EUROPE

BELFAST, Ireland — Northern Ireland police said three men had been arrested in connection with an attempt to lure officers to their deaths in a bomb attack last month.  The suspects, ages 33, 34, and 38, are now being questioned regarding the two devices planted in northern Belfast at the end of January.  The first bomb was discovered near a video store, and the second was hidden by a children’s bicycle and placed beside a scout hall in a busy residential area. Although neither bomb detonated, the traps were placed to “kill police officers, which could easily have murdered members of the public,” said Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway.

ASIA

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – After three bomb explosions Tuesday, four security personnel were killed and one oil tanker was destroyed in transit to NATO forces in Afghanistan. The three explosions were all separate and there has been no immediate claim of responsibility. According to CNN, “militants in the region have frequently targeted Pakistani security forces and supply trucks headed for Afghanistan in an effort to undermine U.S. and NATO efforts there.” Overall, two soldiers, two policemen and six others were injured. One bomb was planted in a village in Bannu, which is adjacent to a district with Taliban strongholds near the Afghan border. Earlier in the week, two other oil tankers were torched by armed militants, completely destroying them. Between the explosions on Tuesday and earlier in the week, five oil tankers were damaged and two were destroyed, all carrying fuel for NATO troops.

AFRICA

KHATOUM, Sudan — Final results of last month’s referendum show an overwhelming majority of southern Sudanese voted to split from the north, which will lead to the creation of the world’s newest nation, the referendum commission said Monday.  98.3 percent voted for separation, while 1.17 percent voted for unity. U.S. President Barack Obama announced Washington’s intention to recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent state in July when a comprehensive peace agreement with the north is due to end.  Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain said the United Kingdom would support the country’s new chapter, as Southern Sudan separates itself from northern domination and hostility