Convoy of Turkish-backed rebels head to southern IdlibAugust 19, 2019 - 10:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish-backed 1st Corps of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) has sent a massive convoy of reinforcements to the southern countryside of the Idlib Governorate to help the militants fight the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Al-Masdar News reports. According to opposition reports, the 1st Corps is being deployed to the front-lines in southern Idlib to protect their territories and drive back the Syrian Arab Army near the key city of Khan Sheikhoun. These reinforcements from the Free Syrian Army’s 1st Corps come just days after the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) sent a large number of fighters to the southern countryside of the Idlib Governorate. The militant forces have already suffered a number of setbacks since the start of August, as they find themselves on the verge of losing the key city of Khan Sheikhoun along the Hama-Idlib Highway. As of now, the Syrian Arab Army has begun their attack on Khan Sheikhoun: however, they have yet to enter the city, despite the intensity of their assault. If the militants do lose Khan Sheikhoun, they will find themselves besieged by the Syrian Arab Army and their allies in the northern countryside of the Hama Governorate. Khan Sheikhoun was captured during the 2014 militant offensive in southern Idlib; it has since become a stronghold for the militant group Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham. 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. |