World News: Soldiers rescue Ecuadorian leader trapped in hospital

Soldiers firing automatic weapons and concussion grenades rescued Ecuador's president today from a hospital where he had been trapped by police rebelling over benefit cuts.

At least one security force member was wounded in the 35-minute operation in the capital Quito and the government said at least one person was killed and six injured in clashes yesterday outside the hospital between Rafael Correa's supporters and rebel police.

After being spirited away from the hospital at top speed in an SUV, Mr Correa, 47, told cheering supporters from the balcony of the Carondelet palace that the uprising was more than a simple police protest.

"There were lots of infiltrators, dressed as civilian and we know where they were from," he shouted.

Mr Correa was trapped in the hospital for more than 12 hours after being treated for a tear-gassing that nearly asphyxiated him during a confrontation with hundreds of angry police officers who also shoved him and pelted him with water.

He thanked all his supporters who went to the hospital and "were ready to die to defend democracy".

Suspected militants in southern Pakistan today set fire to at least 27 tankers carrying fuel for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

Carter returns to Washington

Former US President Jimmy Carter has returned to Washington to celebrate his 86th birthday today after spending two nights in an Ohio hospital.

Doctors said he a viral infection was the likely cause of a stomach upset which had now cleared up.

Road collapse leaves 7 dead

A SECTION of a freeway being built collapsed in central Taiwan, killing six Indonesian workers and one Taiwanese.

Several steel pillars supporting the freeway gave way and sent large concrete slabs hurtling 160 feet towards the ground at the building site in Nantou county.

Freed hiker meets Obama

Sarah Shourd, the hiker recently freed by Iran, has met President Barack Obama at the White House.

She was accompanied by her mother and the mothers of the other two American hikers still held by the Iranians.

The White House said Mr Obama told them his administration will continue to do everything it can to secure the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. They've been held in Iran for more than a year.

Japan raises cigarette prices

Japan has imposed a 40 per cent tax hike on cigarettes, effectively raising the price on most brands by a third, to curb smoking.

The increase, taking a typical packet of cigarettes to 3.09, will raise 480m a year, but the government says the primary goal is to encourage smokers to quit.

Copter rescue after fire rips through tower

South Korea: A massive fire tore through a 38-floor apartment and tower in Busan today. Residents were being rescued by helicopter from the building's roof.

Germany: Police broke up a protest rally against a disputed railway project with water cannons and pepper spray, leaving at least 116 people injured.

Police said 99 adults and seven minors suffered slight injuries. Ten others with more serious injuries were taken to hospital.