Admiral gives warning about North Korea tests
WASHINGTON – The admiral in charge of U.S. forces in the Pacific says North Korea may be lulling the world into largely accepting its advances in missile technology.
Adm. Samuel Locklear told a Pentagon news conference on Tuesday that he is concerned by North Korea’s frequent testing of ballistic missiles. Locklear heads U.S. Pacific Command, and his responsibilities include military relations with longtime U.S. ally South Korea as well as U.S.-South Korea defenses against North Korea.
North Korea often test-fires missiles, artillery and rockets, but the number of weapons tests it has conducted this year is much higher than previous years.
Locklear said he worries that “you become somewhat numb” to reports of another North Korean missile test, adding, “you start to say, well, it’s not such a big deal.”
No injuries reported after Mexico quake
VERACRUZ, Mexico – A strong earthquake shook much of eastern Mexico on Tuesday, but there were no reports of damage or injury.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-6.3 quake was centered in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, about 260 miles east-southeast of Mexico City. The epicenter was 59 miles below the surface.
“These types of earthquakes are short and very fast,” National Civil Protection Coordinator Luis Felipe Puente told the Televisa network, adding that the quake was deep. “Thanks to that, it basically didn’t affect any construction.”
The 5:46 a.m. quake was felt strongly in the Gulf port city of Veracruz, where frightened people ran into the streets, and hotels in the tourist zone were evacuated. It rocked buildings at least as far away as Mexico City.
Doctor who was helping victims of Ebola dies
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – A leading doctor who risked his own life to treat dozens of Ebola patients died Tuesday from the disease, officials said, as a major regional airline announced it was suspending flights to the cities hardest hit by an outbreak that has killed more than 670 people.
Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan, who was praised as a national hero for treating the disease in Sierra Leone, was confirmed dead by health ministry officials there. He had been hospitalized in quarantine.
Health workers have been especially vulnerable to contracting Ebola.
Associated Press
