WASHINGTON: American jets bombed sites in northern and southern Iraq in response to `provocation', the US military said. The bombing in the south `was in response to two Iraqi MIG 23 jets entering the no-fly zone,' said Major Joe Lamarca, spokesman for the US central command in Tampa, Florida.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have been placed on top alert following protests by Shi'ite Muslims angered by the murder of a senior Shi'ite cleric, sources said on Monday. Iraqi security forces clashed with Shi'ite protestors in several Iraqi cities for a third straight day, the leader of an Iraqi opposition group said in Tehran. Eyewitnesses said at least 100 people have been killed.

Anwar trial

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's sacked deputy premier said on Monday he never ordered police to cover up an investigation into alleged sex crimes by him. Anwar, answering queries by a defence lawyer at his corruption trial in the high court, stood by his argument that he was a victim of politicalconspiracy. A royal commission started public hearings into injuries the former cabinet minister sustained in police custody. Anwar's appearance in court in September with a black eye sparked global outrage. A police investigation failed to identify who had hit Anwar, although the attorney-general blamed police, prompting the police chief to quit last month.

Nigeria polls

LAGOS: The party led by former military ruler, Olusegun Obasanjo, looked set to capture a majority in Nigeria's general election. With nearly three-fourth of the votes counted, the People's Democratic Party won solid majorities in much of northern and eastern Nigeria and appeared set to win an absolute majority in both the 109-seat senate and the 360-seat house of representatives. The results suggest that Obasanjo is the favourite in next Saturday's presidential elections, which will complete the voting process. His sole rival is Olu Falae, who is backed by the PDP's rivals, the Alliance for Democracy and the All People's Party.