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| August 15, 2006 | Tuesday | Rajab 19, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Pakistan arrests 27 Taliban fighters at hospital: police QUETTA, Pakistan, Aug 15 (AFP) - Pakistani authorities Tuesday arrested a group of 27 suspected Taliban fighters after a raid on a private hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta, police said. Ten wounded Taliban and 17 uninjured militants were arrested from the private Al-Khair hospital in Quetta, Balochistan province police chief Chaudhry Mohammed Yaqub said. Initial reports suggest the ten Taliban were injured in fighting in Helmand province and came to Quetta for treatment a few days ago, he said. (Posted @ 18:10 PST)
New suspect held over UK planes bomb plot: police LONDON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - British police arrested another person on Tuesday in connection with last week's alleged plot by suspected Islamist militants to blow up transatlantic airliners. "The person is in custody at a police station in the Thames Valley area" in Britain's southeast, a police spokeswoman said. The arrest takes the number of people being held to 24. (Posted @ 23:25 PST)
Pakistan arrests suspected "suicide trainer" KARACHI, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Pakistani police arrested on Tuesday a suspected militant accused of training madressah students to become suicide bombers, a police official said. Accused Mohammad Ashraf Qureshi was arrested with two other men in a pre-dawn raid in Karachi, senior police official Chaudhry Aamir Hameed said. The accused was also involved in preparing suicide bomber for the killing of Allama Hassan Turabi in Karachi last month, Hameed said. Qureshi's interrogation was still going on, Hameed said. (Posted @ 21:04 PST)
Seven people swept awax by overnight flashflood in Kohistan SHINKIARI, Aug 15 (APP): At least seven people were swept away by overnight flashflood near Goshawalee nullah in district Kohistan. They included one woman and two children. Police said so far one body has been retrieved and search for other missing persons is continuing. (Posted @ 20:58 PST)
Kashmiris across LoC observe Indian Independence day as 'Black Day' SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Aug 15 (APP): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control Tuesday observed Indian Independence day as 'Black Day'. General strike was observed in occupied Kashmir on the call of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference and others engaged in the struggle for right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir. In Mazaffarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir, a protest rally was under the aegis of Kashmir Liberation Cell. Participants wore black arm bands and holding placards and banners handed over a memorandum to the UN officials appealing the world body to put pressure on India to give Kashmiri people their right of self-determination. AJK Ministers Syed Murtaza Gilani and Hafiz Hamid Raza led the rally. (Posted @ 20:55 PST)
Akhtar out but Hafeez in line for England finale LONDON, Aug 15 (AFP) - Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has ruled fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar out of the fourth and final Test against England but indicated that recently arrived opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez could feature in the series climax at The Oval. Woolmer made it clear he would not be risking the 'Rawalpindi Express' ahead of the Twenty20 international and five-match one-day series against England. However, he was more upbeat about Hafeez's chances. Hafeez is in good nick and scored 188 against Australia A last month and gives us the right-left combination (with Farhat)," the coach explained. "He also gives us the option of a fifth bowler." "Shoaib Malik's case is touch and go as he is playing a two-day game in Pakistan and we hope he gets well before the one-day series." Asif and Naved are both back in England but "we would re-assess their situation in the nets on Wednesday and only then take a decision," he said. "It would be asking too much from Asif as he has not bowled for well over a month." (Posted @ 20:50 PST)
Aid groups hunt for those trapped by Lebanon war TYRE, Lebanon, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Aid agencies struggled along bombed-out roads thronged by refugees returning home on Tuesday to reach people wounded or trapped by war in southern Lebanon. The U.N.'s World Food Programme said it sent a ship to Tyre from Beirut carrying 21 trucks loaded with food, fuel and other supplies but delays caused by a continued Israeli naval blockade meant it would arrive only on Wednesday. It also sent 19 trucks to the southeastern town of Hasbaya and expected a large convoy to arrive from Syria and a plane from Jordan later on Tuesday. The ICRC said its teams were still trying to reach some villages near the border with Israel which had been cut off by ground battles and Israeli air strikes in the month-long war. The UNHCR said a huge portion of the estimated 900,000 people displaced by the war were streaming out of shelters around Beirut and northern Lebanon to the south to see what remained of their former lives. Thousands of cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians waited for hours at a few hastily repaired crossings over the Litani river. "An enormous amount of people are moving. To meet their needs, we have 50,000 tents, 270,000 mattresses and blankets and other supplies in the pipeline," said UNHCR spokeswoman Astrid van Genderen Stort. (Posted @ 19:12 PST)
