14 injured in Damascus suicide blastJune 14, 2012 - 21:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 14 people have been injured when a suicide car bomb exploded in a Damascus suburb and damaged one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, Belfast Telegraph said. The golden-domed Sayyida Zainab shrine attracts tens of thousands of Shiite pilgrims from around the world every year who come to visit the tomb, which is believed to house the remains of the granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammed. The site is popular with Iranian and other Shiite pilgrims and tourists. Witnesses said the bomber detonated his van in a car park about 50 metres from the shrine. Guards tried to stop him from getting into the area but he pushed through. The blast shattered the shrine's windows and knocked down chandeliers and electric ceiling fans and caused cracks in some of its mosaic walls. Six tourist buses and more than 30 cars and a small police bus also were damaged. It was not immediately clear whether the shrine was the intended target. The site of the blast is only 15 metres from a police station. Car bombs and suicide bombings have become common in Syria as the 15-month uprising against President Bashar Assad becomes increasingly militarised. Western officials say there is little doubt that Islamist extremists, some associated with the al Qaida terror network, have made inroads in Syria as instability has spread. On June 14 rebels reportedly clashed with government forces in several parts of the country and troops continued to pound rebel-controlled areas in the central province of Homs. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three civilians were killed overnight in clashes in Homs city. Another died in the rebel-held town of Rastan north of Homs, which has been under constant fire from regime forces for days. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |