Gwinnett Daily Post

KARACHI, Pakistan — A cargo plane crashed into a housing complex in Pakistan’s largest city soon after takeoff Sunday, setting off a huge blaze. The aircraft had eight crew on board, the civil aviation authority said,

Casualties on the ground appeared likely.

An Associated Press reporting team at the scene said several buildings were on fire and loud explosions were being heard. Fire trucks and ambulances were also present. The plane came down in a housing complex for Naval officers, the reporters said.

Witness Hasan Hashmi said fire could be seen from one of the plane’s engines as it flew overhead.

Aviation authority spokesman Pervais George said the Russian-made cargo plane was heading to Sudan when it came down two minutes after take off.

Suicide bombers kill 12 at Afghan police station

KABUL, Afghanistan — Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at an Afghan police headquarters Saturday, killing 12 officers in an area along the Pakistan border that still sees heavy Taliban attacks even as NATO pours in more troops and resources.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in eastern Paktika province, which has long been a refuge for Islamist extremists from around the world. It is one of the most violent areas of Afghanistan, where NATO and Afghan forces fight daily against the Haqqani network, a Pakistan-based Taliban faction closely tied to al-Qaida.

The attackers, who were disguised in police uniforms, made it through three security gates, said Nawab Waziry, the head of Paktika’s provincial council. One attacker detonated his explosives inside the police headquarters building, while the other blew himself up near the entrance about 20 minutes later.

US, South Korea push ahead with war games

YEONPYEONG ISLAND, South Korea — The United States and South Korea prepared for war games today as South Koreans demanded vengeance over a deadly North Korean artillery bombardment that has raised fears of more clashes between the bitter rivals.

The North, meanwhile, worked to justify one of the worst attacks on South Korean territory since the 1950-53 Korean War. Four South Koreans, including two civilians, died after the North rained artillery on the small Yellow Sea island of Yeonpyeong, which is home to both fishing communities and military bases.