Massive explosion hits arms factory in Azerbaijan; many feared trappedJuly 26, 2016 - 16:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A massive explosion hit Shirvan arms factory in Azerbaijan, many people are feared trapped inside, Sputnik reports. Fire erupted after the explosion. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion, followed by fire and intermittent blasts at the factory’s warehouse facilities, said to belong to the Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan. Eyewitnesses say there are a lot of injured. Residents of nearby areas are being evacuated. It was later revealed that twelve people were hospitalized after the explosion, their condition is assessed as grave. 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. |