Massive explosion kills 2 at Azerbaijan munitions plantJuly 27, 2016 - 10:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Authorities in Azerbaijan say two people were killed by an explosion at a munitions factory on Tuesday, July 26 in the town of Shirvan, about 100 kilometers from the capital, Baku, RFE/RL reports. A statement from Azerbaijan’s Defense Industry Ministry said both of the people who died in the explosion were employees at the Araz plant. The ministry, which manages the facility, named the victims of the blast as Agamir Mamedov and Ilhama Nuriyeva. RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani Service reported that at least 20 people were injured and that explosions continued to rock the city and its surroundings for hours while a fire raged at the facility. Initial reports suggested that the explosion involved munitions that were being loaded in an area where finished products are stored. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |