Death toll in Iraq attacks reaches 30October 28, 2012 - 17:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 30 people have been killed in a series of attacks around Iraq, with dozens more injured, BBC News said Twin bomb attacks in Baghdad's mainly Shia neighbourhood of Sadr City on Saturday, October 28 evening killed at least 13. Hours earlier, a bomb near a playground in the Bawiya neighbourhood of the capital killed several people, including at least three children. Authorities had put security measures in place to try to prevent attacks over the four-day holiday of Eid al-Adha. Another bomb exploded near Baghdad on a bus carrying Shia pilgrims, some of whom are reported to be Iranian. In the northern city of Mosul, gunmen burst into the homes of families belonging to the Shabak minority group, leaving several dead. The Shabak are a minority in northern Iraq who have previously been the target of sectarian violence. Several people were also injured when a bomb exploded in a Shia neighbourhood in the town of Tuz Khurmatu, north of Baghdad. Violence in Iraq is down since the height of the insurgency in 2006 and 2007, but is still common. In recent months the rate of attacks has increased, mostly targeting security services and Shia Muslims. In August, more than 90 people were killed in a wave of attacks before Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 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. |