Militants launch attack on Sunni-dominated Iraqi city: officialsJune 5, 2014 - 17:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraqi officials said militants have launched an attack on a Sunni-dominated city north of Baghdad, killing seven members of the security forces and taking control of some areas of the city. According to the Associated Press, police officials said the assault started on Thursday, June 5 morning with dozens of gunmen driving into Samarra in SUVs and attacking security checkpoints and police stations across the city. The army bombed the militants and sent in helicopter gunships, which managed to push the attackers back somewhat, though they remain in control of some areas of the city. Samarra is 95 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that apart from the seven policemen and soldiers killed, several attackers also died. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |