U.S. may designate Boko Haram as foreign terrorist organizationNovember 13, 2013 - 17:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Department of State is expected to designate the Nigerian Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, as a foreign terrorist organization, according to BBC News. The move would mean U.S. regulatory agencies must block business and financial transactions with Boko Haram. It will become a crime under U.S. law to provide material support to the group. Boko Haram wants to impose Islamic law in northern Nigeria and has been blamed for thousands of deaths. The group began its insurgency in 2009, and targets both the military and civilians, including schools, and frequently clashes with the Nigerian armed forces. While Boko Haram's main focus is Nigeria, the U.S. has cited links to the al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa, and extremist groups in Mali. The U.S. state department has not formally announced its decision to brand the group a terrorist organization. However, the Associated Press cited an unnamed U.S. official, whilst Reuters quoted congressional sources and others briefed on the matter. Nigeria's government declared Boko Haram and another militant group Ansaru as terrorist organizations in June, warning that anyone who helps them will face a minimum prison sentence of 20 years. Related links: 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 | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |