Blast in Damascus causes casualties, state TV saysNovember 4, 2012 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An explosion occurred outside the premises of a state-controlled labor union behind a hotel in the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, Nov 4 causing casualties, state television said. The blast, which the television described as "terrorist" - the government's word for rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad - took place in the union's parking lot. It gave no more immediate details. "The terrorist explosion caused several injuries. One of (the injured) is in a critical condition," the television said. Opposition activists said the explosion was near heavily-guarded army installations in the heart of the capital. Rebels have carried out a series of bombings targeting government and military buildings in Damascus this year, bringing the civil war to the heart of Assad's power. Islamist militant groups Ahfad al-Rasoul and Ansar al-Islam said last month they had planted bombs in a major state security compound in Damascus. They also claimed responsibility for suicide car bombs earlier in October that hit a security compound on the edge of Damascus, according to Reuters. 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. |