Syrian rebels, Islamic State trade blows is west Daraa countrysideMay 29, 2018 - 11:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Intense clashes broke out between opposition fighters and the Islamic State in the western countryside of Daraa as the Syrian Army prepares for the final assault in the southern province, Al-Masdar News reports. IS militants launched an attack targeting positions for the FSA fighters on the outskirts of Sheikh Saad town. The offensive, however, was foiled but cost the Syrian rebels high casualties. A field commander of the FSA-affiliate Ahmad Awad Brigade, Abo Zalta, was killed along with at least three of his men. The rebel fighters also managed to shoot down a drone operated by the terror group. IS launched the assault in an attempt to open a safe corridor for scores of fellow militants trapped in Sweida desert land after being evacuated from southern Damascus pocket some 2 weeks ago. Some of those stray militants were captured by rebel fighters while attempting to sneak into IS-held areas in west Daraa. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |