Powerful blast damages foreign ministry building in BenghaziSeptember 11, 2013 - 12:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A powerful blast caused serious damage to a foreign ministry building in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Wednesday, according to AFP. The explosion comes on the first anniversary of an attack by militants on the United States consulate in Benghazi, which killed four Americans, including the ambassador. It was not immediately known if the blast, which the witnesses said appeared to have been caused by a car bomb, had resulted in casualties. AFP said its photographer saw a large section of the foreign ministry building had been destroyed and parts of the nearby local headquarters of the central bank seriously damaged. Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 revolt that toppled and killed Moammar Gadhafi, has been hit by a wave of deadly attacks in recent months targeting security force officers and members of the judiciary, many of whom served the previous regime. Attacks have also targeted diplomats and western interests. Much of the violence, including the killing of the U.S. ambassador last year, has been attributed to radical Islamists who are deeply rooted in the region. 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. |