Syrian army troops advance inside Deir ez-Zor CityOctober 16, 2017 - 12:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State (IS) is on the verge of expulsion from the provincial capital of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, as their forces continue to lose large neighborhoods to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) inside the city, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by a plethora of Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th and 17th divisions, alongside the 5th Legion, stormed several districts inside Deir ez-Zor City on Monday, October 16, liberating a number of neighborhoods that were under Islamic State occupation for over two years. According to a military report, the Syrian Arab Army managed to liberate several building blocks inside the Al-Rusafa and Al-Rashidiyah, killing and wounding scores of Islamic State militants in the process of this advance. With the Islamic State nearly encircled inside the provincial capital, it won’t take long for the remaining militants to either abandon their positions or surrender to the advancing government troops. 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |