Iran has received its first batch of North Korean-made surface-to-surface missiles that put European countries within firing range, Israel’s military intelligence chief said Thursday. The BM-25 missiles have a range of 1,550 miles and are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the Haaretz daily reported. Iran already has missiles capable of reaching Israel, but the BM-25s are a significant upgrade over its existing top-of-the-line missiles. On Tuesday, an Israeli satellite meant to spy on Iran’s nuclear program was launched by Russia.
Puerto Rico: Tanker runs aground
A double-hulled tanker filled with about 308,800 barrels of crude oil ran aground in southwestern Puerto Rico on Thursday as it waited to transfer its cargo, the Coast Guard said. No injuries or leaks were reported. The Margara ran aground on a reef about three miles south of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard said. It was en route to the U.S. Caribbean territory from Cartagena, Colombia. The Coast Guard said it received a call about 1:15 a.m. that the tanker had grounded.
Indonesia: Big eruption predicted
Indonesia’s rumbling Mount Merapi is spewing volcanic ash and magma, has fully covered its crater, and a powerful eruption could come any day, a scientist said Thursday. Authorities said, however, they were not ready to raise the alert to the highest level, which requires immediate evacuation of villagers living on the slopes of the 9,700-foot peak. The mountain, one of the most active in Indonesia, is still in phase two, they said. “The crater is fully covered by magma,” a local vulcanologist said, predicting “an enormous and dreadful eruption” within days.
Netherlands: Euthanasia increases
The number of reported cases of legal euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide in the Netherlands increased in 2005 for the third year in a row, a Dutch agency said Thursday. The figures released by the Regional Oversight Boards for Euthanasia showed doctors reported 1,933 cases in 2005, up from 1,886 in 2004 and 1,815 in 2003. Studies have estimated that reported cases represent slightly more than half of all euthanasias. The Netherlands became the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2001.
From Herald news services
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