IN BRIEF: Judge releases five Algerians

Published: November 21, 2008

Judge releases five Algerians

WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Thursday ordered the release of five Algerians held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the continued detention of a sixth. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon said Washington’s evidence linking the five Algerians to al-Qaida was not credible.

U.S. contractor faces charge

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A defense contractor who provided personal security to Afghan and Iraqi leaders has been charged with killing an Afghan civilian. Don M. Ayala of New Orleans, who worked for contractor BAE Systems, is charged with murder in the Nov. 4 incident.

Pakistan rallies against strikes

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan protested to U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson on Thursday over a deep cross-border missile strike, and a militant group threatened to target foreigners. Pakistan said the U.S. strikes undermine public support for fighting insurgents.