Syria launches operation to eliminate Islamic State from Iraqi border regionMay 3, 2019 - 13:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) began a new operation this week to target the Islamic State’s remaining hideouts along the Iraqi border, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Hezbollah, the Syrian Arab Army reportedly attacked a number sites between the city of Albukamal and the northern part of the U.S.-occupied Al-Tanf Zone. At the same time, their allies from Iraq’s Hashd al-Sha’abi (Popular Mobilization Units) have also begun a similar operation in a bid to clear the Islamic State militants from the Syrian border. The Islamic State has recently wreaked havoc in the region and their constant operations along the border have further delayed the reopening of the international highway from Baghdad to Damascus. A Syrian military source in Damascus said earlier that the government was hoping to reopen the international highway at the end of April; however, due to the recent increase in militant activity near the roadway, they have been forced to keep it closed. The Islamic State currently occupies several areas inside the vast Badiya Al-Sham region between the Deir ez-Zor and Homs governorates; this makes travel from western to eastern Syria very dangerous for civilians, let alone the army. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |