Islamic State suicide attack on border town 'kills scores of Iraqis'August 29, 2018 - 16:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 20 people were killed, scores others injured when a car exploded in al-Qa’im town near the borders with Syria, Al-Masdar News reports. The suicide attack, carried out by the Islamic State, hit a joint checkpoint for Iraqi forces and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in southern entrance of the town. According to initial reports, up to 8 PMU fighters were killed in the blast. A security source said that strict security measures have been taken inside al-Qa’im and neighboring areas to ward off potential attacks by IS. Iraqi Army helicopters were seen hovering overhead. “The town has already been under high security measures. However, being a bordering town with Syria, this has made it vulnerable to IS attacks”, the source added. 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. |