AP, Bolivia
Police raided Bolivia’s notorious Palmasola prison early Wednesday in a hunt for weapons and other contraband, touching off a gunbattle with prisoners who control the jail. Seven inmates died and 25 people, including six officers, were wounded, authorities said.
Some 2,300 police officers participated in the operation and were supported by helicopters.
National police Col. Faustino Mendoza said officers seized arms, equipment to distill alcohol, marijuana plants and other drugs from the section that houses the most dangerous inmates.
North Korean FM to visit Sweden
AP, Stockholm
North Korea’s foreign minister is due to visit Sweden Thursday, a surprise move that can be seen as a first step toward the Scandinavian country hosting a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry says Ri Yong Ho will meet his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom.
Bali going quiet for ‘Day Of Silence’
AFP, Indonesia
Indonesia’s bustling tourist island Bali is set to go quiet with Internet service and flights temporarily halted for a “Day of Silence”, while young people get ready to pucker up.
Residents of the Hindu-dominated island stop regular daily activities for a day of meditation, fasting and introspection, an annual rite that includes elaborate beachside ceremonies and demon-like effigies.
Six dead in Senegal military copter crash
AFP, Dakar
Six people were killed and 14 others injured when a Senegalese military helicopter crashed late Wednesday, according to a government statement giving an updated toll from the incident in the south of the country.
The helicopter, which went down in a mangrove forest in the coastal area of Missirah, was carrying 20 people, including four crew, army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye told AFP earlier.
According to a statement released by the government, rescue workers said six people died at the scene.
