Purported IS suicide attacks leave at least 8 dead in LibyaAugust 18, 2016 - 18:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Libya's pro-government forces say suicide bombers detonated two cars near their forces in the Islamic State group's former stronghold city of Sirte, killing at least eight, the Associated Press reports. Ahmed Hadia, a spokesman for troops loyal to the UN-backed government who are fighting to liberate the city, says the attack came in the western part of Sirte on Thursday, August 18 and that he expects the death toll to rise since many troops are badly wounded. Hadia says he believes IS fighters from outside the city staged the attack. Sirte is IS's final bastion in the country, and Libyan troops have been forcing the militants into ever-smaller bits of territory there, backed by the U.S. airstrikes. Washington says the bombing campaign is critical, with the goal to deny IS a safe haven in Libya. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |