At least 20 people killed in Yemen defence ministry bombingDecember 5, 2013 - 14:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A series of attacks at Yemen's defence ministry have left at least 20 people dead and 37 injured, officials say, according to BBC News. A suicide car bomb blew up at the gates of the complex in Sanaa's Bab al-Yaman district, at the entrance to the old city, and a gunbattle followed with suspected militants inside. Officials said the situation was under control and most of the gunmen dead. Yemeni security forces are fighting regional rebels and al-Qaeda, while combating lawlessness and army splits. No group has said it carried out Thursday's attack. Correspondents say it bears the hallmarks of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). However, one government minister has blamed people linked to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. "The attack took place shortly after working hours started at the ministry when a suicide bomber drove a car into the gate," a ministry source said, quoted by Reuters. The blast was heard hundreds of metres away. "The explosion was very violent, the whole place shook because of it and plumes of smoke rose from the building," an eyewitness told the agency. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |