World briefs 12/5/05

Thousands march for full democracy in Hong Kong

HONG KONG -- Pressure mounted for Hong Kong and Beijing leaders to respond to calls for full democracy in this Chinese territory as tens of thousands of protesters marched Sunday, demanding the right to choose their leaders. Outside the government's headquarters, protesters demanded Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang respond immediately to calls for a roadmap specifying when and how the territory can have universal suffrage, promised as an eventual goal under its mini-constitution.

Defiant Gaza militants fire rockets at Israeli village

JERUSALEM -- Palestinian militants fired two rockets from Gaza into an Israeli village Sunday evening, despite Israeli airstrikes earlier in the day launched in response to previous attacks. There were no serious injuries, but the exchanges carried the danger of sudden escalation. Militants in northern Gaza fired two rockets at the village of Shuva, damaging a house. Shuva is four miles from the Gaza fence, demonstrating a longer range than usual for the homemade rockets.

U.S. missile may have struck Pakistani house

MIRAN SHAH, Pakistan -- Shrapnel that appeared to be from an American-made missile was found Sunday at the house where Pakistan said a top al-Qaida operative was killed in an explosion, although President Bush's national security adviser declined to confirm the death. U.S. and Pakistani officials declined to confirm an NBC report, citing anonymous officials, that the attack on the house where Hamza Rabia reportedly died was launched by a U.S. drone. But local residents found at least two pieces of shrapnel at the blast scene inscribed with the designation of the Hellfire missile, which is carried by the U.S. Air Force's unmanned, remote-controlled Predator aircraft.

-- From wire reports