Syrian army to start southern Damascus offensive 'in hours'April 12, 2018 - 09:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is preparing to kickoff their long-awaited offensive to retake the southern districts of Damascus, Al-Masdar News reported citing a military source. Led by their Republican Guard and 4th Division, the Syrian Arab Army has taken up their positions around the Islamic State (ISIS) held areas in the Yarmouk Camp and Al-Qadam districts of southern Damascus. Joining the Syrian Arab Army on the offensive will be their Palestinian allies from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Fatah Al-Intifada, Liwaa Al-Quds, and Qawat Al-Jaleel. According to a military source in Damascus, the offensive is ready to launch in the coming hours, despite the looming threat of a potential U.S. attack. 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |