At least 1,332 Iraqis killed by violence in July: UNAugust 1, 2015 - 18:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 1,332 Iraqis were killed by violence in July amid the war against the Islamic State group, a slight drop from June, according to UN figures released Saturday, Aug 1, the Associated Press reports. The UN mission to Iraq said that at least 844 civilians were among the dead, while 488 members of Iraqi security forces and pro-government militias fighting the Islamic State group were killed. It put the number of the wounded at 2,108. Baghdad was the worst affected province with 335 people killed. In June, at least 1,466 people were killed and 1,687 were wounded. The UN statistics largely do not include territory held by the Islamic State group, which controls about a third of Iraq and neighboring Syria in its self-declared "caliphate." The UN said it has not been able to verify claims about people dying from secondary effects of violence after having fled their homes due to the lack of water, food, medicines and health care. Meanwhile Saturday, a bomb exploded near an outdoor market in Rashidiyah just north of Baghdad, killing three people and wounding 11, police said. Another bomb blast near car repair shops in the southeastern suburbs of Baghdad killed two people and wounded nine, police said. Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to journalists. Violence has escalated in Iraq after the Islamic State offensive began last year. Iraqi forces have been struggling to regain control of the areas lost to the militants. 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. |