  Powerful explosion hits Damascus, 9 reported killed April 30, 2013 - 14:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A powerful explosion has rocked the Syrian capital Damascus, BBC News reported citing Syrian state media. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said nine people were killed and dozens wounded in the blast in the district of Marjeh. It is not clear what caused the blast. Gunfire was reportedly heard in the area immediately after the explosion. On Monday, April 29, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a car bomb attack, which had targeted his convoy in the capital. The latest explosion took place near a building of the interior ministry. State television reportedly showed footage of widespread damage in the area, including blown-up cars and buildings with shattered windows. "The toll in a car bomb near the old interior ministry building Marjeh district rose to nine and the number was expected to rise further because there are dozens of injured, some in critical condition," the SOHR said in a statement. The observatory monitors human rights violations on both sides of the conflict via a network of contacts across Syria. The group estimates that March was the bloodiest month yet, with more than 6,000 people killed - a third of them civilians. More than 70,000 people have been killed since fighting between Syrian forces and rebels erupted in March 2011.   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 |  Latest 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. |
