Last Islamic State-held mountain 'attacked' in southern SyriaAugust 17, 2018 - 13:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army began their final attack in southern Syria on Thursday, August 16 night, targeting the Islamic State’s last positions on the Al-Safa Mountain, Al-Masdar News says. Led by their 1st, 3rd, and 10th divisions, the Syrian Arab Army began the attack at dusk on Thursday, scoring a big advance from Tal Alam to the Qabr Sheikh Hussein area, the Syrian media outlet reports. The Syrian Arab Army’s advance was reportedly captured by Hezbollah’s official media wing on Thursday. The Islamic State is now hoping to hold onto their last positions on the Al-Safa Mountain; however, the likelihood of them holding this area is very slim, says the report. Once the Al-Safa Mountain is liberated, the Syrian Arab Army will be in full control of the Al-Sweida Governorate for the first time in several years, the report concludes. 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |