Suicide bombing kills at least 15 in NigeriaApril 2, 2014 - 09:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 15 civilians have been killed in a suicide bombing by suspected Islamist militants Tuesday, April 1, in north-east Nigeria, officials said, according to BBC News. Six of the attackers also died in the explosion, which took place on the outskirts of the city of Maiduguri, a defense ministry spokesman said. Authorities said the Boko Haram group was behind the assault. At least 1,500 lives have been claimed in the restive north-eastern region this year, according to latest figures. Half of those killed were civilians, Amnesty International said in a report released on Monday. The organization blamed both "an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and uncontrolled reprisals by Nigeria's security forces" for the high death toll. Tuesday's explosion happened when a militant blew up a vehicle near a checkpoint in Borno state, the defense ministry said. The blast took place as soldiers were trying to foil the militants' attempt to drive several vehicles with explosives into a petrol station, spokesman Brig Gen Chris Okulade told journalists. "Three explosive-laden vehicles were demobilized by shots fired at them by soldiers at the checkpoint," he said. But a fourth car exploded, apparently set off by one of the militants. Boko Haram was launched in Maiduguri in 2009, with the aim of setting up an Islamic state. A state of emergency was declared in three north-eastern states last year to help the military crush the insurgency. However, the militants have stepped up attacks in recent months. The violence has forced some 250,000 people from their homes so far this year, according to Nigeria's relief agency. More than three million people are said to face a humanitarian crisis. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |