Syrian army launches massive attack on northwestern HamaJuly 27, 2019 - 11:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has unleashed a heavy barrage of missiles and artillery shells towards the militant defenses in the northwestern countryside of the Hama Governorate, Al-Masdar News reports. Coupled with several airstrikes from their air force, the Syrian Arab Army has repeatedly struck the positions of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and Jaysh Al-Izza this evening, hitting a number of sites inside the towns of Tal Malah, Jibeen, Latmeen, Hasraya, Kafr Zita, and Morek. According to a military source with the Republican Guard, the Syrian Arab Army is preparing to launch a new attack against the militant forces. While the source did not specify the location of the coming attack, it is expected that the Syrian Arab Army will target the hilltop of Tal Malah, which was captured by the militants during a surprise offensive in June. Since losing Tal Malah, the Syrian Army has been unable to reopen the key road between the two government strongholds of Al-Sqaylabiyeh and Mhardeh. Lastly, the loss of this hilltop has also forced the Syrian Army to concentrate their troops away from the eastern axis of Kafr Naboudeh, which has subsequently halted the government advance into southwestern Idlib. 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 |