Syrian army, allied troops shifting entire focus to Deir ez-Zor battleAugust 28, 2017 - 12:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Having fully clearing all of the eastern Homs pocket from the Islamic State militants, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied forces are now shifting their entire focus towards the strategic city of Deir ez-Zor, Al-Masdar News reports. The liquidation of the Islamic State’s bastion in eastern Homs Governorate has released many thousands of army troops, virtually all of them from first-rate formations including armored divisions and Republican Guard units. These troops had originally been tasked to maintain positions along the Ithriyah to Resafa highway and, until recently, also involved in holding the siege on IS forces entrapped in eastern Homs. Furthermore, many paramilitary forces – namely units of the National Defence Forces whose troops originate from Homs – are now also free to partake in the advance on Deir Ezzor in support of the SAA. Pro-government forces stationed in the city of Deir ez-Zor have been besieged by IS for about three years now. About 120,000 civilians, crammed into the northern districts of the city, live under the protection of government-led forces. 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 | Director General of Ucom takes part in recruiting conference Ralph Yirikian participated in the Recruit Days business and networking conference organized by Move2Career. Ameriabank named Best Bank in Armenia for 2024 by Global Finance Ameriabank has been named the Best Bank in Armenia by Global Finance magazine in its 31st annual awards. Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. Lavrov rejects Armenia’s “defamation” of Russia, CSTO Lavrov decried the Armenian leaders’ “defamation” of Russian soldiers and border guards deployed in Armenia. |