Islamic State launches 'powerful' counterattack in Deir ez-ZorSeptember 28, 2017 - 13:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - After briefly losing control of Al-Suwar, a key junction town some 50 kilometers east of Deir ez-Zor city, jihadist forces launched a powerful counterattack earlier on Thursday, September 28 to drive the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) out of the former Islamic State stronghold in eastern Syria, Al-Masdar News reports. Before the Kurdish-led SDF managed to setup a defensive perimeter around the town, IS militants attacked Al-Suwar from its southern and northern axes on Thursday morning and threw two car bombs and dozens of seasoned fighters into the assault. While firefights are yet to each a conclusion, IS has nevertheless retaken roughly half of the town according to a source close to Al-Masdar News. Meanwhile, SDF reinforcements are being rushed along the M7-highway to foil the ongoing jihadist attack. In the same time, some reports from pro-Kurdish outlets indicate that SDF forward units have managed cross the Khabur River and secure Al-Suwar’s eastern entrance while clashes continue inside the town itself. In the coming weeeks, SDF commanders hope their ongoing ‘Al-Jazirah Storm’ offensive will slice adrift IS-held territory in Hasakah province from the Islamic State mainland, possibly prompting a preemptive tactical retreat by IS commanders. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |