Syrian army makes progress against Islamic State in Sweida offensiveAugust 7, 2018 - 16:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) kicked off their east Sweida offensive on Monday, August 7, after completing their field operations in southwest Syria, Al-Masdar News says. Backed by heavy airstrikes from the Russian Aerospace Forces the night before, the Syrian Arab Army and their allies began the day by liberating a large chunk of territory from the Islamic State forces. According to a military communique from the Sweida Governorate, the Syrian Arab Army and their allies managed to liberate several hilltops near the Dyatheh and and Kara’ areas, forcing the Islamic State militants to fall back further into the desert. Among the hilltops and points the Syrian Arab Army liberated from the Islamic State on Monday, were Tal Qasr, Ajeelat, and Dayatheh Water Wells. A field source told Al-Masdar News that the Syrian Arab Army and their allies suffered at least a half dozen casualties, with four fighters from the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) of Sweida suffering the highest death toll. The four members of the SSNP were killed when an Islamic State militants detonated his suicide vest near their front-lines on Monday. 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |