  2 attackers, 1 hostage killed in French church siege: police July 26, 2016 - 14:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French police "neutralized" two men armed with blades who had taken several people hostage in a church in northern France on Tuesday, July 26, the police said, according to Reuters. A police source said that one of the hostages had been killed with a blade in the attack which took place in the Normandy town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, south of Rouen. French media reported the attackers cut the throat of the priest. French President Francois Hollande was on his way to the site of the attack. It was not immediately clear if the assailants were killed or taken alive in the police operation that ended the assault. Live TV images showed police had blocked off the roads around the church and paramedics were seen pulling stretchers out of ambulances. The hostages included a priest, two nuns and two worshippers according to BFM TV. The attack is the latest in a string of deadly assaults in Europe. In France, the Normandy attack comes 12 days after a 31-year-old Tunisian killed 84 people in the French Riviera city of Nice when he plowed his heavy goods truck into a crowd of revelers. Islamic State claimed the attack in Nice.   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 Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation  Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia.Armenian cemetery in Fresno hit by arsons six times since January Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance.Iran vows to “decisively” defend sovereignty, national interests The Iranian embassy in Armenia has defended its “defensive and proportional action in in occupied Palestine.” |
