Syrian army resumes offensive for strategic highway to Deir ez-ZorOctober 9, 2017 - 18:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their counter-offensive in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, Monday, targeting the Islamic State’s (IS) last positions along the Sukhnah-Deir ez-Zor Highway near the town of Al-Shoulah, Al-Masdar News reveals. Led by the 5th Legion and 18th Tank Division, the Syrian Arab Army attacked the Islamic State’s positions south of the Sukhnah-Deir ez-Zor Highway, inflicting heavy damage on the terrorist group’s defenses while also advancing northward. According to a military report, the Syrian Army should clean-up the remaining IS-occupied territories this week and reopen the highway. Once the Sukhnah-Deir ez-Zor Highway is fully liberated, the Syrian Army can turn their attention to the remaining areas inside the provincial capital that are occupied by IS. Photo. REUTERS-Khalil Ashawi-File Photo 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. |