Suicide bomber attacks Yemen’s defense ministryDecember 5, 2013 - 11:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into the gate of Yemen's Defense Ministry on Thursday, December 5 causing a large number of casualties, a source at the ministry told Reuters, the news agency reported. Gun shots were heard near the area shortly after the explosion and ambulances rushed to the scene, a Reuters witness said. Several army vehicles also rushed to the scene in the old district of the capital Sanaa which is also home to the country's central bank, the witness said. Violence is common in Yemen, where an interim government is grappling with southern secessionists, al Qaeda-linked militants and northern Houthi rebels, as well as severe economic problems inherited from veteran President Ali Abdullah Saleh who was forced out of office in 2011. "The attack took place shortly after working hours started at the ministry when a suicide bomber drove a car into the gate," the Defense Ministry source said. The exact number of casualties was still unclear. "The explosion was very violent, the whole place shook because of it and plumes of smoke rose from the building," an employee who works in a nearby building told Reuters. Related links: 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. |