IRAQ: Iraqi police say a suicide car bomber has struck a judge's convoy south of Baghdad, killing two of his bodyguards and wounding seven others, including the judge. The attack occurred near the judge's (Aqeel Adnan Witwit) home in the town of Hillah, about 95-kilometers south of the Iraqi capital. In northeastern Iraq, local official say the death toll from Tuesday's four suicide truck bombings targeting the minority Yazidi community has risen to at least 200. Officials say rescue workers are searching for victims believed to be still trapped under the debris of collapsed houses, and that the death toll could rise.
AFGHAN VIOLENCE: Afghan police say a roadside blast has killed three Germans near Kabul. Police say one other person was wounded in today's (Wednesday's) explosion, which targeted a two-vehicle diplomatic convoy. NATO's International Security Assistance Force says it is aware of the attack but did not provide further details.
US-IRAN: The Bush administration is reported to be ready to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a "specially designated global terrorist" organization. If the move goes forward, it would be the first time the United States has added an armed forces unit of any sovereign government to its list of terrorist groups. The designation allows the U.S. to freeze any assets the group, its members, or subsidiaries may have in the U.S
VIETNAM BIRD FLU:
Vietnamese authorities say they have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in a northern province bordering China. Officials say nearly 90 chickens and ducks were reported dead Saturday at a farm in the Thach An district of Cao Bang province. Bird flu has also been reported in Dong Thap and Dien Bien.
BURMA FUEL: Burma's military government has doubled fuel prices in the impoverished country, surprising commuters with the unannounced change. Drivers only learned of the price hike today (Wednesday) when they went to fill their tanks. No explanation was given for why the price of four liters of diesel fuel jumped overnight to two-dollars-33 cents. The price of natural gas also increased, making it difficult for many bus drivers to fill their tanks. Many commuters who normally take the bus had to seek alternative transportation after their rides did not show up.
BURMA FUEL: Burma's military government has doubled fuel prices in the impoverished country, surprising commuters with the unannounced change. Drivers only learned of the price hike today (Wednesday) when they went to fill their tanks. No explanation was given for why the price of four liters of diesel fuel jumped overnight to two-dollars-33 cents. The price of natural gas also increased, making it difficult for many bus drivers to fill their tanks. Many commuters who normally take the bus had to seek alternative transportation after their rides did not show up.
World News in Lao.