Briefly World

Many flights between Europe and North America were either delayed or canceled on Saturday due to the spreading cloud...

Volcanic ash hits trans-Atlantic flights again

BRUSSELS: Many flights between Europe and North America were either delayed or canceled on Saturday due to the spreading cloud of volcanic ash stretching across much of the northern Atlantic,the European flight control agency said. Flights had to be rerouted north over Greenland or south over Spain to avoid the 1,200-mile-long cloud stretching from Iceland to northern Spain,Eurocontrol said. This will increase flying times by about an hour in either direction.

Taliban threaten new attacks

KABUL: The Taliban threatened on Saturday to launch a fresh offensive across Afghanistan this coming week,as President Hamid Karzai said international forces have yet to secure large parts of the country. The Taliban said the offensive starting Monday will include assassinations of government officials,roadside bombs and suicide attacks against foreigners and those who support them. All foreign invading forces will ultimately face defeat, the Taliban said in a statement.

Thai protests: 2 cops killed in attacks

BANGKOK: Thailands government warned thousands of protesters on Saturday that more violence could erupt if the entrenched demonstrations that have paralysed areas of the capital for nearly two months did not end soon. The warning followed double nighttime attacks that killed two policemen and wounded 13 people. Government spokesman Panithan Wattanayagorn earlier said if the protesters didnt end their occupation of Bangkoks prime commercial district some people who dont wish to see reconciliation take place may take this opportunity to launch another attack.

Spain King has lung module removed

MADRID: The King of Spain Juan Carlos I had an operation in Barcelona on Saturday to remove a nodule located on his right lung that proved to be benign,doctors said on Saturday. The nodule was found after the 72-year-old monarch went for a scan on April 28 following a routine annual check-up. Doctors said the operation was successful and that tests showed the nodule was benign. He would likely leave hospital in the next three to four days. Nodules are usually benign,but can sometimes affect how an organ works.

Ferry crashes into dock,37 injured

NEW YORK: A ferry that was involved in a deadly crash in 2003 slammed into a dock in New Yorks borough of Staten Island on Saturday,injuring 37 passengers. The Staten Island Ferry boat seemed to speed up as it approached the dock. It looks like it was a mechanical problem, Janette Sadik-Khan,commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation,told reporters.