Pakistan may extradite Briton detained over London terror plot to the UK ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (AP) _ Pakistan may extradite Rashid Rauf, a British National, arrested over the alleged London terror plot, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday. Tasnim Aslam said London has made no request for the extradition of Rashid Rauf. `We do not have any extradition treaty at the moment but yes, because he is a British national, the possibility of his extradition remains there,'' she said. British High Commission spokesman Aidan Liddle said Pakistan has not yet responded to a request seeking confirmation of any British nationals being in Pakistani custody. But Tasnim said that Pakistani security authorities cooperated closely Britain's Home Office and intelligence officials before arresting Rauf on Aug. 4. Tasnim Aslam also said Rauf's interrogation was continuing, but declined to provide further details. She reiterated that al-Qaida militants in Afghanistan were behind the London terror plot. ``In our view this was an al-Qaida operation _ al-Qaida based in Afghanistan,'' she told reporters at a press conference. (Posted @ 19:08 PST)
Indian military gunfire wounds 2 civilians in Azad Kashmir, army says MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Kashmir, Aug 15 (AP) _ Indian soldiers shot and wounded two Pakistani laborers near the heavily fortified Line of Control on Tuesday, a Pakistan army spokesman said. Two laborers were working on a construction site near the LoC in Bandi Abbaspur, 200 kilometers south of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, when they were fired upon by Indian soldiers on the other side, said Maj. Farooq Nasir, a Pakistan army spokesman. It was unclear how seriously the laborers were wounded. He said Pakistani troops did not retaliate. It was not immediately clear if Pakistan would lodge a complaint with India over the shooting, which comes during a shaky cease-fire being observed since 2003 along the tense Himalayan frontier. There was no immediate reaction from Indian officials. (Posted @ 19:06 PST)
South Africa to await ICC's security evaluation after blast in Sri Lanka COLOMBO, Aug 15 (AP) _ South Africa agreed Tuesday to await an independent security evaluation by the International Cricket Council before deciding whether to pull out from a tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, following a bomb blast near the team's hotel team's spokesman Gordon Templeton told reporters. (Posted @ 19:04 PST)
Iran's Ahmadinejad rejects UN nuclear resolution TEHRAN, Aug 15 (AFP) - Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday rejected a UN Security Council resolution that demands Tehran halt sensitive nuclear work, saying the Iranian people did not accept the "language of force". (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
At least 17 killed in Iraq violence BAGHDAD, Aug 15 (AFP) - At least 17 people were killed in Iraq on Tuesday, including four civilians in a car bomb attack on the office of a Kurdish political party, security officials said. A suicide bomber killed four Iraqis and wounded 36 when he detonated an explosives-laden car near the office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK),President Jalal Talabani's party, in the city of Mosul, police said. Two Iraqi army officers, a soldier and three civilians were killed in clashes with militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohamed al-Hasani in the holy city of Kerbala. Four civilians were also wounded in the clashes. Following the fight police imposed an indefinite curfew on the city from Tuesday. Six people, including two police officers, were killed in a series of gun and bomb attacks in and around the city of Baquba. Elsewhere, one civilian was killed by gunmen in the city of Amara on Tuesday while three police commandos and two civilians were wounded by two roadside explosions near a minaret in the northern town of Samarra. Police also recovered three bodies from the Tigris river in Suweira, and two more bodies of men shot dead were found near Kerbala. (First Posted @ 17:28 PST Updated @ 18:32 PST)
Pakistan pursuing intellectual property rights laws: PM ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said Pakistan is geared to position itself as a major exporter of pharmaceuticals and is pursuing the implementation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws and protection of patents with the objective to watch the rights of all stakeholders, protect investments and to ensure that people get quality drugs on affordable rates. Talking to Alan P. Larson, Senior International Investment Advisor to a US based law firm and former Under Secretary, Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs he said the wide ranging structural reforms coupled with macro economic stability, consistency and continuity of policies has transformed Pakistan into a destination of choice for foreign investors and during the last financial year the country received a record investment of $ 3.8 billion. Telecom, energy, financial services, trade, construction, chemicals, food and services sectors remained the major recipients with telecom sector as the highest recipient of FDI. Mr Larson said the US companies are showing keen interest to invest in Pakistan and appreciated that Pakistan was pursuing innovation led industry. He particularly referred to innovation in Life Science and said Pakistan has potential to receive more investments in many sectors including pharmaceuticals. (Posted @ 18:06 PST)
Damaged railway track to be operational Wednesday KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP)- The Ran Pathani bridge site where the diversion was washed away a second time by flash floods following heavy rain on Sunday is expected to be operational by Wednesday when the single track temporary rail link between Karachi and Hyderabad will be restored. Army and railway engineers besides over 1000 workers are working round the clock to restore the rail traffic. (Posted @ 17:58 PST)
Three including two kids, woman killed, 13 wounded in road accident MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Kashmir, Aug 15 (APP) At least three persons including a woman and two children were killed while 13 others received injuries, when a passenger pickup plunged into a deep valley while negotiating a sharp turn near Bani Hafiz in sub- Division Hatian of district Muzaffarabad on Tuesday morning, police said . (Posted @ 17:42 PST)
Israel could quit Lebanon in 7-10-days -army chief JERUSALEM, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Israeli forces could complete a withdrawal from southern Lebanon in seven to 10 days, Israel's top general, Dan Halutz, was quoted by Army Radio as saying on Tuesday. (Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Militants kill 6 police in western Afghanistan; al-Qaida suspect slain in east KABUL, Aug 15 (AP) _ Militants fatally shot a local police chief and five other officers in an ambush on a desert road in volatile Dalaram district, about 120 kilometers east of Farah city in western Afghanistan on Tuesday, while U.S. and Afghan forces killed an al-Qaida suspect in the east, officials said. Police chief Nassar Ahmad was traveling in a convoy when insurgents attacked, said Gen. Sayed Aqa Sakid, the provincial police chief. Ahmad and five other policemen were killed and four wounded in the attack. Separately, Afghan and U.S. troops killed one al-Qaida suspect and detained 13 others Tuesday in Khost province, the American military said in a statement. The suspected al-Qaida member, disguised as a woman, resisted arrest and was shot dead, the statement said. More than 60 women and children were inside the besieged compound at the time of the operation, it said. In Kunduz province, police foiled a suicide attack by arresting a driver with a car packed with explosives before seizing a bomb-rigged taxi, whose driver escaped, officials said. (Posted @ 17:26 PST)
Syrian leader calls America's Mideast plan an "illusion" after Hezbollah victory against Israel DAMASCUS, Aug 15 (AP) _ Syrian President Bashar Assad said Tuesday that America's plan for a ``new Middle East'' collapsed after Hezbollah's successes in fighting against Israel, and warned the Jewish state to seek peace or risk defeat in the future. Assad, speaking to a journalists' association conference, asked Israeli leaders to give up on their ``follies and arrogance'' and work for peace. Assad said this war revealed the limitations of Israel's military power. In a 1982 invasion of Lebanon, Israeli forces surrounded Beirut within seven days of invading, he said. ``After five weeks it (Israel) was still struggling to occupy a few hundred meters.'' (Posted @ 17:20 PST)
Pakistan says no charity link to bomb plot ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (AFP) - Pakistan's foreign ministry Tuesday denied "absurd" reports that a Pakistani charity diverted cash for earthquake relief towards an alleged plot to blow up airliners. The ministry also said that British Al-Qaeda suspect Rashid Rauf, whose arrest is believed to have uncovered the conspiracy, had nothing to do with any charities involved with last October's deadly South Asian quake. "These are all absurd, baseless stories. The objective is to malign Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesman Tasnim Alam told a weekly media briefing. "Rashid Rauf has nothing to do with any charity involved in earthquake relief work." The Washington Post said Tuesday that an unidentified Pakistani charity which received 10 million dollars from Britain for earthquake relief had helped finance the alleged plan to blow up US-bound passenger jets. It did not name the charity but it quoted a Pakistani intelligence official as saying that funds traced to it helped investigators uncover the alleged plot. The New York Times on Monday said the British authorities were investigating whether the Jamaat-ud-Dawa charity, active in the mosques of Britain's largest cities, had provided money to some of the 23 suspects under arrest for the foiled bomb plot. A Jamaat spokesman reached by Washington Post had also emphatically denied all the reports maligning it in the plot or any such other activities.(First Posted @ 12:25 PST Updated @ 17:08 PST)
Arms deal made Pakistan envoy target for Sri Lanka rebels COLOMBO, Aug 15 (AFP) - A bid to assassinate Bashir Wali Mohmand, Pakistan's envoy to Sri Lanka, was triggered by plans for Islamabad to ship new arms to the island to battle Tamil rebels, a government spokesman said Tuesday. "Tigers have targeted him because of the increased defence cooperation between the two countries," government defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here. "I can't say whether the arms list published by the newspapers was true or not, but it was obviously enough to make the Tigers desperate," Rambukwella said. Sri Lanka turned to Pakistan to buy weapons after India turned down a request recently, official sources said, adding that the shopping list was worth about 150 million dollars. Sri Lanka had wanted to buy a fleet of battle tanks and heavy guns as well as air defence systems, sources said. Official sources said New Delhi had been unhappy with Wali Mohmand's appointment because of his intelligence background, but had stopped short of lodging a formal protest. Wali Mohmand appeared on Sri Lankan national television on Monday. "We have always supported Sri Lanka's territorial integrity and sovereignty and will continue to do so," he said. (Posted @ 16:32 PST)
Bangladesh detains four for plot against leaders DHAKA, Aug 15 (Reuters) Bangladeshi police detained four people accused of planning to kill the daughters of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during ceremonies on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of his assassination. The opposition party, Awami League, said the four including a woman planned to kill its chief and Mujib's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, and her sister Sheikh Rehana during a wreath-laying ceremony at the independence leader's former house in Dhaka. "We are examining whether the four people detained on Monday are linked to any extremist group," said a police officer. (Posted @ 12:40 PST)
Israel begins thinning out forces in Lebanon JERUSALEM, Aug 15 (AP) Israel has begun thinning out its troops in southern Lebanon and plans to hand over the first of its captured positions to the Lebanese army on Wednesday, the army said. The military hopes to complete the evacuation of its forces from Lebanon by next week, army officials said Tuesday. The army said the U.N.-drafted cease-fire that began early Monday was generally holding, and survived its first 24 hours with only a few infractions. (Posted @ 12:25 PST)
