Syrian army closing in on strategic city in IdlibJanuary 31, 2020 - 13:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian army is now 3 kilometers away from the strategic city of Saraqib in the northeastern countryside of the Idlib Governorate, Al-Masdar News reports. The advance by the army’s 25th Special Mission Forces Division (formerly Tiger Forces) comes just 48 hours after they announced the capture of Ma’arat Al-Nu’man in eastern Idlib. Footage showed a reporter with the 25th Special Mission Forces Division pointing out that Saraqib is just 3 kilometers away from their current positions in the Idlib countryside. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |