Islamic State launches major offensive against Syrian armyJanuary 25, 2018 - 17:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Forces of the Islamic State group have kicked-off a huge offensive against the Syrian Arab Army in the province of Deir ez-Zor, reportedly assaulting government defense from across the Euphrates River, Al-Masdar News reports. Military-affiliated sources reported that Islamic State militants launched a powerful offensive operation against the Syrian army on Thursday, January 25 morning, crossing from east shore to the west shore of the Euphrates at multiple points. At present, savage clashes between the Syrian army and the IS are taking place at the towns of Al-Asharah and Subaikhan on the western shore of the Euphrates. It is unclear whether or not Islamic State terrorists have managed to make any advance. Russian warplanes have responded to the offensive by conducting heavy airstrikes against Islamic State fighter gatherings and movements; in addition to this Syrian army rocket launchers and howitzers are shelling IS non-stop. According to media reports, so far both the Syrian army and IS have suffered high losses and the current battle appears to be far from over. 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. |