At least 13 killed in IS suicide bombing northeast of BaghdadMay 10, 2016 - 15:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An evening suicide bombing in a commercial area in a city northeast of Baghdad killed at least 13 people, Iraqi officials said Tuesday, May 10 as the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, the Associated Press reports. The bomber blew up his explosives-laden minibus shortly before sunset Monday near a bakery and a falafel restaurant in a Shiite neighborhood of the city of Baqouba, a police officer said. The explosion in the neighborhood of Shifta also wounded at least 60 others, he added. Baqouba, the provincial capital of Iraq's Diyala province, is 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad. A medical official confirmed casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to release the information. In an online statement, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the target was a Shiite mosque. The Associated Press could not immediately verify the authenticity of the claim but it appeared on a website commonly used by the Sunni extremist group, AP says. The group controls large stretches of territory in the country's west and north, as well as Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul. Commercial and public places in Shiite-dominated areas are among the most frequent targets for the Sunni militants seeking to undermine the Iraqi government efforts to maintain security inside the capital. IS has claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in Shiite sections of Diyala in the past months. In February, the province was the scene of one of the area's deadliest attacks, when h an IS-affiliated suicide bomber struck mourners in a crowded funeral reception hall, killing up to 40 people and wounding dozens. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |