Islamic State attack puts Libya oil storage tanks on fireJanuary 7, 2016 - 12:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Shelling by the Islamic State (IS) militants on two oil terminals in Libya has started fires that have spread to giant storage tanks, officials say, according to the BBC. The fires are reported to be raging in Sidra and Ras Lanouf, on the coast between Sirte and Benghazi. Officials said at least 10 guards had been killed since IS attacked the neighboring ports on Monday, January 4. Warplanes from Libya's internationally recognized government have provided air support to help defend the area. IS has been operating in Libya for about a year, and in December France warned that the group was aiming to seize the country's oil wells. Ali al-Hassi, of the Petrol Facilities Guard militia, said on Wednesday that neither Sidra nor Ras Lanouf had fallen to IS so far. Firefighters, he said, were trying to control blazes at four oil storage tanks in Sidra and one in Ras Lanouf - each thought to contain more than 400,000 barrels of oil, BBC says. Hassi also said guards had recovered the bodies of 30 militants and had captured military vehicles. On Monday, IS said it had taken control of the town of Bin Jawad, 30km west of Sidra on the road from its stronghold in Sirte. Related links: 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |