Syrian army secures key IS-held oilfield near Deir ez-ZorSeptember 9, 2017 - 14:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian army and allied forces moving towards Deir ez-Zor city have liberated a key oil field from the Islamic State group, outflanking the militant group’s defenses in the process, Al-Masdar News reports. On Saturday, September 9, the Syrian Army, striking out of the recently liberated town of Ash-Shula, secured the Thayyem oilfield, situated to the southwest of Deir ez-Zor. In doing so Syrian forces are now endangering ISIS positions located in the corridor between Deir ez-Zor city and the Deir ez-Zor military airport. The IS-held corridor is already under considerable pressure from southward-pushing army units led by the Tiger Forces. Not only does this move threaten to trap IS militants in the Deir ez-Zor cemetery area, Al-Masdar says, but it also puts pro-government forces in a position to lift the siege on the Deir ez-Zor military airport from a second unexpected direction. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |