Islamic State steps up attacks against Syrian army near PalmyraJune 11, 2019 - 15:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State carried out two attacks against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) on Monday, June 10, targeting the latter’s positions near the historical city of Palmyra (Tadmur), Al-Masdar News reports. Using the night as cover, the Islamic State’s first attack targeted the Syrian Arab Army forces at the western axis of the T-3 Pumping Station near Palmyra; this resulted in a heavy firefight between the two parties. The Syrian Army said they were able to foil the Islamic State attack and secure the area before dawn. In another attack, the Islamic State stormed the Syrian Army’s positions near the international highway east of Palmyra. The firefight would only last for a short while, but the Islamic State was able to inflict some casualites in the Syrian Army’s ranks before they retreated back to the desert. The Islamic State has recently stepped up their attacks in the Palmyra countryside, forcing the Syrian Army to concentrate more forces to this front. 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 |