Iraq: Suicide bomber uses police Humvee
BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber in a stolen police Humvee passed through a military checkpoint in Iraq before detonating his explosives, killing seven people authorities said – part of a series of assaults across the country Saturday.
The bomber’s attack happened in Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar province, where Iraqi security forces have been battling militants who took control of parts of the town in late December. Police said militants stole the Humvee and painted it with military colors to trick soldiers into letting it by.
The suicide blast wounded 14 people, police said.
Mexico seizes 6 planes in Sinaloa cartel’s base
MEXICO CITY – Mexican marines have seized six small planes and detained three suspects who had guns and drugs on a ranch in a western state where the government recently nabbed Sinaloa drug cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The Interior Department said Saturday the men had cocaine and marijuana packages as well as two rifles and a grenade launcher with them on a ranch near the city of Culiacan, the Sinaloa cartel’s stronghold.
The government didn’t give details about what kind of planes were seized in the raid Wednesday. Marines also confiscated four vehicles.
The legendary Guzman was captured last month in the resort of Mazatlán after 13 years as a fugitive since escaping from prison. Days before his arrest, the military had begun raiding several homes, confiscating weapons and catching associates.
Presidential election law passes in Egypt
CAIRO – Egypt’s interim president Saturday issued a much-anticipated decree governing an upcoming presidential election, clearing the way for a vote many expect will be won by the country’s military chief.
Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has not yet officially announced he will run for president, but it is a widely expected move. After the Interim President Adly Mansour’s legal adviser, Ali Awad, announced the move on state television, the election commission is expected to set the date for the vote in April, opening the door for candidates to run.
The election is a key step in a transition plan laid out by interim authorities in July after the army ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
Captured arms ship arrives in Israeli port
EILAT, Israel – A captured ship Israel says carried advanced rockets from Iran bound for Gaza militants arrived in port Saturday, where authorities prepared its cargo for a public display Israel hopes will step up pressure on world powers as they negotiate with Tehran about its nuclear program.
The KLOS C freighter sailed into Israel’s southern Eilat port accompanied by naval vessels and masked commando forces, seizing it days earlier in the Red Sea. Israel says the ship was packed with dozens of Syrian-made M-302 rockets that would have put Israel’s biggest cities well within reach of Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.
Associated Press
