Three car bombs kill 9 near Baghdad's Green ZoneFebruary 5, 2014 - 11:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Three car bombs exploded near Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone, home to the Prime Minister's office and several Western embassies, on Wednesday, Feb 5, killing nine people early on Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing security sources. The blasts came a day after two rockets were fired into the Green Zone, and are likely to heighten concerns about Iraq's ability to protect strategic sites as security deteriorates across the country. Two of Wednesday's car bombs were parked opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and killed five people, the sources said. The other car was driven by a suicide bomber who blew himself and the vehicle up outside a restaurant close to a checkpoint one street away from the Green Zone, killing four people, the sources added. Another explosion near Khullani Square in central Baghdad left four others dead. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |