Syria's elite troops capture 50% of Islamic State capital cityOctober 7, 2017 - 10:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Elite forces of the Syrian Arab Army are pushing hard on the Islamic State’s capital, capturing half the city from the militant group in a matter of hours, Al-Masdar News reports. According to military sources, the Syrian Army’s elite Tiger Forces have battled their way into the heart of the Islamic State capital of Al-Mayadeen in southwest Deir ez-Zor Governorate. Entering from the western gates of the Al-Mayadeen, the Tiger Forces have managed to wrest control over about 50 percent of the strategic city, killing scores of jihadist militants in the wake of their advance. It is worth clarifying that all reports circulating on social media saying that IS retreated from Al-Mayadeen are false. Military sources say that the Tiger Forces are advancing under cover of heavy rocket and howitzer fire which is currently targeting IS positions and rally points in the city center and in the eastern districts of Al-Mayadeen. One Syrian Army source, speaking to Al-Masdar News, said that Al-Mayadeen should be fully liberated from IS terrorists within twelve hours. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |