Islamic State makes final stand at only stronghold in HamaFebruary 8, 2018 - 17:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Islamic State forces are falling back to their one, only and last stronghold in the province of Hama following the virtual collapse of the terrorist group’s territorial holdings throughout northwest Syria at the hands of the Syrian Arab Army, Al-Masdar News reports. According to sources, IS terrorists have withdrawn en-mass to the town of Suruj in Hama province’s northeastern countryside to make their final stand against the Syrian Army. Over the last five days, the Syrian Army – led by the elite Tiger Forces Division – has swept across the provinces of Hama, Idlib and Aleppo in northwest Syria reducing what was once an ISIS bastion greater than one thousand square kilometers in size by 98 percent. Prior to the Syrian Army offensive, ISIS possessed over 100 towns and villages throughout the country’s northwest – now it holds about half-a-dozen with Suruj being the largest. It is believed that ISIS still has many hundreds of militant fighters in Hama, all of which are now concentrated into a single town. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |