Syrian army advances more than 50km through IS-held east SweidaAugust 9, 2018 - 14:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has been on a roll in the Sweida Governorate recently, liberating several areas that were occupied by the Islamic State forces, Al-Masdar News reports. Led by their 4th Division, the Syrian Arab Army has managed to advance more than 50km through ISIS-held east Sweida after a fierce battle with the group over the last 72 hours. This large-scale advance as reportedly resulted in the Syrian Arab Army and National Defense Forces (NDF) meeting up with another government unit at another axis in the eastern countryside of the Sweida Governorate. The Syrian Arab Army is now working to liberate the last remaining hilltops that are under the control of the Islamic State near the strategic Kara’ area. Once they take control of these hilltops, the Syrian Arab Army will begin the second phase of their offensive. The second phase of the offensive will concentrate on liberating the Al-Safa Canyon region and Kara’ area, which are two Islamic State strongholds in eastern Sweida. 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |