Up to 70 rebels killed in Afghanistan

KHOST – Up to 70 insurgents were killed in Afghanistan early yesterday when helicopter gunships and ground fighting repulsed an attack by about 100 rebels near the Pakistan border, officials said.

* Hamas hunts down Fatah rivals GAZA CITY – Hamas-run security forces stormed across Gaza on Saturday, clashing with rival Palestinian gunmen and arresting dozens of people after a bomb killed five of its senior militants and a little girl. * Iran now has 6 000 centrifuges for uranium TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s president said on Saturday his country now possesses 6 000 centrifuges, a significant increase in its nuclear programme that is certain to further rankle the United States and others who fear Tehran is intent on developing weapons.* Iran hangs 29 criminals TEHRAN – The state television website says 29 people convicted of murder, drug trafficking and other crimes have been hanged in Tehran’s Evin prison.The website says the convicts included those found guilty of murder, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking.The hangings were carried out after the death verdicts were approved by the country’s Supreme Court.* Scuffles as five acquitted in 2006 Egypt ferry disaster CAIRO – Scuffles erupted at an Egyptian court on Sunday when five of six defendants were cleared of responsibility for a 2006 ferry sinking in which more than 1 000 people died, Egypt’s worst maritime disaster.* Coke suspects face more charges FREETOWN – Fifty-eight people arrested after a record cocaine seizure in Sierra Leone remained in custody on Saturday after a judge extended an initial detention period.The suspects, including eight foreigners, were arrested after police found 600kg of cocaine in a Venezuelan plane at the country’s international airport on July 13.* Iran now has 6 000 centrifuges for uranium TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s president said on Saturday his country now possesses 6 000 centrifuges, a significant increase in its nuclear programme that is certain to further rankle the United States and others who fear Tehran is intent on developing weapons.* Iran hangs 29 criminals TEHRAN – The state television website says 29 people convicted of murder, drug trafficking and other crimes have been hanged in Tehran’s Evin prison.The website says the convicts included those found guilty of murder, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking.The hangings were carried out after the death verdicts were approved by the country’s Supreme Court. * Scuffles as five acquitted in 2006 Egypt ferry disaster CAIRO – Scuffles erupted at an Egyptian court on Sunday when five of six defendants were cleared of responsibility for a 2006 ferry sinking in which more than 1 000 people died, Egypt’s worst maritime disaster.* Coke suspects face more charges FREETOWN – Fifty-eight people arrested after a record cocaine seizure in Sierra Leone remained in custody on Saturday after a judge extended an initial detention period.The suspects, including eight foreigners, were arrested after police found 600kg of cocaine in a Venezuelan plane at the country’s international airport on July 13.