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 Sunday, February 26
Editor's Note: The CNN Wire is a running log of the latest news from CNN World Headquarters, reported by CNN's correspondents and producers, and The CNN Wire editors. 5 suspected militants die in shootout with Saudi security forces (CNN) -- Saudi security forces shot and killed five suspected militants Monday in a two-hour gun battle in an eastern suburb of the capital, Riyadh, the Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry told CNN. The shootout began around 5:30 a.m. and came three days after security forces thwarted an attempted suicide car bombing on a major oil processing facility in eastern Saudi Arabia. The Interior Ministry said it was not immediately know whether there was a connection between Monday's gun battle and the attack on the Abqaiq oil facility. Security forces are combing the area around where the shootout took place and are checking to see if any of the suspected militants are on the country's most-wanted list. Abqaiq is a major oil installation on the Persian Gulf, processing two-thirds of crude oil pumped from Saudi wells. (posted 2:40 a.m.) U.S. soldier dies from non-combat related injuries BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier with Task Force Band of Brothers died Friday from non-combat related injuries at Forward Operating Base McKenzie, north of Baghdad, a military statement said on Monday. According to the U.S. Army, the incident is under investigation. Since the start of the war, 2,291 U.S. troops have died in Iraq. (posted 2:40 a.m.) Study: Still time to defuse Iraq's sectarian crisis (CNN) -- A timely analysis of Iraq's sectarian divisions found the country's leaders still have time to reach "a genuine national compact" that will defuse the seething Shiite-Sunni tensions in the country, now reeling after last week's bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra. The study by the International Crisis Group, an influential non-governmental group dedicated to finding solutions to conflicts across the globe, is scheduled to be released Monday. It calls for changes to the constitution Iraqi voters adoped in October that would foster the inclusion of Sunni Arabs, who dominated the country under former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It warns against provisions that allow for the creation of a Shiite autonomous region in southern Iraq and calls for "establishing administrative federalism on the basis of provincial boundaries" outside the longstanding autonomous Kurdish region. And it says any U.S. troop withdrawals should be "gradual" and must take into account the country's progress in politics and developing indigenous troops. (Posted 11:30 p.m.) Police: Detroit church shooting suspect kills self (CNN) -- A man wanted in connection with the Sunday morning killing of a woman in a Detroit church shot and killed himself after being spotted by police officers, a police spokesman said. Kevin Lorenzo Collins, 22, was wanted in connection with a Sunday morning shooting at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church left one woman dead and wounded two people -- a man and a 9-year-old girl. The girl appeared to have been an innocent bystander in a domestic dispute that burst violently into a public forum about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, police said. But the relationships between Collins and the other victims were not immediately clear. (Posted 9 p.m.) FBI: Substance in Texas poison scare not ricin AUSTIN, Texas (CNN) -- A whitish-brown powder at the center of a poison scare at the University of Texas has tested negative for the powerful toxin ricin, an FBI spokesman said Sunday. An initial lab test on the substance, which was discovered Thursday in a roll of quarters in a university laundry room, was positive for ricin. But subsequent tests have been negative, FBI spokesman Rene Salinas said. Ricin is derived from castor beans and has no antidote. As little as 500 micrograms -- an amount the size of the head of a pin -- can kill an adult. But no symptoms of ricin poisoning, which usually would have appeared within eight hours, have been reported, medical officials in Austin said. Officials ordered a University of Texas dormitory evacuated Friday night after the initial results came in, and hazardous materials teams examined a washing machine and other laundry room equipment Saturday for possible traces of ricin. (Posted 4:58 p.m.) Three U.S. troops killed in Iraqi violence BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Three U.S. troops were killed Sunday in two separate incidents in Iraq, officials said. A U.S. soldier was killed by small-arms fire about 8 p.m. in central Baghdad, the military said. The incident was under investigation, and the soldier's name was withheld pending notification of relatives. Also Sunday, a roadside bomb detonated in western Baghdad, killing two U.S. soldiers, the Combined Press Information Center said. One of the soldiers died immediately after the 2:50 a.m. attack; the other died later at a military hospital. The incident was under investigation. (Posted 4:32 p.m.) Gas prices dip slightly, but further decrease unlikely ATLANTA (CNN) -- Gasoline prices decreased about 6 cents over the past two weeks, according to a survey published Sunday, but its publisher said the trend is unlikely to continue as spring and summer approach. The Lundberg survey found the average price of self-serve regular as of Feb. 24 was $2.24 per gallon, representing a 9-cent drop over the past five weeks. But "I believe we can expect these price cuts will end soon," said publisher Trilby Lundberg. Crude oil prices surged by about $2.50 per barrel Friday with the news that a Saudi oil facility was targeted for a suicide bombing attack, even though the attack was unsuccessful. If that jump remains uncorrected, she said, it will translate into about a 5-cent jump in gas prices. In addition, Lundberg said, now is the time that refiners draw on gasoline stocks as they conduct routine maintenance and repair in preparation for warmer weather and increased gasoline demand. (Posted 1:58 p.m.) Israeli FM: Abbas 'irrelevant' to Palestinian politics JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is "irrelevant" now that the militant group Hamas has won the Palestinian legislative council elections, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Sunday, according to her adviser, Shai Ben-Maor. Livni made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Welch. "Abu Mazen (Abbas) is irrelevant and cannot be a fig-leaf for Hamas," Livni said. Raanan Gissin, an adviser to acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said that in his meeting with Welch, the prime minister similarly expressed Israel's stance, saying it will not deal with a two-headed Palestinian Authority that requests assistance money while Hamas maintains its opposition to Israel. Israel demands that the Palestinian Authority, regardless of what party heads the legislature, recognize Israel, renounce terrorism, disarm terror organizations and honor previous agreements. (Posted 1:40 p.m.) Dubai company to request 45-day review of ports deal WASHINGTON (CNN) -- After an outcry over possible national security risks, a United Arab Emirates company said Sunday it has requested a comprehensive 45-day investigation of a deal that will allow it to manage terminals at six U.S. ports, despite already receiving approval from a federal committee which raised no objections. "We recognize that there are concerns regarding DP World's acquisition of P&O's U.S. terminal operations," said Ted Bilkey, Dubai Ports World's chief operating officer, in a statement. "Despite having already obtained approval by the federal government, we continue to take voluntary steps to assure people that the security of the U.S. will not be harmed as a result of this acquisition." The request was made to CFIUS, or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, for the review. But DP World said the Bush administration, members of Congress and port authorities may seek additional information as well. (Posted 12:04 p.m.) Riot in notorious Afghan prison; at least 7 inmates killed KABUL (CNN) -- Afghan police and soldiers surrounded the nation's highest security prison Sunday after an uprising broke out Saturday night in three sections containing hundreds of inmates. More than 1,000 police and members of the Afghan national army could be seen moving into locations around Pul-e-Charki Prison outside Kabul on Sunday afternoon. At least three people who appeared to be U.S. soldiers were involved as well. There were Humvees parked outside, and the three were in U.S. military uniforms. (Posted 12:02 p.m.) Standoff with marines over in Philippines; state of emergency remains MANILA (CNN) -- A tense standoff between marines and Philippine riot police ended three hours after it began Sunday when the new marine commander completed talks with the marines and said they had agreed to follow the chain of command. The standoff began after the previous commander was relieved of duty and a marine colonel appeared on television to call for protests, urging Filipinos to come out and protect the marines from "aggression." About 300 marines held a vigil for ousted commander Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda in a Manila marine camp while riot police sealed off the camp, closing its gates. But just a few hours later, the gates were reopened and the government said everything was in its control. The country remained under a state of emergency, however, which was established Friday after security forces thwarted what a top general said was a plot to overthrow President Gloria Macagapal Arroyo. (Posted 10:23 a.m.) 6th arrest, cash stash found in heist probe MAIDSTONE, England (CNN) -- Kent police Sunday announced a sixth arrest in the investigation of a security depot heist believed to be the largest cash robbery in British history. A 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with a white transit van that was found containing 1.3 million pounds ($2.27 million) -- "more than we thought," Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Leppard said at a news conference. Authorities also found firearms, balaclavas (hoods) and jackets in the van, he said. Three people were arrested last week and questioned, then released on bail. On Saturday, two more people were arrested and remain in custody. With the latest arrest, three people are in custody in connection with the probe. (Posted 9:53 a.m.) 2 wounded in explosion outside Shia shrine in Basra BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Despite a call for an end to sectarian violence by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, a noon explosion outside the Imam Ali Shia Shrine in central Basra Sunday wounded two civilians, an Iraqi military spokesman said. The blast took place shortly after al-Sadr spoke in another part of the city. Also in Baghdad, gunmen attacked three Sunni mosques with small arms fire, Sunday after 1 a.m., an official with Baghdad emergency police said. (Posted 9:51 a.m.) Al-Rubaie: Iraq 'will never be driven' into civil war BAGHDAD (CNN) -- On a day that had already seen attacks on a Shia shrine in Basra and three Sunni mosques in Baghdad, Iraq's national security adviser Sunday said the country is not descending into civil war. Mowaffak al-Rubaie blamed Jordanian-born terror suspect Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al Qaeda in Iraq group for the bombing of the Mosque of the Golden Dome, a Shia shrine in Samarra, earlier this week that launched the past four days of sectarian violence. "The blueprints of that unfortunate event, the blueprints of al Qaeda in Iraq is there," he told CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer." "It is the same design, the same objective, which is civil war. They want to drive a wedge between the Sunni and the Shia." But, he said, "the Iraqi people ... have shown al Qaeda in Iraq and the outside world that they will never be driven to the civil war." (Posted 9:16 a.m.) Riot in notorious Afghan prison KABUL (CNN) -- Afghan police and soldiers surrounded the nation's highest security prison Sunday after an uprising broke out in three sections containing hundreds of inmates. More than 1,000 police and members of the Afghan national army could be seen moving into locations around Pul-e-Charki Prison outside Kabul. At least three people who appeared to be U.S. soldiers were involved as well. There were Humvees parked outside, and the three were in U.S. military uniforms. Some shots could be heard from inside. A predator drone flew overhead. (Posted 9:13 a.m.) Reports: Russia, Iran make progress on uranium enrichment talks (CNN) -- Russia and Iran reported progress Sunday on a Russian proposal for a joint uranium enrichment program, according to Russian news agencies. According to the RIA-Novosti news agency, Iranian Vice President Golam Reza Agazadeh said negotiations on the agreement would resume soon in Moscow. "We held talks with the Russian side on Russia's proposal yesterday and today. The talks saw good progress. Both sides are pleased with the talks," Agazadeh said. He spoke at a news conference in Bushehr, Iran, where a Russian delegation toured Iran's nearly-complete nuclear power plant. Russia is aiding Iran in the plant's construction. At the same news conference, the head of Russia's nuclear agency, Sergei Kiriyenko, said the talks -- which include negotiations for the completion of the Bushehr plant -- had further to go. "Implementation of the proposal will give time and will increase confidence," Kiriyenko said. The two countries "have almost no organizational, technical or financial problems" relating to the proposal, he said, stressing that it "is just an element of a complex approach." (Posted 8:35 a.m.) Marine officer calls for protests in Philippines MANILA (CNN) -- A Philippine marine officer Sunday called for protests against the removal of the head of the marines, who was relieved of duty following a thwarted plot to overthrow embattled President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The call, on national television, came shortly after a spokesman for the Philippine Army denied rumors that the Philippine Marines had withdrawn support for Arroyo. Earlier, a spokesman for the Philippine Marines, Maj. Melquiates Ordiales Jr., told a television news program he could confirm the rumor that the head of the Marines has been relieved of duty, but he would not say why. On Friday, Arroyo declared a state of emergency, after security forces thwarted what a top general said was a plot to overthrow her. (Posted 8:33 a.m.) Demonstrators clash with police in Lahore over cartoons LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- Hundreds of people clashed Sunday with police in demonstrations in various parts of Lahore against the publication of cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammed. Police used tear gas to subdue throngs of people irate that the government had refused to give them permission to demonstrate, police and witnesses said. Streets were nearly empty, as nearly all transportation had stopped, and police-manned checkpoints were set up around the city. Hundreds of people were arrested Sunday. (Posted: 5:07 a.m.) Explosion outside shia shrine in central Basra BAGHDAD (CNN) -- An explosion occurred at noon Sunday outside the Imam Ali Shia Shrine in central Basra, wounding two civilians, an Iraqi military spokesman said. The shrine is in the al-Ashar neighborhood. Also Sunday, a roadside bomb detonated in western Baghdad, killing two U.S. soldiers, the Combined Press Information Center said. One of the soldiers died immediately after the 2:50 a.m. attack; the other died later at a military hospital. The incident is under investigation. Also in Baghdad, gunmen attacked three Sunni mosques with small arms fire, Sunday after 1 a.m., an official with Baghdad emergency police said. (Posted: 4:47 a.m.) Prison riot outside Kabul KABUL (CNN) -- A riot has broken out at Pul-e-Charki Prison outside Kabul, the head of the Afghan Prison Service told CNN Sunday. "Police have surrounded the prison," said Gen. Bakhi. Pul-e-Charki prison is the most notorious prison in Afghanistan. It is a crumbling, Soviet-built complex in the desert near Kabul with anti-aircraft guns mounted on turrets pointing into the prison. During the Soviet period, it housed opponents of the regime; torture and execution of prisoners were commonplace. Some 70,000 bodies are believed to be buried around the prison in unmarked mass graves. (Posted: 1:30 a.m.) 
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