17 Hindus die after taking alcohol in Pakistan
AP, Islamabad
A Pakistani police officer says at least 17 Hindus have died after consuming illegally-made alcohol during religious celebrations in southern Pakistan.
Niaz Shah said Tuesday that 37 people from the Hindu community in Tando Muhammad Khan district were rushed to hospital on Monday.
US Marines deployed in northern Iraq
AP, Washington
The US has set up a small Marine artillery outpost in northern Iraq to protect a nearby Iraqi military base, expanding the number and the combat exposure of American troops in the country as Iraqi security forces plan and prepare for a counteroffensive against the Islamic State in Mosul.
It is the first such base established by the U.S. since it returned forces to Iraq in 2014 in response to the Islamic State’s takeover of Mosul and other areas of northern and western Iraq, Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for the U.S. military headquarters in Baghdad, told reporters at the Pentagon Monday.
S Korea registers 1st case of Zika virus
AP, Seoul
South Korea today reported the country’s first case of the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease that has been linked to birth defects and other health issues.
A 43-year-old man who recently returned from Brazil was diagnosed with the virus after suffering fever, muscle pain and rash, according to a statement from the state-run Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
30 kgs of cocaine found in stewardess’ bag
Reuters, Los Angeles
A flight attendant fled when she was selected for a random screening at Los Angeles International Airport, prompting a search that turned up 66 pounds (30 kg) of cocaine in her carry-on bags, a Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman said on Monday.
The woman, who had arrived at the terminal on Friday for a flight, abandoned her belongings before escaping on foot, Special Agent Timothy Massino said. The DEA declined further comment on the case while an investigation was under way.
