Powerful blast damages foreign ministry building in BenghaziSeptember 11, 2013 - 12:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A powerful blast caused serious damage to a foreign ministry building in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Wednesday, according to AFP. The explosion comes on the first anniversary of an attack by militants on the United States consulate in Benghazi, which killed four Americans, including the ambassador. It was not immediately known if the blast, which the witnesses said appeared to have been caused by a car bomb, had resulted in casualties. AFP said its photographer saw a large section of the foreign ministry building had been destroyed and parts of the nearby local headquarters of the central bank seriously damaged. Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 revolt that toppled and killed Moammar Gadhafi, has been hit by a wave of deadly attacks in recent months targeting security force officers and members of the judiciary, many of whom served the previous regime. Attacks have also targeted diplomats and western interests. Much of the violence, including the killing of the U.S. ambassador last year, has been attributed to radical Islamists who are deeply rooted in the region. 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. |