"Scores" of Islamic State members surrender to SDF near BaghouzMarch 12, 2019 - 13:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Scores of self-proclaimed Islamic State militants surrendered to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday, March 11, according to the US-backed alliance, as the offensive continues at the last IS stronghold near Baghouz, Al-Masdar News says. Plumes of heavy smoke were seen rising above the reported area of SDF attacks amid burning fires and the occasional explosion. Around 100 IS members and their families surrendered to the SDF on Monday, during a pause in clashes between 13:30 and 14:00 GMT, according to the alliance. The SDF says the operation against the last IS stronghold started on March 1, after nearly 15,000 IS members surrendered with their families. It was then paused on March 4, as more wanted to surrender. It is estimated that up to 10,000 IS members and their families surrendered between March 4 and 10, according to the SDF. 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. |