Islamic State takes two neighborhoods in south DamascusFebruary 20, 2018 - 12:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Islamic State forces based in southern Damascus attacked Al-Qaeda affiliate group Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham across the district of Yarmouk Camp as part of a month-long general offensive against rival militant factions near the Syrian capital, Al-Masdar News reports. Attacking Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham in the neighborhoods of Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’, IS deployed its best shock troops who in turn used a range of light and medium weapons in their assault. In particular, sniper teams were used to repel counter-attacks by squads of Al-Qaeda-linked rebels. Moving quickly from building to building, Islamic State fighters would quickly breach Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham’s defenses in Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’, laying claim to both neighborhoods before the day was out. The assault on and capture of Al-Malyoun and Al-Mashrou’ neighborhoods was a capitalization on the earlier seizure of the Halfa neighborhood. Overall, the gains have served to now bring some ninety percent of the Yarmouk Camp district under the terrorist group’s control. 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. |