Car bomb explodes near Syrian-Turkish borderSeptember 17, 2013 - 19:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A car bomb exploded on the Syrian side of the main Bab al-Hawa crossing with Turkey on Tuesday, Sept 17, and at least a dozen people were taken to nearby hospitals, Syrian opposition activists on the border said, according to Reuters. The explosion occurred at a roadblock manned by Islamist brigades at the entrance of the rebel-held crossing, several hundred meters from the Turkish side, they added. Pictures taken by activists on the scene showed several burnt and mangled cars and an engine block that apparently flew to the side of the road from the vehicle. "The objective is to destabilize security at the crossing. The casualties are all civilians, from the people queuing to cross," said Omar Aref, one of the activists. The explosion came a day after Turkey shot down a Syrian helicopter that had entered Turkish airspace. The Syrian army said the shooting was "hasty" and accused the Turkish government, which backs the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, of trying to escalate tensions along the border. On May 11, 2013, two car bombs exploded in the town of Reyhanlı, Hatay Province of Turkey, killing 51 people and injuring 140. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |