U.S.-backed Syrian troops seize strategic IS-held town in Deir EzzorFebruary 24, 2018 - 13:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) broke-through the Islamic State’s (IS) defenses in the eastern countryside of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate after several days of intense firefights, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by U.S. airstrikes, the Syrian Democratic Forces stormed the strategic town of Bahrah on Friday, February 23 in a bid to expel the Islamic State from this imperative area inside the Euphrates River Valley. Following a fierce battle with the Islamic State militants, the Syrian Democratic Forces were able to impose full control over Bahrah. With Bahrah under their control, the Syrian Democratic Forces can secure the remaining towns in this part of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. Meanwhile, along the Iraqi border, the U.S. Coalition reportedly killed at least 30 civilians in the last five days, prompting outrage from local tribesmen in the Deir ez-Zor. The U.S. Coalition maintains that they are not targeting civilians, but rather, the Islamic State’s remaining fighters in the Euphrates River. Photo. REUTERS/Bob Strong/File photo 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 | Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. Aliyev touts “good chances” for normalizing ties with Armenia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared that there are “good chances” for normalizing relations with Armenia. Top Armenian, Indian defense officials discuss cooperation The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the defence sector between Armenia and India. IDBank unveils three sad stories about fraudsters IDBank has unveiled three scenarios of card fraud that have been happening more and more often in Armenia. |