U.S.-backed Syrian troops seize strategic IS-held town in Deir EzzorFebruary 24, 2018 - 13:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) broke-through the Islamic State’s (IS) defenses in the eastern countryside of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate after several days of intense firefights, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by U.S. airstrikes, the Syrian Democratic Forces stormed the strategic town of Bahrah on Friday, February 23 in a bid to expel the Islamic State from this imperative area inside the Euphrates River Valley. Following a fierce battle with the Islamic State militants, the Syrian Democratic Forces were able to impose full control over Bahrah. With Bahrah under their control, the Syrian Democratic Forces can secure the remaining towns in this part of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. Meanwhile, along the Iraqi border, the U.S. Coalition reportedly killed at least 30 civilians in the last five days, prompting outrage from local tribesmen in the Deir ez-Zor. The U.S. Coalition maintains that they are not targeting civilians, but rather, the Islamic State’s remaining fighters in the Euphrates River. Photo. REUTERS/Bob Strong/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 | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |