Taliban attack
KABUL: Disguised in army uniforms, Taliban insurgents stormed an army base in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province on Friday, killing several dozen soldiers.
There were conflicting reports as to how the guerrillas made their way inside the base, with some reports saying they joined a convoy of military vehicles.
The army said one of the bombers detonated a vehicle laden with explosives at the main entrance of the base, paving the way for as many as nine insurgents to rush inside. – Washington Post
Cycle champ killed
ROME: Cyclist Michele Scarponi died yesterday after being hit by a vehicle while training, the Italian Cycling Federation said.
Scarponi, 37, won the 2011 Giro d’italia after Spain’s Alberto Contador was disqualified for doping. His most recent success was on Monday at the opening stage of the Tour of the Alps.
“The champion was run over this morning by a van while training” near his home in Filottrano.” – DPA
Cow vigilantes
NEW DELHI: Five people from a nomadic family were injured in an attack by cow protection vigilantes in northern India over suspicions they were transporting cattle for slaughter, police said yesterday.
The group targeted a 75-year old man, who sustained a fracture injury. A girl, 9, and three women suffered minor wounds and bruises. – DPA
Italy credit slips
ROME: Italy’s creditworthiness slipped to BBB from BBB+, with a stable outlook, ratings agency Fitch said, citing public debt, weak growth, banking crisis and messy politics for its decision.
The downgrade brings Rome’s government debt bonds a couple of notches above junk status.
It has a ratio of debt: gross domestic product of more than 132%. The EU limit is 60%. – dpa
Release of hostages
BAGHDAD: Qatar has secured the release of 26 hostages after nearly 18 months in captivity, including members of its ruling family, in a complex negotiation deal.
It was linked to one of the largest population transfers in Syria’s six-year civil war and delayed for days due to an explosion a week ago that killed 130 people, mostly children and government supporters, waiting to be transferred. – AP