Al-Qaida claims responsibility for deadly Iraq attacksAugust 23, 2012 - 14:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Al-Qaida's front group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for dozens of deadly attacks in the Sunni-dominated western Anbar province this summer, The Associated Press reported. The Islamic State of Iraq said in a statement Thursday, Aug 23 that it was behind a wave of 43 attacks that included roadside bombings, sticky bombs, mortars and rockets, booby trapped houses and shootings against Iraqi security forces, pro-government elements and military bases. The statement, which appeared on a militant website, says the attacks took place from late June until the second half of July, leaving scores of dead and injured. Iraq's security forces and government offices are top targets for insurgents seeking to undermine the Shiite-led government's authority. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |