A Chilean navy search plane has located an American solo sailor on his disabled yacht off the southern tip of South America, and rescuers will probably reach him early today, the military said. A fishing trawler was heading to rescue Ken Barnes, 47, whose attempt to sail around the world was interrupted when his 44-foot ketch hit a storm that broke both its masts and soaked the sailor’s supplies and food. Barnes’ life did not appear to be in immediate danger. He had a life raft and a survival suit, and the weather that was improving.
Somalia: Troops surround militants
Somali government troops backed by Ethiopian soldiers battled about 600 Islamic militiamen Thursday on the southern tip of this Horn of Africa nation, and U.S. Navy forces prevented the militants from fleeing by sea, authorities said. A government spokesman said some militants were trying to escape by sea but U.S. Navy forces were deployed to stop them. Three al-Qaida suspects wanted in the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa are believed to be leaders of the Islamic movement. The Islamists deny having any links to al-Qaida.
Pakistan: Officials lift kite ban
Pakistani provincial authorities Thursday lifted a ban on kite-flying imposed a year ago after several bystanders were fatally slashed by glass-coated strings used in the competitions. The move came a month ahead of Basant, an annual festival that heralds spring and is marked by boisterous parties and the flying of colorful kites in the eastern province of Punjab and its capital, Lahore. Glass-coated or metal strings will be prohibited. Officials said the kite-flying ban will be imposed again after the festival.
From Herald news services
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