Islamic State "begin executing captured fighters in eastern Syria"February 11, 2019 - 11:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State’s recent string of losses in the eastern region of the Euphrates River Valley has begun taking a toll on their morale, prompting them to carry out the ruthless execution of captured enemy fighters, Al-Masdar News reports. On Sunday, February 10 morning, the Islamic State’s official media wing released footage of their militants executing their prisoners from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Among those executed by the militant group were two members of an Arab tribe from the Al-Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria. In the interview prior to the execution, the two tribesmen said that they were forcibly conscripted into the Syrian Democratic Forces, adding that they were placed at the front-lines in eastern Deir Ezzor before they were captured by the Islamic State. The Islamic State often carries out these executions when they are on the verge of defeat; this has happened on a number of occasions in the past, with the battle of Al-Safa in late 2018 being the most recent reference. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |