Powerful blast damages foreign ministry building in BenghaziSeptember 11, 2013 - 12:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A powerful blast caused serious damage to a foreign ministry building in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on Wednesday, according to AFP. The explosion comes on the first anniversary of an attack by militants on the United States consulate in Benghazi, which killed four Americans, including the ambassador. It was not immediately known if the blast, which the witnesses said appeared to have been caused by a car bomb, had resulted in casualties. AFP said its photographer saw a large section of the foreign ministry building had been destroyed and parts of the nearby local headquarters of the central bank seriously damaged. Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 revolt that toppled and killed Moammar Gadhafi, has been hit by a wave of deadly attacks in recent months targeting security force officers and members of the judiciary, many of whom served the previous regime. Attacks have also targeted diplomats and western interests. Much of the violence, including the killing of the U.S. ambassador last year, has been attributed to radical Islamists who are deeply rooted in the region. 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 | Welcome to CaseKey 2024. Byblos Bank Armenia firmly stands by future innovators Strategic business cases, invaluable experience, innovative approaches and more than 25 events are in store for the participants of CaseKey 2024. Macron honors Charles Aznavour on 100th anniversary French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the memory of French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour. Blinken says U.S. reviewing a number of aid requests from Armenia He said the U.S. is reviewing the requests to determine what more it can do to increase its assistance to Armenia. At least 2 CSTO members participated in preparing 44-day war against Armenia – PM Nikol Pashinyan has declared that at least two CSTO member countries participated in preparations for the 44-day war against Armenia. |