45 killed, 157 wounded as cars set ablaze in Iraq bomb attackMarch 10, 2014 - 09:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A suicide bomber driving a minibus packed with explosives has killed at least 45 people and wounded 157 in the southern Iraqi city of Hilla, police and medical sources say, according to The Guardian. The attacker approached a main checkpoint at a northern entrance to the largely Shia Muslim city and detonated the minibus, a police officer said on condition of anonymity. At least 50 cars were set ablaze with passengers trapped inside and part of the checkpoint complex was destroyed, the officer said. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, the suicide bombings being usually a trademark of al Qaeda-affiliated groups. "I was sitting inside my kiosk when suddenly a horrible blast threw me outside and hurled my groceries up in the air. I saw cars set ablaze with people burning inside," said Abu Nawar, owner of a makeshift kiosk made of palm tree leaves near the checkpoint. Police were using cutting equipment to break inside the burnt vehicles and lift out charred bodies, the police officer said, adding that the death toll was expected to rise. "When a policeman suspected the minibus, he asked the driver to pull over for a check, but the vehicle exploded," the police officer said. Bombings and other attacks killed almost 8,000 civilians in 2013, the worst period for the country since 2008. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a militant group, has been behind many of the bombings. The Iraqi government is battling the Islamist group in the western province of Anbar, where the group holds territory in the cities of Falluja and Ramadi. 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 | 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. |