30 foreign militants killed in joint Syrian-Russian operation in IdlibOctober 7, 2019 - 12:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian and Russian air forces carried out a strategic attack on two Hurras Al-Deen bases in the eastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate on Sunday, October 6, Al-Masdar News reports. The airstrikes by the Russian and Syrian air forces reportedly destroyed the militant bases in the eastern Idlib towns of Agher and Ballisa, resulting in the death of many militants, mostly foreign militants. While pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) placed the death toll at nine, with six of the casualties being Hurras Al-Deen militants, the Syrian military’s numbers were less conservative. According to the Syrian military, the joint Russian-Syrian attack resulted in the death of more than 30 militants from the Hurras Al-Deen group, with almost all of the reported casualties being foreign combatants. Among the dead militants were several militants from the Russian Caucasus region, including the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Chechnya. The Syrian military source said their forces had been scoping out this area in eastern Idlib for several days before the attack; they would ultimately wait for the militant group to hold a commanders meeting before striking. The source pointed out that the militant group was preparing to launch a large-scale offensive in eastern Idlib prior to Sunday’s attack. 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. |