Briefly

MALDIVES

Terrorism behind blast hurting ex-president

Police said on Friday an explosion that wounded former president Mohamed Nasheed was an act of terrorism but no suspects were identified. Nasheed, 53, was wounded in the assassination attempt on Thursday night outside his home and was being treated in a hospital in the capital Male. Home Minister Imran Abdulla said Nasheed's injuries were not life-threatening. He is the current Parliament speaker and was the president of the Indian Ocean archipelago from 2008 to 2012. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast.

NEPAL

COVID-19 threatens peak comeback plans

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Qomolangma, known in the West as Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain, media reported on Friday. At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu. But the government has yet to confirm a single COVID-19 case on the mountain. Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue.

Agencies - Xinhua