Bombs targeting army checkpoint, convoy kill 5 in IraqAugust 12, 2013 - 09:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two bombings targeting an army checkpoint and a convoy near the Iraqi capital killed five soldiers Sunday, Aug 11, officials said, according to The Associated Press. Violence has been on the rise across Iraq since a deadly crackdown by government forces on a Sunni protest camp in April, raising fears that the country could see a new round of widespread sectarian bloodshed similar to that which brought the country to the edge of civil war in 2006 and 2007. The first attack took place when a roadside bomb blast hit a military convoy near Musayyib, a town 60 kilometers (40 miles) south of Baghdad, killing three soldiers and wounding 10, officials said. Shortly before sunset, police said two soldiers were killed and nine were wounded when a suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into an army checkpoint in Baghdad's western suburbs of Abu Ghraib. Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to journalists. Sunday's attack came a day after deadly bombings across Iraq that targeted cafes, markets and restaurants, leaving 69 dead. Insurgents frequently target the security forces, as well as Shiite civilians and others in an attempt to undermine the Shiite-led government. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. 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. |