Iraqi forces killed at least two protesters in Baghdad’s Green ZoneMay 21, 2016 - 17:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi forces killed at least two people while trying to disperse protesters who broke into the fortified Green Zone area in central Baghdad, officials said Saturday, May 21, according to AFP. Security and medical officials also said at least 57 people were wounded in Friday's unrest, in which forces used tear gas, water cannons and sound bombs against protesters, some of whom threw rocks and other debris. Security forces also fired live rounds during the demonstration, mostly into the air, but officials said at least two protesters had died of bullet wounds. Protesters faced tough resistance from security forces on Friday, before some demonstrators managed to force a gate into the Green Zone, where Iraq's main government institutions are located, and stormed Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office. It was the second time in two weeks that protesters were able to breach the Green Zone, AFP says. Last month, demonstrators faced little resistance when they entered the Green Zone and stormed parliament. They withdrew from the area the following day. 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |