At least 31 killed at Baghdad Shia election rally April 26, 2014 - 09:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 31 people have been killed in Iraq as a series of blasts targeted a Shia election rally in Baghdad. Several people were seriously injured in the attack, which took place at a rally for the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq party, according to BBC News. The attack - claimed by al-Qaeda-linked militants - comes less than a week before Iraqis are due to head to the polls in parliamentary elections. Iraq has been enduring the worst unrest since it pulled back from the brink of civil war in 2008. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - an al-Qaeda offshoot also known as ISIL - said it had carried out Friday April 25 attack. Three bombs exploded as people left the rally. The first two blasts were caused by truck bombs and the third by a roadside bomb.  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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
