Syrian troops advance forward after retaking PalmyraMarch 29, 2016 - 12:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian forces pressed their offensive against the Islamic State group, the day after seizing control of the ancient city of Palmyra in a major blow for the jihadists, AFP reports. Regime troops pushed on towards Deir ez-Zor province, an IS bastion, the day after wresting control of the desert ruins with the help of Russian air strikes. Analysts said the government's seizure of Palmyra was the biggest blow so far in the war against IS and a major coup both for Damascus and Moscow. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hailed the victory as "fresh proof of the efficiency of the Syrian army and its allies in fighting terrorism." IS destroyed more than a dozen tombs and temples during its 10-month occupation of the UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "Pearl of the Desert." Outside, Syria's military turned their attention to other IS-held towns as they pushed towards Raqqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |