Homs update: Syrian army scores major advance in Al-QaryataynOctober 18, 2017 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army and allied forces have scored a major advance against Islamic State fighters occupying the town of Al-Qaryatayn in eastern Homs province. On Tuesday, October 17, pro-government troops of the Syrian Arab Army and the National Defence Forces – backed up by Russian airpower – scored a key advance against IS militants on the eastern outskirts of the oasis town, Al-Masdar News says. After fierce clashes lasting half a day, pro-government forces succeed in securing the Awamid hills and the Al-Qaryatayn farms. By this advance, Syrian forces have gained fire control over the eastern side of Al-Qaryatayn and placed themselves in a position to storm the town from this direction. The Islamic State presence in Al-Qaryatayn is estimated by some military sources to be around several hundred fighters. As pro-government forces move into the town itself, a very intense battle is expected to erupt since this is where IS will most likely concentrate it main defensive effort. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |