World briefs: 6 Palestinians die in Gaza
6 Palestinians die in Gaza:
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli aircraft attacked Islamic militants in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday and ground troops clashed with fighters in a daylong raid against suspected extremists. Four fighters and two civilians died in the clashes and 26 people were wounded, including at least five civilians, Palestinian officials said.
Taliban talks continue:
GHAZNI, Afghanistan -- Taliban leaders and South Korean officials continued negotiations by phone over the fate of the remaining 19 hostages Tuesday, but no new face-to-face talks were planned, the international Red Cross said. Two Korean women kidnapped by the Taliban in mid-July were freed Monday.
Turks hear assurances:
ANKARA, Turkey -- Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, a Turkish presidential hopeful whose candidacy raised fears about the possible blurring of the line between mosque and state, said Tuesday his goals would be strengthening secularism and Turkey's bid for EU membership. Gul is almost certain to be elected Aug. 28.
North Korea flood toll cited:
SEOUL, South Korea -- Severe floods caused by days of rains in North Korea have left at least 200 people dead or missing and will hamper the country's ability to feed itself for at least a year, an international aid group operating in the country said Tuesday. TV reports showed flooded buildings in the North Korean capital.
Tunisia boots Arafat widow:
TUNIS, Tunisia -- Tunisia has stripped the widow of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat of Tunisian citizenship, officials said Tuesday. No explanation was offered why the 44-year-old Suha Arafat, who was born in Jerusalem and became a naturalized Tunisian last year, had lost her citizenship.
Chinese bridge collapses:
BEIJING -- A bridge under construction in an ancient Chinese city collapsed as workers removed scaffolding from its facade, killing at least 29 people, the government said Tuesday. The 140-foot-high bridge spanning the Tuo River in the central Hunan city of Fenghuang collapsed Monday, the Hunan Administration of Work Safety said.