Fierce battle erupts in western Afghan cityApril 3, 2013 - 13:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A fierce battle has erupted in the western Afghan city of Farah after gunmen reportedly rammed the governor's compound with a bomb-laden vehicle, BBC News reported. At least 34 people have been wounded, the head of the local hospital said. No deaths have yet been officially confirmed. Taliban insurgents told one news agency they were behind the attack. Until recently, Farah province, which borders Iran, was seen as a relatively unaffected region. But an earlier bomb and gun attack on the governor's compound, last May, left six policemen, a civilian and four attackers dead. Eyewitnesses, including doctors in the city, said both sides were using machine-guns and grenades. Mohammad Yunos, Farah's deputy governor, told a private Afghan TV channel by phone that militants had set off a "large explosive-laden vehicle at the western part of the governor's office". The resulting blast damaged high-rise buildings, including the governor's office, other government and non-government agencies, and two banks. After the initial assault, he told Channel One TV, that gunmen took up position in "multi-storey buildings". "Currently the gunfire is getting less intense compared to the beginning when there was gunfire and explosions," he said. Speaking to the BBC, a senior Afghan security source said: "First there was a suicide attack, later on a group of attackers started fighting." He also confirmed there had been fighting close to a court and a bank, both of which had been "packed with civilians". Local shopkeeper, Sayedo, said: "I heard a huge bang and when I looked I saw several attackers armed with light and heavy weapons running towards the bank and the court. I left my shop. There is blood and broken glass. There is a heavy exchange of gunfire and my shop has become a centre of the fighting." 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |