Terror attack prevented in Russia’s N. Caucasus republicMarch 14, 2012 - 12:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Security forces have prevented a string of terror attacks after defusing nine bombs at an illegal laboratory in Nalchik, the capital of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee said on Wednesday, March 14. "The total mass of improvised explosive devices was over 100 kg of TNT equivalent. According to bomb experts, an explosion of that power would have destroyed a whole city block," the committee said in a statement. The laboratory where the bombs were produced was located in a garage in Nalchik and was discovered by policemen early Wednesday. The committee added that all the bombs were taken to a secure area and destroyed, RIA Novosti reported. Sporadic terrorist attacks and militant clashes are common in Russia's mainly Muslim North Caucasus republics, especially Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia. Russia has been fighting militants in the North Caucasus for over a decade, including two wars in Chechnya. 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. |