A round-up of today's other world news in brief ...
Last British troops leave Iraq
LONDON – Six years after the invasion of Iraq, British troops yesterday formally ended their combat mission, the UK’s most controversial military operation since the Suez crisis more than 50 years ago, when they handed over their airport base to a US brigade.
“The role of British ground forces is finished,” a defence official said, having completed their mission of mentoring and training two Iraqi army divisions. Yesterday’s ceremonies were in many ways symbolic. British forces had been winding down their presence in Basra for many weeks and had already handed over responsibility for Basra’s security to the Iraqis at the start of the year.
It was significant that UK forces handed over their base not to the Iraqis but the Americans.
US forces will remain in Basra protecting the supply route from Kuwait, and helping the Iraqi army.
– (Guardian service)
Seven die in Congo air crash
KINSHASA – Seven people died in Wednesday’s plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo, its transport minister said yesterday.
The Boeing 737 was flying from Bangui, capital of Central African Republic, to Zimbabwe for a maintenance check and was carrying crew and mechanics when it crashed about 210km (125 miles) east of Kinshasa.
– (Reuters)
Saudi man (50) to divorce wife (9)
JEDDAH – A 50-year old Saudi man has agreed to divorce his nine-year-old bride, media reported yesterday, after the marriage drew international criticism.
The decision came after months of court hearings, criticism from the United Nations and an international media frenzy about Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices.
“This is a good step and I think the man did it because he was in a lot of pressure from everyone,” said Wajeha Al-Huaider, founder of the Group for Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia. – (Reuters)
39,000 for early Darwin edition
LONDON – An early
edition of one of the most famous scientific books in history fetched £35,000 (€39,000) at an auction yesterday.
The first issue, first edition of Charles Darwin’s 1859 work On The Origins Of Species went under the hammer in Aylsham, Norfolk.
Andrew Bullock of auctioneers Keys said local book dealer Hamish Riley-Smith won the bidding. – (PA)
Elderly man mauled by mice
BRISBANE – A bedridden 89-year-old man was mauled in his nursing home by a pack of mice that shredded his ears.
The Australian government has begun an investigation into the case at the home in Queensland.
Ray Hopper, a member of the state government, said the victim was found covered in blood by nursing staff on Saturday. – (AP)