U.S. coalition warplanes reportedly bomb own alliesFebruary 16, 2018 - 18:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S.-led coalition warplanes have bombed partner forces amid heavy clashes near an Islamic State stronghold in the east Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor, according to reports by Islamic State-linked media. The blue-on-blue claim is the second such one to be made by the terrorist group within a week, Al-Masdar News says. According to the IS-linked Amaq media center, U.S.-led coalition airpower has mistakenly hit the positions of allied militias near the town of Ash-Sha’fah (currently under the control of Islamic State forces) in the southeastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor province. The reports come amid a large operation by U.S.-led coalition partner forces to eject IS terrorists from Ash-Sha’fah and its surrounding area. The town is, at present, witnessing heavy clashes at its eastern gates with Islamic State forces claiming to have killed eight US-backed fighters and captured another. Just less than one week ago, IS claimed that coalition jets struck friendly forces in the As-Sosa region of Deir ez-Zor near the Iraqi border – no comment was made by official American military sources. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |