Syrian army "foils militant attack" in northern HamaNovember 19, 2018 - 10:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian forces have thwarted an attempt made by militants to infiltrate army positions in northern Hama as Idlib agreement falters, Al-Masdar News reports. Positions for the Syrian army in the villages of Khirba and Zaleen on northern Hama countryside have come under attack launched by militants from two axes. According to a military source, militants of the FSA-affiliate Jaish al-Izza tried to steal in through a field of olive trees. The attack was launched from the rebel-controlled towns of Buwaydah and Maarkabeh located to the south of Syrian army-held areas. However, government troops stationed near a rocky cliff in the area spotted the assailants, unleashing heavy artillery and missile fire, scoring directs hits and foiling the attack. The failed offensive killed and wounded scores of rebel militants, forcing them to retreat. This comes amid reports that the Syrian army is preparing for a large-scale operation in the southeastern countryside of the Idlib province. 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 |