World News Briefs -- May 24, 2009

The body of what is said to be Tamil Tiger rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in the district of Mullaittivu on May 19. Two top members of the Tamil Tigers may have been shot by their own side or executed by Sri Lankan troops while trying to surrender, according to conflicting accounts of the last days of the rebels. (AFP/File)

Defeated Tamil Tiger Rebels Confirm Leader's Death -- Yahoo News/AP

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The defeated Tamil Tiger rebels confirmed Sunday that their supreme leader was killed in the group's final battle against Sri Lankan troops.

The almost mythic commander, Velupillai Prabhakaran, led a terror-driven Tamil insurrection in Sri Lanka for more than a quarter century. Last week the government declared it finally killed Prabhakaran and proclaimed victory against his Tamil Tigers, crushing the rebellion that the U.N. estimates cost between 80,000 to 100,000 lives.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israeli defense minister: Outposts to be evacuated.

Netanyahu: We'll build in existing settlements.

Kuwait: 18 swine flu-infected US troops have left.

Iran cuts access to Facebook as election looms.

Hezbollah denies report about Hariri assassination.

ASIA

Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal. Ex-South Korean president in bribes probe leaps to his death. South Korea plans public funeral for ex-leader Roh.

Pakistan says decisive battle against the Taliban has begun. Waziristan operation not on the horizon: Zardari.

Iran says foreign troops no help to region's security.

AFRICA

Blast kills seven in Mogadishu.

Party quits talks in Madagascar.

Displaced Nigerians in desperate need of water, food and services.

EUROPE

No Gas Deal at the E.U.-Russia Summit.

Russia alarmed over new EU pact.

Hundreds of UK lawmakers could face ouster or quit.

AMERICAS

Guerrilla war displaces millions of Colombians.

International groups worry over Venezuela's stance on free press.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Failed New York terror plot widens debate over closing Guantanamo.

Egypt arrests 7 people in connection with Cairo bombing that killed French tourist.

GOP leader calls Obama Gitmo claim 'palpably false'.

Radicals in our prisons.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

World Bank warns of social unrest.

British banks revolt against Obama tax plan.

Obama Blames 7 Straw Men for Being 'out of money'.