Former Islamic State fighters spotted with Turkey-led forces: media March 17, 2018 - 10:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of rebel fighters that serve among the ranks of Turkish-backed forces in Afrin (the Free Syrian Army) are reportedly former Islamic State militants, Al-Masdar News reports. According to sources, the gradual rollback of IS across northern and eastern Syria between mid-2016 to the end of 2017 prompted hundreds of Islamic State terrorists to flee to Turkey via surrendering to Turkish-backed proxy militias in Aleppo province. Under the control of Turkish military authorities, the fighters were re-flagged and installed into the ranks of pro-Ankara rebel groups such as the Free Syrian Army and Faylaq al-Sham, the news agency says. Now in the service of the Turkish Armed Forces, the alleged former IS militants are currently battling US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters in the Afrin region of Aleppo province. The picture appears to show two photos of the same individual – first as an IS militant, and then a rebel in the service of Turkish-backed forces.   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 Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
