A roundup of today's other world news in brief:
Syrian cleric assassinated in Aleppo
DAMASCUS- A Syrian cleric who recruited foreign fighters travelling to Iraq to fight US-led forces has been assassinated in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, an aide has said.
Sheikh Mahmoud Abou al-Qaqa (47) was shot dead after he emerged from Friday prayers, Ahmad Haidar said.
"A man fired several bullets into the sheikh's chest. A crowd chased him and he was eventually caught. He is now with the authorities under custody," Mr Haidar said.
- (Reuters)
US teen Mychal Bell released on bail
JENA- A black teenager who was tried for attempted murder after a fight with a white classmate has been freed on bail after 10 months in jail, writes Denis Staunton.
Mychal Bell's conviction in adult court was thrown out on appeal.
Tens of thousands of people marched last week in Jena, Louisiana, to demand his release and the dropping of all charges against him and five other teenagers.
18 Tamil Tigers killed as boats sunk
COLOMBO- Sri Lanka's navy sank three Tamil Tiger rebel boats off the island's northeastern coast, killing 18 rebels on board, while 10 others died in subsequent land battles, the military said yesterday.
Fighting between the military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has escalated since the government launched an offensive in the northwest this month.
- (Reuters)
15,000 Georgians take part in protest
TBILISI- Up to 15,000 opponents of Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili filled central Tbilisi yesterday to protest at the arrest of a former defence minister who accused Mr Saakashvili of corruption and plotting to kill a businessman.
Protesters shouting "Long live Georgia!" and "New president!" pushed back police lines and stopped traffic to flood the space in front of parliament.
The rally was the biggest anti-government protest since Mr Saakashvili came to power in 2003.
Former minister Irakly Okruashvili was arrested on Thursday night.
- (Reuters)