"Scores" of Islamic State members surrender to SDF near BaghouzMarch 12, 2019 - 13:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Scores of self-proclaimed Islamic State militants surrendered to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday, March 11, according to the US-backed alliance, as the offensive continues at the last IS stronghold near Baghouz, Al-Masdar News says. Plumes of heavy smoke were seen rising above the reported area of SDF attacks amid burning fires and the occasional explosion. Around 100 IS members and their families surrendered to the SDF on Monday, during a pause in clashes between 13:30 and 14:00 GMT, according to the alliance. The SDF says the operation against the last IS stronghold started on March 1, after nearly 15,000 IS members surrendered with their families. It was then paused on March 4, as more wanted to surrender. It is estimated that up to 10,000 IS members and their families surrendered between March 4 and 10, according to the SDF. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. 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. |