Islamic State launches surprise attack on Syrian army near key airbaseJanuary 11, 2018 - 10:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Islamic State militants have launched a surprise assault against forces of the Syrian Arab Army near a major airbase in eastern Idlib province. The attack comes as Syrian troops are already heavily involved in battles with Al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters just south of the military installation, Al-Masdar News reports. On the night of Wednesday to Thursday (January 10-11), IS militants launched an attack against the Syrian Arab Army out the group’s bastion in northeastern Hama province towards government positions near the Abu Duhur airbase in eastern Idlib. According to IS-linked media, forces of the jihadist faction managed to kill 3 Syrian troops and capture another five. Al-Masdar News is currently unable to verify the terrorist group’s claims. The assault by IS comes as the Syrian Army is involved in a high-pitched battle against Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents for control of the Abu Duhur military airbase with government troops currently being placed several kilometers south of the key installation. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |