Islamic State takes two neighborhoods in south DamascusFebruary 20, 2018 - 12:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Islamic State forces based in southern Damascus attacked Al-Qaeda affiliate group Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham across the district of Yarmouk Camp as part of a month-long general offensive against rival militant factions near the Syrian capital, Al-Masdar News reports. Attacking Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham in the neighborhoods of Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’, IS deployed its best shock troops who in turn used a range of light and medium weapons in their assault. In particular, sniper teams were used to repel counter-attacks by squads of Al-Qaeda-linked rebels. Moving quickly from building to building, Islamic State fighters would quickly breach Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham’s defenses in Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’, laying claim to both neighborhoods before the day was out. The assault on and capture of Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’ neighborhoods was a capitalization on the earlier seizure of the Halfa neighborhood. Overall, the gains have served to now bring some ninety percent of the Yarmouk Camp district under the terrorist group’s control. 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. |