1. American Soldier Accused of Killing 16 Afghan Civilians. A U.S. Army soldier is accused of killing 16 Afghans in their homes after leaving his base. Among the dead are nine children. Some of the victims’ bodies were set on fire. There is no current motive for the shooting, but the soldier is known to have served multiple tours of duty in Iraq prior to his transfer to Afghanistan. It is not known why he was allowed to leave the base perimeter on his own without any military assignment given to him. Afghans are demanding that the suspect be tried in Afghanistan. He is currently in military custody and will face a military tribunal. If convicted, he is eligible to be executed. (Source: BBC)
2. Ferry in Bangladesh Sinks; Over 100 Killed. A Bangladeshi ferry that sank after hitting an oil barge was salvaged on Mar. 14 along with scores of bodies, with the toll from the country’s latest ferry disaster exceeding 100. Dozens of people are still listed as missing, according to government officials said. The MV Shariatpur-1 sank after hitting a barge on Mar. 13 in the Meghna River, about 50 km (30 miles) south of the capital, Dhaka, with approximately 250 people on board. Approximately 80 passengers managed to swim to safety. Ferries in Bangladesh are frequently overcrowded, and incidents involving mass casualties are more common than in other nations. (Source: Reuters)
3. 28 Dead in Switzerland Bus Crash. A bus filled with Belgian children returning from a ski trip in Switzerland collided with a tunnel wall, killing 28. Among the dead are 22 children. There were an additional 24 injuries. The accident comes as a shock to those involved, especially since the drivers are believed to have been well-rested prior to beginning their drive, and the company which operates the bus has “an excellent reputation” according to the Belgian Minister of Transport. Adverse road conditions are not believed to be responsible for the accident, though an investigation has been opened into the cause. (Source: BBC)
4. North Korea Announces Satellite Launch; US Expresses Concern. In honor of the 100th birthday of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-Sung, North Korea will launch what it claims is a “working satellite.” The United States, South Korea and Japan have expressed fears that this will actually be a missile test, and will be intended to perfect a delivery mechanism for a nuclear warhead. The United States may suspend its earlier agreement to deliver over 200,000 tons of food aid to North Korea, citing a threat to regional security.” North Korea agreed to suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for aid, but missile testing could jeopardize the deal with the United States. (Source: Al Jazeera)
5. Three French Paratroopers Killed in Southern France. Three French paratroopers were shot and killed by an unidentified man on a motorcycle within one week of each other. The attacks are believed to be related. The paratroopers were shot off base while on leave from their assignments. One had returned from having been deployed to Afghanistan. Military personnel in southern France have been asked to avoid wearing their uniforms in public, as there may be additional attacks. The attacker is believed to be operating alone. No motive for the killings was officially released. (Source: CBC)
