Militants storm Syrian army posts near Turkish borderAugust 21, 2018 - 11:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Militants in northern Latakia launched a powerful attack on Monday, August 20 evening, that targeted the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) posts near the Turkish border, Al-Masdar News reports. Led by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham, the militants attempted to fracture the Syrian Arab Army’s lines at the Ziwaqiyat axis and seize their posts. However, according to a military source in Latakia, the Syrian Arab Army was able to fully repel the attack after a short battle with the militants. The source added that the Syrian army was well-prepared for the attack after their reconnaissance drone spotted the militants moving towards their positions. Following the failed militant infiltration attempt, the Syrian Arab Army launched a plethora of missiles and artillery shells towards Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s positions near the Turkish border. In the coming weeks, the Syrian Arab Army is expected to begin their long-awaited offensive in Latakia that is meant to capture the last militant positions in the Jabal Al-Akrar and Jabal Turkmen regions. 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 | 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 |