A new video of militants holding hostages recently abducted in Iraq indicates there are seven hostages, rather than six as seen on an earlier video. The new tape shows three Kenyan captives, along with three Indians and one Egyptian. Each of the captives is seen speaking to the camera, giving his name and nationality. An earlier video showed two Kenyans.
The commission investigating the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks on the United States is due to release its much-anticipated final report today (Thursday). Media reports say the nearly 600-page document stops short of saying the attacks, which killed 3,000 people, could have been prevented and does not assign blame. The report is said to include a list of 10 missed opportunities by both the Clinton and Bush administrations to foil the terror plot.
A Philippine national who was held hostage by militants in Iraq has returned home. Angelo de la Cruz thanked his supporters during a brief press conference today (Thursday) at Manila's airport. He also thanked President Gloria Arroyo and the Philippine government for securing his freedom.
Vietnam has sentenced seven people, including a Lao national, to prison on drug trafficking charges. Court officials say the seven, who were sentenced Wednesday in Hanoi, were part of a network that trafficked drugs between Laos and Vietnam. Analysts say Vietnam is a haven for drug traffickers due to its poorly-guarded borders. Drugs from China, Laos, Burma and Thailand often travel through Vietnam before leaving for Western countries.
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