Several injured in clashes between Sunnis and Shi'ites in BahrainMarch 4, 2011 - 16:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several people were hurt in fighting between Sunni and majority Shi'ite Muslims in a town in central Bahrain on March 3, the first sectarian violence since protests erupted in the Sunni-ruled kingdom two weeks ago. The overnight clashes were triggered by a family dispute or a car accident, or both, according to different accounts, although the government said the cause of the dispute was "simple." "There were about a hundred people involved," one resident said as police helicopters circled overhead and ambulances rushed from the scene. Youths with sticks and batons fled the area, residents said, Reuters reported. The island kingdom has been gripped by unrest since protesters, formed mainly of disgruntled majority Shi'ite Muslims, took to the streets demanding democratic reforms in the U.S.-allied Sunni monarchy. Seven people died after police and the army tried to disperse the protests when they erupted two weeks ago, but since there had been no more violence since the government has ordered police forces and troops off the streets under international pressure and promised to start talks. The fighting came hours after Bahraini opposition groups said they were ready to enter into talks with the government without pre-conditions, but have sent a letter to the crown prince saying they want a new government and constitution. 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 | 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. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. 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. |