Iraqi forces start operation to cleanse Diyala governorate from ISJune 26, 2018 - 16:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi forces have launched a full-scale security operation aiming at cleansing Diyala governorate from the Islamic State cells hiding in the eastern province after the group’s major defeat on December 2017, AL-Masdar News says. Scores of IS elements have taken refuge in the northern parts of the bordering governorate in order to carry out guerrilla warfare against government targets across the area. Led by the 5th Division, the Iraqi forces have so far managed to kill more than 20 IS militants, destroy 4 pickup vehicles and 12 motorcycles, as well as seize 4 mortar launchers and 10 ammo caches. In related context, federal police forces arrested two employees, including an electric engineer, over links with the Islamic State terror group. On Sunday, IS released a video on its propaganda agency, Aamaq, showing six men, with their faces covered in bruises. The detainees were members of the Iraqi police and al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces), who were kidnapped last week on a road linking Baghdad to Kirkuk. The ultraconservative militants vowed to slaughter the abductees soon if the Iraqi government didn’t respond to their demands. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |