Russian forces begin massive assault on Islamic State in Deir ez-ZorNovember 14, 2017 - 11:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Armed Forces unleashed a massive assault on the Islamic State’s (ISIS) positions in southeastern Deir ez-Zor this past weekend, Al-Masdar News reports. Relying on their advanced jets, the Russian Air Force carried out dozens of airstrikes over the Albukamal region of Deir ez-Zor, inflicting heavy damage on the Islamic State’s already battered defenses. With the Islamic State’s defenses deeply fractured, the Syrian Arab Army’s Tiger Forces were able to make significant progress along the Mayadeen-Albukamal Road, liberating more than 30 km of territory from the militants on Sunday. In order to keep up the pressure on the Islamic State, the Russian Air Force has also began launching night raids over the southeastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor. These night raids by the Russian Air Force have proven incredibly effective, as the Islamic State has been unable to fortify their positions at Albukamal, which greatly benefits the Syrian Army. When the Syrian Army first seized Albukamal, it was done without much help from the Russian Air Force; this was because Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was leading the operation. However, after failing to secure the city, the Russian military stepped in to aid the government forces in their imperative counter-offensive to regain control of Albukamal and its surroundings. The Russian Air Force has already provided a major boost to the Syrian Army in this region and they will likely play an instrumental role in the eventual liberation of the Mayadeen-Albukamal Road. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |