Gunmen attack bus, kill 18 in PakistanNovember 2, 2012 - 22:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Gunmen attacked a bus in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province on Friday, Nov 2, killing at least 18 people including a woman and a child, police said, according to Reuters. Most of the victims died from fire caused by the attack at a petrol station in Khuzdar, a town about a four-hour drive from Quetta. The fire engulfed the van, the petrol station and four nearby shops. No further details were available. Several militant groups are active in Baluchistan, Pakistan's biggest but poorest province. The province faces a revolt by Baluch ethnic separatists, who are fighting a protracted insurgency demanding more autonomy and control over natural resources. Pro-Taliban militants are active in the province, which borders both Afghanistan and Iran. Sunni Muslim militants also regularly carry out attacks on Baluchistan's Shi'ite minority. 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 |