Colombian troops clashed with leftist rebels and outlawed paramilitaries in separate offensives, killing 20 fighters and capturing 57 others, the army said Wednesday. The fiercest fighting took place Tuesday when nine members of the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were killed.
Colombia’s civil war, now in its 40th year, pits two leftist rebel groups against right-wing paramilitary factions and government forces.
TURBULENCE AHEAD: A pilot for an unnamed North African airline, reported by passengers for flying his 737 erratically, was fined more than $1,800 Wednesday after a breath test showed he had been drinking, German police said.
JUSTICE FOR ALL: Mexican President Vicente Fox said Wednesday that he will send Congress proposals for major changes in Mexico’s justice system, including a plan to unify federal police agencies, transform the attorney general’s office into a chief prosecutor’s office and open the way for public trials.
HELLO, IS THIS THE THIEF?: Israel’s Mossad spy agency may be the scourge of Arab militants and former Nazis, but it has failed to find thieves who stole the boss’ mobile phone. Meir Dagan lost the phone when his car was broken into in Tel Aviv last month, security sources said Wednesday.
BARRIER SHORTENED: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, in a move to please Washington, has ordered 110 miles cut off the route of Israel’s controversial barrier in the West Bank, a senior political source said Wednesday.
SNOW FIGHT: A fight between neighbors that started over a smashed snowman has ended the career of one of Northern Ireland’s top boxers, a prosecutor said Wednesday. Eamonn “The Terminator” Magee has refused to discuss the attack that left his leg shattered and his hopes of fighting in tatters.
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Compiled from RedEye news services and edited by Patrick Olsen (polsen@tribune.com) and Chris Courtney (cdcourtney@tribune.com).
