Islamic State suffers symbolic defeat along Syrian-Iraq border![]() June 23, 2018 - 09:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued their offensive against the Islamic State (IS) Friday, June 22, seizing more ground along the Iraqi border, Al-Masdar News reports. The SDF troops were able to seize more ground in southeast Al-Hasakah after breaking through the Islamic State’s positions near the Iraqi border. According to pro-SDF media, their forces managed to capture the town of Al-Zhibah after advancing from nearby Tal Safouk. As a result of the advance, the SDF was able to meet up with the Iraqi troops at the border of the Nineveh Governorate. This is a big blow to the Islamic State because the Tal Safouk area is where they first made their announcement that established their so-called ‘caliphate’ (var. khalifah). ![]() ![]() 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). Across a swathe of southern Turkey, people sought temporary shelter and food in freezing winter weather. The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. ![]() ![]() Partner news | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |