Several killed, wounded as car bomb hits BeirutJuly 9, 2013 - 12:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several people were killed or wounded when a car bomb hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Tuesday, July 9 a stronghold for the Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah militant group that has been fighting in Syria's civil war, medics said, according to Reuters. Tensions in Lebanon have been high following the intervention of Hezbollah in support of President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces are fighting a two-year revolt led by Syria's Sunni Muslim majority. Clouds of black smoke were rising over apartment blocks in the southern suburbs. A Reuters reporter on the scene saw a large fire raging at the blast site, which apparently targeted a shopping mall in the Bir al-Abed area. The area is also home to many Hezbollah political offices. Shopping areas would likely have been full on Tuesday, the day before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins. The attack is the second strike to hit Shi'ite southern Beirut this year. Two rockets hit the area in May and Lebanese security forces have disarmed several rockets near Beirut in recent months as well. It was unclear who was behind Tuesday's blast or May's attack. 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. |