Cricket-Tri-series opener in Sri Lanka called off after bomb blast COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Aug 15 (AP) The cricket match between South Africa and host Sri Lanka to open a three-nation series was called off Tuesday because of the visiting team's jitters over a bomb blast near their hotel, a cricket official said. The decision was taken after the South African team said they were mentally unprepared to play the match after a bomb blast Monday, International Cricket Council match referee Chris Broad said. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Japanese tanker in Indian Ocean spills 4,500 tons of crude oil TOKYO, Aug 15 (AP) A Japanese tanker spilled about 4,500 tons of crude oil in the eastern Indian Ocean near the Nicobar islands following a collision with a cargo ship early Monday, the tanker's operator announced Tuesday. Japan's Kyodo news service said the spill may have been the largest ever involving a Japanese tanker. The exact amount of the spill was not clear, the announcement said. The tanker was carrying about 250,000 tons of crude. It had left port in Oman, bound for Japan. There were no reports of injuries aboard the tanker, which had a Croatian captain and a crew of 23. A fire had broken out aboard the Amar, which was registered in Singapore, and its crew was rescued by the Bright Artemis, the announcement said. (Posted @ 11:20 PST)
Indian PM urges Pakistan to fulfil terror pledge NEW DELHI, Aug 15 (AP) In his Independence Day address to the Indian nation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday that terrorists want to derail India's booming economy, destroy the unity of its people and spark religious strife. Singh said every Indian wants to live in a prosperous South Asia where people trade freely in goods, culture and ideas, but such aspirations can only be realized if there is ``an atmosphere of peace.'' He said India had launched several initiatives to achieve peace, especially with Pakistan, but terror attacks such as the deadly Bombay train bombings of July 11 were undoing its efforts. ``It is clear that unless Pakistan takes concrete steps to honour the pledge it has made to crack down against anti-India groups operating from any area under its control, public support (in India) for the peace process will be undermined,'' Singh said. (First Posted @ 10:25 PST Updated @ 11:05 PST)
Twelve Palestinians injured in Israeli raid in Gaza GAZA CITY, Aug 15 (AFP) Twelve Palestinians, several of them children, were injured late Monday in an Israeli raid in the north of the Gaza Strip, hospital and security officials said. Earlier Monday, three Palestinians, including a teenager, were killed by Israeli tank fire in Beit Hanoun also in the north of the Gaza Strip, hospital officials said. The three, a 14-year-old boy, and two men aged 45 and 50, were killed after a tank shell hit their house. Four others were wounded. (Posted @ 09:25 PST)
Dozen rockets fired against Israeli troops in Lebanon: army JERUSALEM, Aug 15 (AFP) A dozen rockets were fired during the early hours of Tuesday at positions held by Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon, without causing any injuries, an army spokesman said. (Posted @ 09:20 PST)
Hezbollah says none of its fighters killed after ceasefire BEIRUT, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) Hezbollah said Tuesday that none of its fighters had been killed since the ceasefire went into effect the day before, rejecting Israeli claims at least four militiamen had been killed. (Posted @ 09:15 PST)
Death toll from Typhoon Saomai rises to 295 BEIJING, Aug 15 (AFP) The death toll in China from Typhoon Saomai has risen to 295, with the number likely to climb further, the official Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday. (Posted @ 09:00 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 89.50 points: KARACHI, Aug 15: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10316.90, down 89.50 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Aug 15: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.57 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Latest News August 14, 2006
Guns fall silent in south Lebanon BEIRUT, Aug 14 (Reuters) Guns fell silent across south Lebanon on Monday as a U.N.-brokered truce to end five weeks of fighting between Israel and Hizbollah went into effect, Lebanese security sources said. "Suddenly, just after 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) there was complete quiet in south Lebanon," one source said. The sources said Israeli air strikes and artillery fire had continued until a minute or two before the truce. Hizbollah were also holding their fire, they said. (First Posted @ 10:00 PST Updated @ 11:10 PST)
Pakistan ambassador escapes Sri Lanka blast COLOMBO, Aug 14 (AFP) Pakistan's ambassador to Sri Lanka Bashir Wali Mohamed narrowly escaped a powerful Claymore mine attack in the capital Monday but seven others were killed, diplomats and police said. The ambassador was driving through the area when the blast occurred, police said, adding that a military vehicle escorting him was hit by the explosion. "The ambassador is safe. He is unhurt," Pakistan High Commission (embassy) spokeswoman Suriya Jamal said. Defence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ambassador appeared to have been the target of the attack because there was no other VIP in the area at the time. Pakistan is the main small arms supplier to Sri Lanka. (Posted @ 13:55 PST)
Sri Lanka rebels say orphanage bombed, 43 girls dead COLOMBO, Aug 14 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers said a government bombing raid hit an orphanage in rebel territory in the island's north on Monday, killing 43 schoolgirls and wounding 60 as the worst fighting since a 2002 truce raged. A military source said air raids had been launched on rebel territory on Monday but said they had no details of targets hit or casualties. (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
President hosts reception in honour of armed forces officers RAWALPINDI, Aug 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Monday hosted a reception in honour of senior serving and retired armed forces officers and junior commissioned officers at the Artillery Officers Mess as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, President Musharraf dwelt at length on various issues of national importance and security and said the Armed Forces of Pakistan are guarantee for peace, stability, integrity and even the progress of nation in many ways. He said we are transferring the value of the strength of the economy to the people firstly through poverty alleviation, unemployment control and inflation control, secondly to improve the living standard through provision of electricity, gas and safe drinking water and thirdly to improve the quality of human resource through education and health. (Posted @ 20:00 PST)
Pakistan marks Independence Day under tight security ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (AFP) - Pakistani authorities tightened security Monday for the country's 59th Independence Day amid an ongoing probe into an alleged plot to blow up airliners flying from Britain. Thousands of extra police were deployed in capital Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore as in other parts of the country, security officials said."We are on heightened alert although there is no specific threat," a senior official said. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan now had a "vital role in the international war against terrorism". The Muslim world faced a "big challenge" from terrorism and measures had been taken to meet it, he said at a flag-hoisting ceremony in Islamabad. President General Pervez Musharraf said in a speech late Sunday that Pakistan did not threaten other countries but would not accept any threats itself. In apparent reference to militants, Musharraf urged Pakistanis to "actively counter those who may try to bring a bad name" to the country. Aziz in his speech said Pakistan would "continue to play its role in bringing peace, stability and democracy" to Afghanistan. (Posted @ 17:06 PST)
Indian nuclear scientists speak out against nuclear deal with U.S. MUMBAI,Aug 14 (AP) _ A group of Indian nuclear scientists voiced concern Monday that changes suggested by the U.S. House of Representatives to a landmark civilian nuclear deal would hamper India's national defense and hinder its research program. In an open letter to Indian parliamentarians, eight senior scientists _ including three former chairmen of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission _ said it was critical that ``decisions taken today do not inhibit our future ability to develop and pursue nuclear technologies for the benefit of the nation.'' ``If the U.S. Congress, in its wisdom, passes the bill in its present form, the 'product' will become unacceptable to India,'' the scientists said. (Posted @ 20:56 PST)
Sri Lanka says suicide bomber triggered blast near Pakistani diplomat's convoy COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Aug 14 (AP) _ Sri Lanka's government said a Tamil Tiger suicide bomber triggered Monday's blast that targeted the Pakistani high commissioner's convoy and killed seven people. ``The LTTE suicide bomber in the three-wheeler too died in the explosion,'' the statement said. (Posted @ 20:52 PST)
French commander of U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon seeks reinforcements quickly PARIS, Aug 14 (AP) _ The head of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon said Monday he wants reinforcements ``as soon as possible,'' and warned that the situation in the Middle East remains fragile. Maj. Gen. Alain Pellegrini, who heads the 2,000-strong UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that the region would be vulnerable to ``a provocation, or a stray act, that could undermine everything.'' (Posted @ 20:48 PST)
Afghan violence leaves at least 18 dead; 4 NATO troops wounded in Kabul blast KABUL, Aug 14 (AP) _ Gunbattles and a suicide bombing killed 12 militants and six policemen across southern Afghanistan on Monday. Insurgents also brought their fight to the capital, targeting NATO patrols with bicycle-rigged bombs that wounded four alliance soldiers. In Helmand province, a clash left 11 suspected Taliban and two policeman dead, said deputy provincial governor Amir Mohammed Akhunzada. One policeman was wounded and three militants were arrested. Insurgents killed four more police officers who were rushing to help a local official ambushed by militants in Giro district of Ghazni province, said Abdul Ali Fakuri, spokesman for the provincial governor. Other Afghan and U.S.-led coalition forces rescued the district government chief, who was unharmed, Fakuri said. In neighboring Paktika province, a suicide car bomber in a taxi targeted Afghan troops shopping in a bazaar in Barmal district, wounding six soldiers and one civilian, a provincial spokesman said. A would-be suicide bomber on a bicycle also attacked a police pickup truck in central Logar province, wounding only himself and causing no other casualties. In Kabul, a bomb rigged to a bicycle exploded as a NATO patrol passed, slightly wounding four soldiers, a NATO spokesman said. Three civilians were also wounded, officials said. Another bomb-rigged bicycle blew up as a NATO vehicle passed on a main road near a U.N. office in the capital, an Interior Ministry spokesman said. The bomb exploded prematurely and caused no damage or casualties, he said. (First Posted @ 16:10 PST Updated @ 20:45 PST)
