Russian says its strikes destroyed Islamic State's economy in SyriaOctober 10, 2017 - 17:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Militants of the Islamic State (IS, terror group, outlawed in Russia) no longer have sources of financing in Syria for purchasing weapons and ammunition and recruiting mercenaries – the group’s economic infrastructure in that country has been destroyed, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Tuesday, October 10, TASS reports. “The Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed the economic infrastructure of ISIL (former name of IS – TASS) in Syria and foil any attempts by terrorists to resume the production and illegal sale of hydrocarbons in Syria. ISIL no longer has the sources of financing for purchasing weapons and ammunition and recruiting mercenaries in Syria,” he said. “The ongoing supply of terrorists from Iraq triggers serious questions concerning the objectives of operations against terrorists conducted in the region by US aircraft and the so-called international coalition,” Konashenkov stressed. Russia’s Aerospace Forces carry out up to 150 strikes per day on the forces joining the IslamicState militants near Mayadin in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor Governorate, he said. The Syrian forces backed by Russia’s air task force have significantly extended the territory controlled by them to the northwest and southeast of Deir ez-Zor over the past week, he said. Now an operation is underway to liberate a major IS stronghold near Mayadin, located some 40 km to the southeast of Deir ez-Zor. The terrorists carry out attempts to send forces to Mayadin, including foreign mercenaries, who had intruded Syria from Iraq. The militants arrive in armored vehicles, pickups with large-caliber weapons and are well-equipped, Konashenkov said. "Aircraft of Russia’s Aerospace Forces crush these IS forces round-the-clock together with the rounds of ammunition and armored vehicles, delivering up to 150 airstrikes per day," the spokesman said. 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. |