Syrian army begins offensive in Latakia, captures first areaMay 8, 2019 - 18:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) on Wednesday, May 8 began their long-awaited northeastern Latakia offensive against Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham, Al-Masdar News reports. Led by the 42nd Brigade of the 4th Armored Division, the Syrian Arab Army stormed Point 1154 in the Jabal Al-Zuqayqat Mountains of northeastern Latakia. According to a source from the 42nd Brigade, the Syrian Arab Army is now in full control of Point 1154 after they forced Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham to retreat further north. The Syrian Arab Army is now looking to seize the remaining areas under the control of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham in the Jabal Al-Zuwayqat region. The primary objective of this offensive will be to seize the key town of Kabani; this is also Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s main stronghold in the Latakia Governorate. 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 |