Iraqi forces push towards Mosul mosque where IS declared caliphate June 21, 2017 - 12:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces said they began a push on Wednesday, June 21 toward the mosque of Mosul, where Islamic State declared a self-styled caliphate three years ago, Reuters says. The military said the forces had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City of Mosul, where the mosque is located, on Tuesday. The battle for the Old City is becoming the deadliest in the eight-month old offensive to capture Mosul, Islamic State's de facto capital in Iraq.  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 |  Latest 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. |
