Syrian army storms last towns east of Daraa cityJuly 2, 2018 - 14:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a powerful attack on Monday, July 2 morning that targeted the last towns located east of Daraa city, Al-Masdar News reports. Led by their elite Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army stormed the group of towns around Saida, following the collapse of peace talks with the Syrian opposition. According to a military source in the government stronghold of Izraa, the Syrian Arab Army captured the town of Kiheel after a short battle with the Free Syrian Army’s Southern Front Brigades. Following the capture of Kiheel, the Syrian Arab Army pushed further west towards the towns of Saida and Eteibah, which are both directly east of Daraa city. The Tiger Forces are now engaged in fierce clashes with the rebel troops near these aforementioned towns. A source told Al-Masdar this morning that in addition to storming these towns, the Tiger Forces are also firing a plethora of missiles and artillery shells towards the rebel positions. Using their MLRS launchers, the Tiger Forces have been raining missiles on the rebel defenses for several hours in a bid to force the latter to withdraw to Daraa city. The Syrian Arab Army is expected to capture both of these towns in the coming hours, as the rebel forces are not likely to hold on for much longer. If the Syrian Army takes control of Saida, there will be only one town left before they reach Daraa city’s southeastern flank. The last town between Saida and Daraa city is Al-Naymah; it is controlled by the Free Syrian Army’s Southern Front Brigades. Al-Naymah is the key to the Syrian Arab Army’s plan to besiege the rebel stronghold of Daraa Al-Balad. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |