Bomb explodes on highway linking Beirut to DamascusJune 25, 2013 - 11:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lebanese security officials say a roadside bomb has exploded on the highway linking Beirut to the Syrian capital without causing casualties, according to The Associated Press. The officials say the small bomb went off Tuesday, June 25 morning near the town of Barr Elias, a few kilometers (miles) from the border crossing point of Masnaa. The bomb comes a day after Lebanese troops fought heavily armed followers of a hard-line Sunni Muslim cleric holed up in a mosque in the southern city of Sidon. Troops stormed the complex Monday. It includes the mosque where cleric Ahmad al-Assir used to preach. On Tuesday troops were clearing the complex of explosives. The fighting left 16 soldiers and at least 20 gunmen dead. Al-Assir's fate is still unknown. 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. |