Syrian army readies for next large-scale assault in country's northwestJune 19, 2019 - 11:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is preparing to launch the next major assault in northwestern Syria after scoring a small advance earlier this month, AL-Masdar News reports. According to a field source, thousands of soldiers have been deployed to the northwestern countryside of the Hama in the last two weeks, including units from the 9th Division’s Shock Troops and 14th Special Forces Division. The source said the Syrian Army will not only attempt to retake the areas they lost in northwestern Hama, but also, push east of Kafr Naboudeh in a bid to secure the aforementioned town. The Syrian Army previously lost the hilltop of Tal Malah and the nearby town of Jibeen after the militants of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham launched a surprise offensive at the axis. As a result of these losses, the main road between the Christian towns of Mhardeh and Sqaylabiyeh were cutoff. Retaking these two areas in northwestern Hama is currently a high priority for the Syrian Army’s High Command as both Mhardeh and Sqaylabiyeh remain susceptible to attacks by the militants. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |