Syrian army begins storming two key militant strongholds in DamascusMarch 17, 2018 - 15:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Elite forces of the Syrian army have kicked-off a new assault operation against armed rebel groups in Damascus’ East Ghouta region, Al-Masdar News reports. According to military-affiliated sources, the Syrian army is conducting a concentric attack in the southernmost pocket of the East Ghouta area, targeting the militant stronghold districts of Kafr Batna and Saqba. Both districts are located in what sources describe as the rebel-controlled ‘urban heartland’ of East Ghouta – the attack by government forces is coming from both the northern (into Saqba) and eastern (into Kafr Batna) directions. At present, it is unclear which Syrian army formations are involved in the assault operation, however given general knowledge on the disposition of government units in east Damascus, it may very well be the case that both the Tiger Forces Division and the Republican Guard are involved. 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 | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Termination of servicing of MIR cards. IDBank It will not be possible to ensure the full operation of MIR cards in IDBank’s POS-terminals and ATMs Pashinian meets border villagers on possible land transfer to Azerbaijan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with concerned residents of two villages in Armenia’s northern Tavush province. |