Defiant Olmert vows to hunt down Hezbollah JERUSALEM, Aug 14 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed to relentlessly hunt down Hezbollah leaders despite the truce declared Monday and said the war had changed the face of the Middle East. "I know that the leaders of this organisation will go underground and disseminate," Olmert said in a speech to parliament which was met by heckling from some MPs who have sharply criticised his performance. "These people will not be left alone, we will continue pursuing them anywhere, all the time and we do not intend to apologise or ask anyone's permission," said Olmert. "Israel will not accept the smallest attack on its sovereignty," said Olmert, whose country was targeted by some 4,000 Hezbollah rockets during the war. (Posted @ 20:10 PST)
At least 125 killed in southwest Ethiopian floods ADDIS ABABA, Aug 14 (AFP) - At least 125 people were killed overnight and up to 20,000 marooned by flood waters in southwest Ethiopia after swollen rivers broke their banks and swept through villages, police said on Monday. (Posted @ 20:08 PST)
Three killed in India's Assam after military operations halted NEW DELHI, Aug 14 (AFP) - Three people were killed and four injured Monday in a grenade blast in India's Assam state, police said, a day after New Delhi suspended operations against separatist rebels to encourage peace talks. Suspected members of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) hurled grenade at a roadside market in the oil township of Duliajan, police said. "One person died on the spot and six more -- including two army soldiers -- were seriously injured," Assam police intelligence chief Khagen Sharma said. "A small boy and a woman later succumbed to their injuries in hospital," Sharma said. (Posted @ 20:06 PST)
PM launches Rawalpindi-Karachi non-stop Burraq Express RAWALPINDI, Aug 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday launched the fastest non-stop passenger train `Burraq Express' that will cover the distance between Rawalpindi and Karachi in 20 hours. "Launching of Burraq Express on August 14 is another effort to facilitate the people, as the government is taking all decisions in the interest of masses", he said at a ceremony at Rawalpindi Railway Station and vowed to make Pakistan Railways one of the best railways in the world. (Posted @ 19:54 PST)
23-points Islamabad Declaration of IJC to be mile-stone for future of Pakistan: Chief Justice ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP): Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said the 23-point Islamabad Declaration passed at the concluding session of the 4-day International Judicial Conference would prove to be a milestone for the future of this country and aimed at providing justice to all. The declaration signed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan on behalf of all the foreign and Pakistani delegates was also read out by him. A total of 110 foreign delegates from 44 countries including 23 chief justices, judges of the superior judiciary and resource persons participated in the conference at which more than one hundred papers were read. The IJC marked the celebrations of Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. "I am especially grateful to the participants foreign and local and the lawyers community of the country for participating and cooperating to make the Conference a successful event", the Chief Justice said. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
Fragile Lebanon ceasefire takes hold BEIRUT, Aug 14 (AFP) - Thousands of Lebanese refugees streamed back to their homes after a UN-brokered ceasefire came into effect Monday. But two guerrillas were killed by Israeli soldiers hours after the ceasefire took hold at 0500 GMT, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement. Israel began withdrawing some troops from Lebanon but kept up the pressure with threats to reconquer southern Lebanon and vowed to maintain its air and sea blockade. Soon after the ceasefire, both Israel and Hezbollah rushed to declare victory. Lebanese security sources said Israeli warplanes were continuing to overfly some areas. Taking advantage of the relative quiet on the ground, exhausted refugees in Lebanon streamed from their shelters to stock up on provisions and inspect ruined homes while towns in northern Israel that have borne the brunt of rocket attacks remained deserted. As displaced Lebanese began heading home, a UN aid convoy was heading to Tyre, the first such delivery of aid for several days. More than 900,000 people were forced out of their residences by the Israeli bombardments that also destroyed thousands of homes, dozens of bridges, hundreds of kilometres of roads, power stations, besides countless vital installations. (Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Colombo blast casts shadow over Sri Lanka tri-series COLOMBO, Aug 14 (AFP) - The fate of the limited-overs tri-series between India, South Africa and hosts Sri Lanka hung in the balance following a blast in Colombo on Monday which killed seven people. South Africa were apprehensive about staying on in the Sri Lankan capital despite assurances from the cricket authorities here that the tri-series should go ahead with tighter security for the teams. A final decision will be taken on Tuesday morning after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials hold further talks with the Indian and South African team managements. "The meeting on Tuesday will decide if the tri-series will go ahead," South African coach Mickey Arthur told reporters. The opening game on Monday was postponed to Tuesday on account of heavy rain. The blast on Monday afternoon in the same area where the teams' hotels are located targeted Pakistan's ambassador Bashir Wali Mohamed. The ambassador escaped unhurt but four commandos guarding the diplomat were killed on the spot. The other three victims were bystanders. Eight others were wounded. (Posted @ 19:18 PST)
Israel says nine soldiers killed in Lebanon Sunday JERUSALEM, Aug 14 (AFP) - A total of nine Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting in Lebanon on Sunday, the day before a ceasefire took effect, according to the latest toll provided by the army. The deaths brought to 119 the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the conflict on July 12. (Posted @ 19:16 PST)
Confusion over cause of deadly Baghdad blast that killed 57 BAGHDAD, Aug 14 (AFP) - There was confusion Monday over the cause of a series of deadly explosions in a Baghdad market district that caused at least 57 deaths on Sunday, with the US military blaming an accidental gas explosion and the Iraq government a rocket attack. Iraqi officials said a string of blasts caused by rocket attack demolished one building, damaged several more and ripped through a crowd. Major General William Caldwell, the chief spokesman for the US-led military coalition in Iraq, told reporters that American explosives experts now believe that a major gas explosion on the first floor of the building had triggered the blasts. Ali Hussein of media relations department of the Council of Ministers office, part of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government, said: "There were three explosions. The first was a Katyusha rocket fired at a market. Then a car bomb exploded 100 metres away from the first explosion, and then an explosive went off in another building." (Posted @ 19:12 PST)
Nigeria formally hands over Bakassi to Cameroon ARCHIBONG, Cameroon, Aug 14 (AFP) - Nigeria on Monday formally handed over the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon in compliance with a World Court ruling and UN-brokered deadline. (Posted @ 18:50 PST)
Soldier killed, 7 hurt in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir,Aug 14 (AFP) - An Indian soldier was killed and seven security force members wounded Monday in attacks by militants ahead of India's Independence Day on Tuesday, a police spokesman said. The soldier was killed and three of his colleagues were hurt in a gunbattle in Ashmuqam, south of Srinagar, while four policemen were wounded in a grenade attack in the district of Baramulla, the spokesman said. The violence came despite tightest possible security in occupied Kashmir ahead of India's Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday. Both hardline and moderate factions of Kashmir's main separatist alliance -- the All-Party Hurriyat Conference -- have called for a boycott of Independence Day events and for a general strike. Militant groups have disrupted events with attacks in the past. (Posted @ 18:48 PST)
Sweden to host Lebanon aid conference August 31 STOCKHOLM, Aug 14 (AFP) - Sweden will host an international aid conference for Lebanon on August 31 with representatives of 60 governments and organisations invited, the Swedish foreign ministry announced on Monday. The conference will focus on humanitarian assistance and immediate reconstruction of the war-torn country, and will be organised in cooperation with the Lebanese government and the United Nations, the ministry said. (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
Pakistan reiterates support to the Kashmiris ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz reiterating Pakistan's unflinching moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris said Monday that lasting peace can only be achieved with the resolution of the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. "We have blood ties with Kashmiris, our hearts beat in unison and no world power can separate us from them," he said at the flag hoisting ceremony to mark country's Independence Day. He said Pakistan has initiated talks with India with all sincerity as it believes that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved with the resolution of the Kashmir and other outstanding disputes. "Kashmiris are an important party to the dispute and their wishes and aspirations cannot be overlooked," he said in his address telecast live. He said Pakistan was a peaceful country with no aggressive designs against any one. "But we are not oblivious to our defence needs, as we know that weakness invites aggression. Effective defence is vital for progress and that is why we have resolved to maintain a strong defence at all costs." (Posted @ 18:28 PST)
22 killed when truck collides with bus in southern Iran TEHRAN, Iran Aug 14 (AP) _ At least 22 people were killed Sunday when a truck collided with a packed bus on Khanaj-Larestan road in southern Iran, state-run television reported. (Posted @ 17:26 PST)
Israel, Lebanon army meet with UN force over pullout BEIRUT, Aug 14 (AFP) - The commander of the UN force in Lebanon held a joint meeting with Lebanese and Israeli army officers Monday to discuss the Israeli pullout from south Lebanon and the Lebanese army deployment in the area, a UN spokesman said. (Posted @ 17:22 PST)
Two Hezbollah fighters killed in Lebanon: Israel JERUSALEM, Aug 14 (AFP) - Two Hezbollah fighters were killed in south Lebanon by Israeli forces Monday, after a UN-brokered ceasefire took effect on the ground. An armed man was killed after approaching Israeli troops just south of the strategic Litani River, about six hours after the truce came into force, an army spokesman said. Another Hezbollah fighter was killed when he allegedly opened fire on Israeli troops further south, he said. (First Posted @ 16:35 PST Updated @ 17:18 PST)
One killed, six injured after cluster bomb explodes in Lebanon BEIRUT, Aug 14 (AFP) One civilian was killed and six others wounded on Monday when Israeli cluster bombs exploded just hours after the announcement of a cessation of fighting, Lebanese police said. Six more people were wounded, including a rescue worker, after another cluster bomb exploded in the Nabatiyeh area in south Lebanon. UN agencies and Lebanese authorities have warned the population to exercise "extreme caution" because of unexploded munitions. (Posted @ 16:30 PST)
Bicycle bomb kills one, injures four in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (AFP) One person was killed and four were wounded Monday in Balochistan province’s Hub town when a bomb attached to a bicycle exploded next to a store selling miniature Pakistani flags on Independence day, police said.(Posted @ 14:00 PST)
President, PM attend ceremony to mark Independence Day celebrations ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz late Sunday attended a function here at the Awan-e-Sadr to mark the 59th Independence Day celebrations of the country. Renowned singers performed at the function and presented national songs. In Karachi, a change of guards and hoisting of the national flag ceremony was held Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation. Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul- Ebad Khan, and Sindh Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim were also present along with many foreign delegates, school children and a large number of people from different walks of life to pay homage to the Quaid. (Posted @ 13:50 PST)
Four Australian soldiers injured in Baghdad rocket attack SYDNEY, Aug 14 (AFP) Four Australian soldiers were injured Monday in a rocket attack in Baghdad, the military chief said. Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, head of the Australian Defence Force, said the troops were injured Monday morning when the rocket was fired into the fortified international zone. Three male soldiers had already been discharged from hospital while a female soldier remained in hospital in stable condition, he added. (Posted @ 13:10 PST)
Three killed as three car bombs rock Baghdad BAGHDAD, Aug 14 (AFP) At least three people were killed Monday and six others wounded when three car bombs rocked Baghdad, a day after 57 people were slain in a series of bombings in the Iraqi capital. Two car bombs parked near the city's passport office exploded killing two people and wounding three, an interior ministry official said. Police at the scene said that one of the bombs did not fully explode, explaining the low casualty count. The bombs went off on the capital's Palestine Street, the official said, adding that another car bomb had exploded in the Al-Wahda neighbourhood killing one and wounding three others. (Posted @ 13:05 PST)
Thousands of displaced head back to Lebanon SIDON, Lebanon, Aug 14 (Reuters) Several thousand displaced Lebanese headed for south Lebanon on Monday shortly after guns fell silent in line with a U.N.-brokered truce to end five weeks of fighting between Israel and Hizbollah. Hundreds of cars jammed a narrow road leading south from the port city of Sidon. Many cars were hooting their horns, their occupants giving the V for victory sign, and also chanting pro-Hizbollah slogans. (Posted @ 13:05 PST)
Israeli strike kills three Palestinian civilians in Gaza GAZA, Aug 14 (Reuters) An Israeli air strike killed three Palestinian civilians, and wounded three others in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, medics said. The Israeli army claimed that it targeted an area from where rockets had been launched into their southern city of Ashkelon, where one person was slightly wounded. (First Posted @ 11:10 PST Updated 13:00 PST)
Israel to maintain Lebanon blockade JERUSALEM, Aug 14 (Reuters) Israeli forces will maintain their air and sea blockade on Lebanon despite the start of a ceasefire with Hizbollah on Monday, a military source said. "The air and sea closure will continue until a mechanism is in place to oversee and stop weapons smuggling," the source said. (Posted @ 11:10 PST)
Five Philippines soldiers dead, 22 others injured in bus crash MANILA, Aug 14 (AFP) Five Philippine soldiers have been killed and 22 others injured when their truck smashed into a passenger bus while en route to an operation against communist guerrillas, the military said Monday. The accident occurred late Sunday near the northern town of Alicia. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Solana wants quick UN troop deployment to Lebanon MADRID, Aug 14 (Reuters) EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he would like to see international troops start deploying to southern Lebanon this week or early next week under a U.N. resolution to end the Israel-Hizbollah war.Solana said late on Sunday while flying back from a peace mission to Lebanon and Israel that the timing of the deployment was for the United Nations to decide. A senior Israeli government official said he did not expect the deployment to start for at least two weeks. Solana said earlier on Sunday at least 4,000 international troops would be prepared to move into southern Lebanon "in a very, very short time". Solana listed Australia, Canada, Malaysia and Indonesia as among the non-EU countries prepared to join the force. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
US cuts threat level for UK-US flights to orange WASHINGTON, Aug 13 (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Sunday scaled back the threat level for commercial airline flights from Britain to the United States from Red to Orange, or High. The downgrading came after British authorities changed the United Kingdom's terrorism threat level from Critical, meaning an attack is expected imminently, to Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, the DHS said in a statement. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said cutting the U.S. threat level did not mean the threat had passed. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
At least nine killed in Israeli raids in Lebanon BEIRUT, Aug 14 (Reuters) Israeli air strikes on the village of Brital in eastern Lebanon killed at least nine civilians and wounded 33, medics said early on Monday. They said more people were still buried under the rubble after the air raids shortly before midnight. Lebanese security sources also said Hizbollah fired at Israeli helicopters hovering around the village of Bodai, also in the eastern Bekaa valley. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Israeli shells south Lebanon as fighting due to end BEIRUT, Aug 13 (AFP) Israeli forces shelled areas around Tyre and Khiam on Monday morning, two hours before fighting was due to end at 0500 GMT, Lebanese police said. Israeli forces fired artillery on south Lebanon even though according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had ordered troops to stop fighting at 2300 GMT Sunday. Israeli artillery began to hit around Tyre, at 2300 GMT Sunday and was continuing four hours later. (Posted @ 09:05 PST)
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