The CNN Wire: Sunday, Oct. 14

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. "Posted" times are Eastern Time.

Trial starts Monday in Spain for 30 alleged terrorists

MADRID (CNN) -- Thirty suspected Islamic terrorists go on trial Monday in the anti-terrorism courthouse they are charged with plotting to destroy with a truck bomb, according to a prosecution document viewed by CNN.

The alleged terrorists planned to kill hundreds of judges, prosecutors, support staff and police officers who work daily at the National Court, which tries cases of terrorism, the document said. They also planned to destroy files against other Islamic terrorist suspects, including those charged in the Madrid train bombings, it added.

Prosecutors identified the alleged ringleader of the plot as Abderrahmane Tahiri, 34, of Morocco. Tahiri in the summer of 2004 -- months after the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people and wounded 1,800 others -- sought to obtain 500 kg (1,100 lbs) of explosives for the courthouse attack, the document said. From Bureau Chief Al Goodman (Posted 12:11 a.m.)

Ohio congressman heads for exits after 9 terms

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Ohio congressman David Hobson is the latest Republican to announce his exit from the House of Representatives, telling constituents Sunday he would step down in 2008 after nine terms in the House of Representatives.

Hobson, 71, is a senior member of the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the Pentagon. He has represented his district, which includes parts of the Dayton and Columbus areas, since 1991.

Hobson is the 11th GOP House member retire rather than run in the 2008 elections, when the party will be seeking to reclaim the congressional majorities it lost to Democrats in 2006. But Rep. Tom Cole, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, called Hobson's district "a strong Republican seat." (Posted 10:52 p.m.)

Texas students alive and well after cave search

(CNN) -- Muddy but unhurt, three University of Texas students emerged from a cramped cave complex in Austin, Texas, after a day-long search Sunday.

Lt. Matt Cox, an Austin Fire Department spokesman, said the students -- two women and one man -- were reported missing early Sunday after a trip into Airman's Cave, about four miles south of the university's campus. They were found about halfway down the 12,000-foot-long cave, which has few spaces big enough for an adult to stand upright and is explored primarily by experienced spelunkers.

The students were located shortly before 5 p.m. (6 p.m. ET), about 30 hours after they entered, and emerged about three hours later. Their names were not released Sunday night.

A friend called 911 to report them missing at 5 a.m., five hours after they had told emergency contacts that they expected to be out, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services agency said. Authorities did not know Sunday evening how the students became missing. (Posted 10:10 p.m.)

Sanchez blast met with surprise, recriminations

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sharp criticism from a retired former coalition commander in Iraq over the conduct of the war was met with a mixture of surprise, recrimination and disagreement Sunday from some members of the institutions he criticized.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" he was "astounded" by Friday's broadside from retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, who led U.S. and allied troops in Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

"Every time we talked to General Sanchez, we got pushback -- we have enough troops, Guard and reserves aren't being strained," Graham said, adding the war "got out of control under his watch."

Sanchez told reporters that American political leaders have cost American lives on the battlefield with their "lust for power" and called the war "a nightmare with no end in sight." But Graham and Sen. John McCain, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Sanchez failed to raise those concerns while in uniform.

"I wish that he had given us the benefit of that knowledge at the time," McCain, a GOP presidential contender, told CBS's "Face the Nation." (Posted 8:25 p.m.)

Iraqi Shiite leader meets with Sunni alliance

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- One of Iraq's top Shiite Muslim leaders visited the Sunni city of Ramadi on Sunday for meetings with American-allied tribal leaders despite reservations about their loyalty to the Shiite-dominated government.

Ammar al-Hakim, the son of the leader of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, visited what was once the heart of the insurgency against American forces for talks with provincial officials and members of the Anbar Awakening Council. He met with the group's leader, Sheik Ahmed Abu Reesha, during Sunday's visit.

U.S. leaders have touted the success of such groups, led by Sunni Arab sheiks, as a sign of "bottom-up" progress in the 4-year-old war even as nationwide efforts for a political settlement have faltered. But U.S. support for the groups -- which include former insurgents -- has raised alarm among Shiite leaders.

Speaking during a Saturday sermon marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, al-Hakim called for caution in arming the Sunni alliances, saying their members "should be vetted and their loyalties checked ... before they are incorporated into the police and army." (Posted 8:15 p.m.)

Texas students found alive and well after cave search

(CNN) -- Three University of Texas students were found alive and unhurt in a cave complex in Austin, Texas, after a day-long search Sunday, a Fire Department spokesman said.

Lt. Matt Cox, an Austin Fire Department spokesman, said the students -- two women and one man -- were reported missing early Sunday after a trip into Airman's Cave, about four miles south of the university's campus.

They were found about halfway down the 12,000-foot cave, which is explored primarily by experienced spelunkers, about 30 hours after they entered. "We evaluated them quickly and are now crawling with them to get out," Cox said. (Posted: 6:50 p.m.)

U.S. soldier dies in non-combat incident

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier with the Army's Task Force Lightning died Sunday in a "a non-combat related incident" in Nineveh province, the U.S. military said. "The incident is under investigation," the military said in a news release. The latest fatality brings the U.S. military death toll in Iraq to 3,829. Of those, 705 have been in non-hostile situations. (Posted: 5:14 p.m.)

Kurdish official: Turkish forces fire on Kurdish villages in northern Iraq

IRBIL, Iraq (CNN) -- Turkish forces overnight fired across the border on Kurdish villages in northern Iraq's Dohuk province, a Kurdish official told CNN's Nic Robertson Sunday.

Turkey had no immediate comment on the report.

Turkey's military reported Saturday that Kurdish rebels attacked Turkish border villages late Friday, calling such attacks unacceptable.

Turkey's parliament may consider as early as this week a motion to approve cross-border incursions into northern Iraq to fight the rebels who are using the region as a base -- a move U.S. officials fear could undermine regional stability. (Posted: 3:45 p.m.)

2 men, infant killed in LA tunnel fire, expected to snarl Monday commute

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (CNN) -- California officials Sunday said two men and an infant were killed in an intense fire sparked by a massive truck pile-up inside a Los Angeles County tunnel late Friday.

No other details on the victims have been released.

Deputy chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department John Tripp described the survival of 20 people who were trapped inside the tunnel on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 as "miraculous."

"They were able to assist each other and I think that's very commendable... how all those people were able to help each other without the first responders," Tripp said.

Of the survivors, eight sustained minor injuries and two were moderately injured, all with small lacerations and minor fractures, he said.

"We're again very unfortunate that we had the deceased ... but at the same time I think when we look at tunnel fires that have happened around the United States, let alone around the world, it was pretty miraculous that those people were able to get out like they were." (Posted 2:51 p.m.)

Russian media: Putin warned of possible assassination attempt during upcoming Iran visit

MOSCOW (CNN) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has been warned of a possible assassination attempt against him during a trip to Iran due to begin Tuesday, Russian state television reported Sunday.

No further details were given. (Posted 1:45 p.m.)

Fidel Castro speaks live on Cuban television

HAVANA (CNN) -- Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro talked live Sunday by telephone with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on a television show.

A few minutes prior to the telephone conversation, the 81-year-old revolutionary appeared in an approximately 15-minute conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart that was videotaped in Havana on Saturday afternoon, Cuban state media said.

The two men talked about the 40th anniversary of the slaying of revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Bolivia.

Castro, dressed in what appeared to be the same red, white and blue jacket that he has worn in previous appearances, appeared weak but animated. (Posted 1:05 p.m.)

Fidel Castro appears on Cuban television

HAVANA (CNN) -- Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro appeared Sunday on television talking with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The 81-year-old revolutionary appeared in a conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart that was videotaped in Havana on Saturday afternoon, Cuban state media said.

The two men talked about the 40th anniversary of the slaying of revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Bolivia.

Castro, dressed in what appeared to be the same red, white and blue jacket that he has worn in previous appearances, appeared weak but animated.

Chavez has flown to Cuba on repeated occasions since Castro fell ill 14 months ago and temporarily handed power over to this younger brother Raul Castro.

Fidel Castro has not appeared in public since then, but several photographs and videos of the revolutionary leader have been published by Cuban state media. (Posted 12:53 p.m.)

Blackwater founder: Guards were "definitely" shot at

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The head of Blackwater on Sunday rejected a mounting series of reports suggesting the private contractor's guards opened fire on innocent civilians last month. "There was definitely incoming small arms fire from insurgents" in the September 16 incident in Baghdad, founder and CEO Erik Prince told CNN's "Late Edition."

Still, when asked whether it is possible someone in Blackwater "screwed up" in the incident, Prince replied, "Certainly it's possible." He said he expects the FBI investigation to provide many answers.

Prince said Blackwater guards face dangerous circumstances on a daily basis and have navigated the vast majority without any violence. The guards protecting U.S. officials just try to do their jobs, and are "not trying to make any trouble," he said.

Survivors of the incident, in which the Iraqi government accuses Blackwater guards of fatally shooting 17 civilians without provocation, have told FBI investigators harrowing stories of being shot at by the guards despite presenting no threat. (Posted 12:42 p.m.)

Pelosi vows to move ahead with controversial vote on Armenian 'genocide' resolution

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday that she intends to move ahead with a vote on a controversial resolution that labels the deaths of more than a million Armenians during World War I as "genocide" -- a move that has rankled U.S. relations with Turkey and drawn criticism from the Bush administration.

"This resolution is one that is consistent with what our government has always said about ... what happened at that time," Pelosi said on ABC's "This Week."

When asked about criticism that it could harm relations with Turkey -- a key military ally and a fellow member of NATO -- Pelosi said, "There's never been a good time," adding that it is important to pass the resolution now "because many of the survivors are very old."

Speaking later on the same program, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced the House committee's vote -- despite agreeing with the assertion that the killings amounted to genocide. (Posted 12:42 p.m.)

Stay tuned: new video of Fidel Castro coming up

HAVANA (CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Sunday said new video of ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro would shortly be broadcast on Cuban and Venezuelan television.

The ideological allies met in Havana for four hours on Saturday afternoon, Cuban state media said.

Chavez said at the beginning of his weekly television address, "Alo Presidente," that the new, 17-minute video of Castro would be aired "in a few minutes." The Venezuelan leader was in Santa Clara, Cuba, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the execution of revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara.

Chavez also suggested the Castro might call in to his program, saying he would have a "surprise" for viewers. -- From CNN's Morgan Neill (Posted 12:22 p.m.)

Insurgents target Shiites on 2nd day of post-Ramadan festival; at least 24 dead in Baghdad, Samarra attacks

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Insurgents in Iraq targeted Shiite Muslims on Sunday -- the second day of the Eid al-Fitr festival -- in separate attacks that left at least 24 dead, Iraqi officials said.

The deadliest attack happened in Samarra, north of Baghdad, where a car bomb detonated near a mosque in the city's center. The explosion was followed by clashes between gunmen and Iraqi security forces, according to Samarra police.

At least 18 were killed -- 10 civilians and eight security officers -- and 37 were wounded in the explosion and gunfight in Samarra, police said.

Insurgents Sunday also bombed a minibus in Baghdad carrying Shiite pilgrims to Shia Islam's third holiest shrine, killing at least six and wounding nine others -- including women and children -- Iraqi officials said.

Eid al-Fitr is the he feast marking the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. -- From CNN's Jomana Karadsheh (Posted 10:30 a.m.)

Kurdish official: Turkish forces fire on Kurdish villages in northern Iraq

IRBIL, Iraq (CNN) -- Turkish forces overnight fired across the border on Kurdish villages in northern Iraq's Dohuk province, a Kurdish official told CNN Sunday.

Turkey had no immediate comment on the report.

Two U.S. envoys met with Turkish leaders in Ankara on Saturday to persuade the NATO ally to stop cross-border incursions targeting armed Kurdish rebels who have launched raids into Turkey from inside Iraq.

Turkish forces are poised to strike across the border to fight the rebel group -- the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK -- a move opposed by the Bush administration. The Turkish parliament could give approval for the incursion into Iraq as early as next week. -- From CNN's Nic Robertson in Irbil and Ingrid Formanek in Baghdad (Posted 10:24 a.m.)

Rapper T.I. arrested on federal gun charges, misses BET awards show

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Rapper T.I. was arrested Saturday on federal gun charges just hours before he was scheduled to perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards, according to federal authorities.

The entertainer, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was arrested in a federal sting after his bodyguard-turned-informant delivered three machine guns and two silencers to the hip-hop star, according to a Justice Department statement.

Authorities said that Harris, 27, provided the bodyguard $12,000 to buy the weapons, which Harris is not allowed to own because he is a convicted felon.

Court documents said Harris was convicted on felony drug charges in 1998, and a federal affidavit said he has been arrested on gun charges in the past.

However, one of his attorneys, Dwight Thomas, said he was not aware Harris was a convicted felon and that "a number of people" live in Harris' suburban Atlanta home. Thomas added there were "two sides to every story -- sometimes three" and he was confident the legal system would work in Harris' favor. (Posted 10:24 a.m.)

14 killed in Baghdad, Samarra car bombings

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A parked car bomb ripped through a busy commercial Shiite district in northern Baghdad on Sunday, killing at least six civilians and wounding nine others, an Interior Ministry official said.

The blast happened in Aden Square in the district of Kadhimiya.

In northern Iraq, a parked car bomb exploded in Samarra, killing eight people and wounding 17 others on Sunday, according to police reports.

It was the second bombing this weekend in the Shiite holy city of Samarra, located about 75 miles (120 km) north of Baghdad in Salaheddin province.

At least four Iraqi police commandos were killed Saturday following a bombing and insurgent attack targeting a police building in the city's center, police there told CNN.

Nine other commandos were wounded in the blast, which occurred after a suicide car bomber detonated his explosives.

Police said after the initial attack, gunmen attacked the position and a gun battle ensued.

--From CNN's Jomana Karadsheh

Car bomb explosion killed 8, wounds 17 north of Baghdad

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Eight people died and 17 others were wounded in a parked car bomb explosion near a mosque in the Salaheddin provincial city of Samarra on Sunday, according to initial police reports.

The previous day on Saturday, at least four Iraqi police commandos were killed following a bombing and insurgent attack targeting a police building in the city's center, police there told CNN.

Nine other commandos were wounded in the blast, which occurred after a suicide car bomber detonated his explosives.

Police said after the initial attack, gunmen attacked the position and a gun battle ensued.

Samarra is north of Baghdad. (Posted 6:55 a.m.)

Three die in tunnel fire on Interstate 5 in north LA County

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (CNN) -- Officials said Saturday they hope to have a California interstate tunnel open to traffic by Tuesday morning, depending on when they can assess its structural safety following a scorching fire that erupted from an apparent big-rig collision Friday night, burning so hot that only the frames of some vehicles were left.

Three people died in the fire in the tunnel on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, and 10 more were injured. The searing heat from the flames caused concrete inside the tunnel to explode, adding to the debris, authorities said.

As of about 5 p.m. Saturday (8 p.m. ET), the fires were out, except for some wreckage that was still smoldering, said John Tripp, deputy chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire, he said, burned "very intensely" for up to four hours and continued to burn into Saturday; officials said winds whipped the flames from one end of the tunnel to the other. Firefighters earlier in the day shot high-expansion foam into the tunnel in an effort to smother the fires so crews could enter on rescue missions. (Posted 2:27 a.m.)

Rapper "T.I." arrested on federal weapons charges

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Rapper "T.I." was arrested Saturday as he allegedly tried to add three machine guns and two silencers to what authorities said was an "arsenal" of weapons that, as a convicted felon, he was not allowed to own.

The entertainer, 27, whose real name is Clifford Harris, was taken into custody about 2:30 p.m. in Atlanta as he accepted delivery of the guns and silencers, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

Three other guns were found in the vehicle he was driving, authorities said, and police executing a search warrant at his home in suburban College Park, Ga., found six additional guns, five of them loaded, in his bedroom closet.

Court documents in the case show that Harris was convicted on felony drug charges in Cobb County, Ga., in 1998 and sentenced to seven years' probation. "Harris has additional arrests and at least one probation violation for unlawfully posesssing firearms," according to an affidavit. (Posted 10:52 p.m.)

Australian PM sets federal election for Nov. 24

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Australia's next federal election will be held Nov. 24, Prime Minister John Howard announced Sunday at a news conference in Canberra.

"This country does not need new leadership, this country does not need old leadership. It needs the right leadership," Howard said in making the announcement.

His remarks came after he made the traditional visit to the Queen's representative, Governor-General Major-General Michael Jeffery, asking him for permission to dissolve the parliament. The action paves the way for the six-week election campaign period to begin.

Howard, Australia's second-longest-serving prime minister, was previously won re-election three times. He is running for his fifth term in the upcoming election against Labor party leader Kevin Rudd. But Howard's Liberal Party/National Party coalition is facing an uphill battle, as recent polls show a majority of Australian voters are looking for a change in leadership. (Posted 10:17 p.m.) E-mail to a friend