Extremists urge attacks on U.S. malls

JOHANNESBURG – A video purported to be by Somalia’s al-Qaida-linked rebel group al-Shabab urged Muslims to attack shopping malls in the U.S., Canada, Britain and other Western countries.

A masked narrator called on Muslims to attack shopping malls, specifically naming the Mall of America in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington.

Shoppers seemed undeterred Sunday by the threat.

“I’m more afraid of the cold today than any terrorists,” said Mary Lamminen, of St. Paul.

David Modrynski said he talked with his wife and son about whether to visit the mall after hearing about the video.

“But we can’t stop living our lives because somebody says they’re going to do something,” Modrynski said.

Running police keep the peace at marathon

TOKYO – The running police made sure the Tokyo Marathon went off without a hitch.

Over 60 of the officers were deployed in Sunday’s race in response to concerns over threats of terrorism.

They wore white vests bearing the word “POLICE.” Each member ran about 10 kilometers while carrying anti-terrorism gear in small backpacks.

Tokyo has been on edge following the slaying of two Japanese hostages by the Islamic State group last month. Islamist militants threatened Japanese people everywhere after the slayings.

Over 36,000 runners took part in the race as organizers were eager to show that Tokyo remains a safe place to hold major sporting events.

Cyclist’s record quest ends in death

BANGKOK – A Chilean cyclist’s quest to bike around the world in five years has ended with his death in a road accident in northeast Thailand.

Police say the 47-year-old Juan Francisco Guillermo was hit by a pickup truck and immediately killed Saturday on a highway in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Police Col. Torsak Thammingmongkol says the driver was arrested.

According to police and accounts on social media, Guillermo was attempting to set a Guinness World Record by cycling 155,350 miles in five continents in five years. His journey started in November 2010 and was scheduled to end in November this year.

Egypt’s president raises cigarette tax

CAIRO – Egypt said Sunday it will raise the sales tax on both local and imported cigarettes as it confronts a major budget deficit.

The decision announced by the presidency increases a flat tax by at least 7 cents for a pack of less expensive cigarettes. More expensive brands will see an increase of at least 20 cents.

A similar move last July raised prices 25 to 40 cents per pack. One in four Egyptian adults smoke, according to a 2013 World Health Organization report.

The cigarette tax hikes come less than a month before Egypt is set to host a three-day international economic conference to support the country’s economy and attract badly needed foreign investment.

Associated Press