Afghan candidate escapes assassination
KABUL, Afghanistan – The front-runner for the Afghan presidency narrowly escaped assassination Friday when two bombs struck his convoy as it traveled between campaign events in the capital.
The attack underscores the country’s fragility as it prepares for its first democratic transfer of power and the withdrawal of foreign combat troops by the end of this year.
The candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, was unharmed and defiantly vowed to press ahead with his campaign, calmly telling an election rally that “the aim of this incident was to create fear and anxiety among the people and prevent them from deciding their own destiny.”
At least 10 people, including three in Abdullah’s entourage, were killed and dozens were wounded in the attack, which heavily damaged the front of his armored car.
North Korea detains American tourist
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea said Friday it has detained an American tourist for committing an unspecified crime, the third U.S. citizen being held there.
The Korean Central News Agency said authorities were investigating him for committing acts inconsistent with the purpose of a tourist visit. It did not give details.
“American citizen Jeffrey Edward Fowle entered the DPRK as a tourist on April 29 and acted in violation of the DPRK law, contrary to the purpose of tourism during his stay,” KCNA reported, referring to the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The U.S. State Department confirmed an American was detained but did not identify the person or provide details for privacy reasons.
Associated Press
