Suicide bomber kills 12 in Iraqi capitalJanuary 9, 2014 - 14:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A suicide bomber has blown himself up at a military recruiting center in Baghdad, killing at least 12 people, the Associated Press reports. A police official said the attacker struck on Thursday, Jan 9 morning, and that at least 25 people have been wounded in the blast. A hospital official confirmed the casualty numbers. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media, according to the AP. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but suicide attacks are the hallmark of al Qaeda's Iraq branch. Its fighters last week overran parts of two key cities west of Baghdad — Fallujah and Ramadi — and have been clashing with Iraqi forces trying to drive them out. The attack on the recruiting center could be a retaliation for the military's offensive. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |