Sexual assault reports up sharply in military
WASHINGTON – The number of reported sexual assaults across the military shot up by more than 50 percent this year, an increase that defense officials say may suggest that victims are becoming more willing to come forward after a tumultuous year of scandals that shined a spotlight on the crimes and put pressure on the military to take aggressive action.
A string of high-profile assaults and arrests triggered outrage in Congress and set off months of debate about how to change the military justice system, while military leaders launched a series of new programs intended to beef up accountability and encourage victims to come forward.
According to early data obtained by The Associated Press, there were more than 5,000 reports of sexual assault filed during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, compared to the 3,374 in 2012.
Iran trying to improve uranium enrichment
VIENNA – Iran is taking steps to improve its ability to speed up uranium enrichment that could delay implementation of a nuclear deal with six world powers because Tehran’s moves are opposed by the United States and its allies.
Iran’s nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said late Thursday that his country is building a new generation of centrifuges for uranium enrichment but they need further tests before they can be mass produced. His comments appeared aimed at countering criticism from Iranian hardliners by showing their country’s nuclear program is moving ahead and has not been halted by the accord.
South Sudan leaders agree to end fighting
JUBA, South Sudan –South Sudan’s government agreed Friday at a meeting of East African leaders to end hostilities against rebels accused of trying to overthrow the young country, but the cease-fire was quickly thrown into doubt because the head of the rebellion was not invited.
An army spokesman suggested the fighting could go on despite the announcement by politicians in a faraway capital.
At the meeting in Kenya, South Sudan agreed not to carry out a planned offensive to recapture Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity state, which is controlled by troops loyal to Riek Machar, the former vice president vilified by the government as a corrupt coup plotter.
Two peacekeepers die in African republic
DAKAR, Senegal – Two more African Union peacekeepers were killed overnight in the Central African Republic, officials said Friday, bringing to 11 the number of international peacekeepers killed in less than a month and underscoring the dangerous nature of the unfolding conflict in the nation.
The two officers from the Republic of Congo were killed by unidentified assailants, African Union mission spokesman Eloi Yao told The Associated Press by telephone from Central African Republic. Their deaths come a day after a pickup truck carrying Chadian peacekeepers was attacked with heavy arms fire, incinerating the vehicle and killing six of the soldiers inside. Fifteen others were wounded in that attack. Earlier this month, two French soldiers were also killed in Bangui, the country’s troubled capital.
Calm appeared to have returned to Bangui on Friday.
Associated Press
