45 al-Qaeda members detained in Istanbul over terror plotApril 5, 2008 - 14:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish security forces have arrested 45 people suspected of being members of an al-Qaeda terror cell. According to authorities, the group was planning to carry out attacks, though the targets or the form of the attacks was not revealed, RIA Novosti reports. Bomb attacks shocked Istanbul November 15, 2003 and November 20, 2003. 57 people died in the attacks, and 700 were wounded. Al-Qaeda later claimed responsibility for both attacks. Some captured suspects said that Osama bin Laden himself ordered the attacks, but had wanted to hit a U.S. military base in Turkey. Al-Qaeda was reportedly disappointed that so many Muslims had died in the bombings. Turkey charged 74 people with involvement in the bombings, including Syrians Loai al-Saqa and Hamid Obysi, and a Turk, Harun Ilhan. Al-Saqa and Ilhan were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |