World at a glance

US bombs IraqWASHINGTON: American jets bombed sites in northern and southern Iraq in response to provocation', the US military said. The...

US bombs Iraq

WASHINGTON: American jets bombed sites in northern and southern Iraq in response to provocation8217;, the US military said. The bombing in the south was in response to two Iraqi MIG 23 jets entering the no-fly zone,8217; said Major Joe Lamarca, spokesman for the US central command in Tampa, Florida.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have been placed on top alert following protests by Shi8217;ite Muslims angered by the murder of a senior Shi8217;ite cleric, sources said on Monday. Iraqi security forces clashed with Shi8217;ite protestors in several Iraqi cities for a third straight day, the leader of an Iraqi opposition group said in Tehran. Eyewitnesses said at least 100 people have been killed.

Anwar trial

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia8217;s sacked deputy premier said on Monday he never ordered police to cover up an investigation into alleged sex crimes by him. Anwar, answering queries by a defence lawyer at his corruption trial in the high court, stood by his argument that he was a victim of politicalconspiracy. A royal commission started public hearings into injuries the former cabinet minister sustained in police custody. Anwar8217;s appearance in court in September with a black eye sparked global outrage. A police investigation failed to identify who had hit Anwar, although the attorney-general blamed police, prompting the police chief to quit last month.

Nigeria polls

LAGOS: The party led by former military ruler, Olusegun Obasanjo, looked set to capture a majority in Nigeria8217;s general election. With nearly three-fourth of the votes counted, the People8217;s Democratic Party won solid majorities in much of northern and eastern Nigeria and appeared set to win an absolute majority in both the 109-seat senate and the 360-seat house of representatives. The results suggest that Obasanjo is the favourite in next Saturday8217;s presidential elections, which will complete the voting process. His sole rival is Olu Falae, who is backed by the PDP8217;s rivals, the Alliance for Democracy and the All People8217;s Party.