Turkish convoy hit by remote-controlled explosives in southeastAugust 22, 2012 - 19:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A convoy carrying Turkish soldiers in the mainly Kurdish southeast was hit by four remote-controlled explosive devices on Wednesday, Aug 22, security sources said, the latest sign of escalating violence in the restive region. According to Reuters, the convoy was travelling in the Semdinli region of Hakkari province bordering Iraq when it was hit, security sources said. There were no immediate reports of any deaths. The army sent in troop reinforcements and helicopter gunships in response. The attack follows a car bombing on Monday that killed nine people, including children, and wounded more than 60 others in the southern town of Gaziantep, more than 600 km to the west. The government blamed that attack on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has denied involvement. Roadside bomb attacks by the PKK are common in the southeast, scene of a 28-year conflict between the military and the PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. The militants have stepped up attacks in recent months, and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of backing the rebels, underscoring fears that the chaos in Syria could destabilize neighboring countries. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |