20 killed, over 50 wounded in suicide bomber attack in IraqApril 6, 2013 - 15:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Officials say a suicide bomber has killed 20 people and wounded more than 50 in an attack at political rally in the Iraqi city of Baqouba, according to The Associated Press. Councilman Sadiq al-Huseini says the bomber detonated his explosives as candidate Muthana al-Jourani was hosting lunch for supporters on Saturday, April 6 in Baqouba, 60 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad. A health official and police officer who provided details about the attack spoke anonymously because they weren't authorized to speak to media. Violence is expected to surge in the lead up to Iraq's provincial elections on April 20. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but such attacks are the hallmark of al-Qaida militants seeking to undermine confidence in the Shiite-led government. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |