolitan area. Beginning around the same time that the Old City area was brought under SDF control, US-backed fighters began storming key IS-held suburbs in western Raqqa including al-Maroor, al-Nahdah and al-Bitani. Photo. AFP/DELIL SOULEIMAN 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |