Islamic State may be manufacturing artillery in Syria: reportApril 5, 2018 - 13:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In 2017, Islamic State media released a video showing the group manufacturing and modifying a range of weapons systems from workshops inside the Iraqi city of Mosul (since retaken by Iraqi forces). The video served as evidence to claims from various sources that IS had a primitive weapons production capability. Lately, IS has carried out an extensive bombardment of Syrian army and allied forces positions in and around the Euphrates city of Abu Kamal with SPG-9 recoilless rifles (a 73-mm light artillery gun), Al-Masdar News says. Likewise, footage and pictures showcasing the ongoing insurgency being waged by Islamic State fighters along the eastern Euphrates shore against US-backed forces also demonstrates heavy use of the SPG-9. This is interesting, the source says, because one of the weapons revealed in the 2017 propaganda video as being producible by IS is a reverse-copy of the SPG-9. Given that the SPG-9 is not terribly complex in design with regards to materials needed and taking into account that IS already has the required knowledge to build it, there may be a chance that the militant group continues to produce the light artillery piece throughout stronghold areas still under its control in eastern Syria. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |