Blast in Damascus causes casualties, state TV saysNovember 4, 2012 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An explosion occurred outside the premises of a state-controlled labor union behind a hotel in the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, Nov 4 causing casualties, state television said. The blast, which the television described as "terrorist" - the government's word for rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad - took place in the union's parking lot. It gave no more immediate details. "The terrorist explosion caused several injuries. One of (the injured) is in a critical condition," the television said. Opposition activists said the explosion was near heavily-guarded army installations in the heart of the capital. Rebels have carried out a series of bombings targeting government and military buildings in Damascus this year, bringing the civil war to the heart of Assad's power. Islamist militant groups Ahfad al-Rasoul and Ansar al-Islam said last month they had planted bombs in a major state security compound in Damascus. They also claimed responsibility for suicide car bombs earlier in October that hit a security compound on the edge of Damascus, according to Reuters. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |