Suicide bomber kills 7, injures 26 in BaghdadSeptember 17, 2012 - 13:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A suicide bomber slammed a car packed with explosives into one of the gates of Baghdad's heavily guarded Green Zone on Monday, Sept 17, killing seven people, including three security officers, Iraqi officials said. According to The Associated Press, the bombing took place during the morning rush hour near the bridge over the Tigris River connecting the Karradah district and the Green Zone, where most government offices, the parliament and several embassies and foreign missions in Iraqi capital are located. The blast set several cars ablaze, officials said. A hospital official said that 26 people, including eight security officers, were wounded in the explosion. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief the media. Violence has ebbed significantly, but insurgents continue to stage high-profile bombings and shooting attacks. More than a week ago, insurgents launched a string of attacks across the country, killing 92 people in one of Iraq's deadliest days this year. Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attacks, and promised "black days ahead." 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |