Suicide bomber attacks Damascus courthouse, kills 25March 15, 2017 - 17:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A suicide bomber attacked a courthouse in the centre of the Syrian capital on Wednesday, March 15, killing at least 25 people and wounding others, state media reported, according to AFP. "The preliminary toll in the terrorist suicide bombing at the old palace of justice building is 25 dead and a number of wounded," state news agency SANA reported, citing a Damascus police source. An AFP correspondent at the scene in the Hamidiyeh neighbourhood said security forces had cordoned off the area and roads leading to it were blocked as ambulances and firefighters rushed to the building. The courthouse contains both an Islamic religious tribunal charged with personal matters, and a criminal court. "We were terrified because the sound of the explosion was enormous," a lawyer in the building during the attack told AFP. "We took refuge in the library which is on a higher floor," the lawyer added, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It was a bloody scene." A local prosecutor told state television: "The terrorist targeted civilians... during a crowded period. "The suicide bomber tried to enter and when police tried to prevent him, he rushed inside and blew himself up," the prosecutor added. The bombing comes on the sixth anniversary of the Syrian conflict, which began with anti-government demonstrations in March 2011. Last Saturday, a twin bombing in the capital killed 74 people and was claimed by Fateh al-Sham Front, the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. 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. |