Syrian army storms Islamic State strongholds in Deir ez-Zor CityOctober 17, 2017 - 15:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Minutes ago, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), alongside their advisers from the Russian Special Forces, launched a new attack to clear several areas occupied by the Islamic State (IS) in Deir ez-Zor City, Al-Masdar News says. Led by the 4th and 17th divisions, the Syrian Arab Army stormed the Islamic State’s positions at the Al-Rusafah and Al-‘Aqal districts in a bid to take these key areas near the western bank of the Euphrates River. In addition to the attacks at A-Rusafah and Al-‘Aqal, the Syrian Arab Army also launched an assault along Port Sa’id Street, which has long been an Islamic State stronghold inside the provincial capital of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. According to a military source in Deir ez-Zor, the Syrian Arab Army has already advanced along Port Sa’id Street and liberated several buildings inside Al-Rusafah – intense clashes are ongoing. Once the Syrian Army liberates these areas, they will be in prime position to clear the remaining pockets under the Islamic State’s control inside the provincial capital. Photo. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo 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 | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |