Islamic State launches 'big counter-attack' in southeast Deir ez-ZorSeptember 21, 2018 - 13:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reportedly captured the strategic town of Baghouz Fouqani in southeastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor this evening, Al-Masdar News says. According to local activists, the Syrian Democratic Forces, in coordination with the French and U.S. armies, managed to score a major breakthrough in southeast Deir ez-Zor on Thursday, September 20 after spending the last 24 hours involved in a fierce battle with the Islamic State (IS). The Syrian Democratic Forces were able to crack the Islamic State’s lines after U.S. attack helicopters repeatedly bombarded the Islamic State terrorists, forcing them to ultimately fall back. However, the SDF would not have much time to secure the town after its capture, as the Islamic State terrorists launched a large-scale counter-attack in a bid to retake Baghouz Fouqani. The Islamic State media alleges that their forces have reentered Baghouz Fouqani after killing more than 20 fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces. The Islamic State often exaggerates the death toll of enemy forces, which is something they have done since their units began losing a lot of ground in Syria and Iraq. Intense clashes are now ongoing inside of Baghouz Fouqani, as the Islamic State attempts to reclaim the town from the Syrian Democratic Forces. 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |