Free Syrian Army offensive against Islamic State 'ends before starting' February 2, 2018 - 12:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A major offensive operation promised by Syrian rebel groups that they claimed was going to totally eradicate all elements of the Islamic State group in the country’s far southwest has ended before even beginning, Al-Masdar News reports. About one week ago, official Free Syrian Army sources announced preparations for an offensive in the province of Daraa aimed at completely annihilating the Islamic State affiliate group Jaysh Khalid Ibn al-Walid. Beyond announcing the attack over social media, the Free Syrian Army apparently even issued an ultimatum to IS fighters in Daraa, telling them to surrender or face death. On Thursday, February 1, rebel sources reported that the much-promised great offensive had been launched. In the event, Syrian rebels only shelled IS positions in Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin region for a very brief period of time and then, without even initiating any kind of ground assault, called off the offensive entirely. Opposition sources cite ‘technical reasons’ for the aborting of the anti-IS operation with no further details given.   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 |  Latest news Caring for nature, we have started with ourselves - Team Telecom Armenia  Team Telecom Armenia summarized the work undertaken within the company in the direction of environmental protection.Residents of border Armenian villages continue protests Residents of several Armenian communities in Tavush province continued protests into April 22 morning.U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement.Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. |
