Syrian army launches new operation against Islamic StateFebruary 25, 2019 - 18:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) began a new operation in the Badiya Al-Sham region of eastern Syria on Monday, February 25 morning, Al-Masdar News reports. Backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF), the Syrian Arab Army began their operation by storming different areas around the Badiya Al-Sham that are believed to have an Islamic State presence. According to a military source in nearby Palmyra (Tadmur), the Syrian Army’s attack is more of a ‘policing’ operation that is geared at busting up Islamic State cells inside this desert region. The Syrian Arab Army has recently intensified their operations in eastern Syria following a string of attacks that have been carried out by the Islamic State in the Deir Ezzor Governorate. The Islamic State is still in control of a large swathe of desert territory between the Deir Ezzor and Homs governorates. Many Islamic State terrorists are believed to be hiding inside the vast number of caves in the Badiya Al-Sham region. 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. |