Al-Qaida claims responsibility for deadly Iraq attacksAugust 23, 2012 - 14:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Al-Qaida's front group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for dozens of deadly attacks in the Sunni-dominated western Anbar province this summer, The Associated Press reported. The Islamic State of Iraq said in a statement Thursday, Aug 23 that it was behind a wave of 43 attacks that included roadside bombings, sticky bombs, mortars and rockets, booby trapped houses and shootings against Iraqi security forces, pro-government elements and military bases. The statement, which appeared on a militant website, says the attacks took place from late June until the second half of July, leaving scores of dead and injured. Iraq's security forces and government offices are top targets for insurgents seeking to undermine the Shiite-led government's authority. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |