Islamic State launched major Deir ez-Zor offensive, recovers townsDecember 13, 2017 - 16:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State’s (IS) is not giving up on their self-proclaimed ‘caliphate’ despite several setbacks inside Syria and Iraq, Al-Masdar News reports. To counter their losses in Syria and Iraq, the militant group has launched a massive offensive in the province of Deir ez-Zor. Within 24 hours of launching the offensive, the Islamic State’s official media wing announced the capture of several towns along the western bank of the Euphrates River. Among the alleged areas captured, the Islamic State’s media wing claimed their forces seized the key town of Al-Salihiyah. If Al-Salihiyah has been truly recaptured by the Islamic State, the Syrian Army and their allies will be in serious trouble around the western bank of the Euphrates. This latest offensive by IS is geared to have their forces reestablish themselves in the northwestern countryside of Albukamal, leaving them within striking distance of the aforementioned border-city. 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. |