Separately, government and opposition leaders say security forces have withdrawn from the southern city of Taiz, a flashpoint of anti-government protests. The Reuters news agency quotes an opposition leader as saying looting and other unrest have been spreading in the city since the forces pulled out. The ongoing conflict between forces loyal to Mr. Saleh […]
US Calls on Afghanistan to Step Up Security
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
The United States is warning Afghanistan to “step up” security or put the smooth withdrawal of U.S. forces at risk. Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates delivered the stern message to Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a visit to Kabul Saturday. He also told reporters during a news conference that while the international community will […]
Mexican Officials: Former Tijuana Mayor Arrested over Weapons
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Mexican officials say a former mayor of the city of Tijuana has been arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal weapons. Law enforcement authorities told news outlets Saturday that Mexican troops raided Jorge Hank Rhon’s house, where they discovered dozens of weapons. Hank Rhon was mayor of Tijuana, across the border from San Diego, California, from […]
Egypt Sentences Former Finance Minister
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Egypt’s former finance minister has become the latest high-ranking official who served in former President Hosni Mubarak’s government to be convicted of corruption. An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced Youssef Boutros Ghali to 30 years in prison on charges that include misusing public funds. Investigators say Ghali used cars waiting in customs for his personal […]
Clashes in Tunisia Mining Town Kill 3
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
Three people have been reported killed and another 90 wounded in clashes in a Tunisian mining town. Tunisian government officials say the fighting between members of tribal factions in Metlaoui was triggered Friday by rumors that only certain tribes will be offered jobs at the nearby Gafsa phosphate complex, the region’s main employer. Shops were […]
Thousands Mourn Syrian Protesters Killed on Friday
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
Thousands of people turned out Saturday for the funerals of anti-government protesters killed in unrest in Syria. Syrian rights groups say at least 63 people died Friday as protesters continued to demand the departure of President Bashar al-Assad. Those groups say the vast majority of deaths were reported in Hama, a city about 300 kilometers […]
AU: Strategic Districts Re-Captured in Mogadishu
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
The African Union says it is making progress against militants for control of Somalia’s capital. Officials said Saturday African Union and pro-government troops had recaptured strategic districts in Mogadishu from al-Shabab insurgents. Al-Shabab is trying to overthrow the United Nations-backed government and set up a strict Islamic state. The al-Qaida-linked group has controlled much of […]
Drone Strike Kills Top Pakistani Terrorist
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
One of the most wanted terrorist leaders in Pakistan is dead, killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike. Pakistani intelligence sources Saturday said that senior al-Qaida leader Ilyas Kashmiri died in an attack on a location in South Waziristan, along with eight other militants. Kashmiri’s own militant group, Harakat-ul-Jihad al-Islami , also confirmed his death […]
Fresh Explosions Rock Libyan Capital
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
A series of powerful explosions rocked Tripoli late Saturday, in what could be new NATO airstrikes over the Libyan capital. Earlier, NATO announced that it had, for the first time, sent attack helicopters on low-altitude missions against military installations. British Foreign Secretary William Hague met with leaders of the opposition Transitional National Council in the […]
Palestinians Accept French Peace Talks Plan
Posted June 4th, 2011 at 4:20 pm (UTC-5)
The Palestinians have accepted France’s proposal to try to revive Middle East peace talks with a meeting in Paris. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday he has agreed to the offer made by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe on Thursday. However, there is no indication that Israel has agreed. On Thursday, Juppe said France wants […]
