WASHINGTON

Ban urged for shipments of lithium batteries on jets

Aircraft makers are urging a ban on bulk lithium battery shipments on passenger planes, calling the threat of fires “an unacceptable risk,” according to an industry position paper obtained by The Associated Press.

The International Coordination Council of Aerospace Industry Associations, which represents aircraft companies such as Boeing and Airbus, also is calling for stronger packaging and handling regulations for batteries shipped on cargo planes.

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, an umbrella group for pilot unions, joined the aircraft makers in issuing the paper.

The paper cites recent testing by the Federal Aviation Administration that shows the batteries emit explosive gases when overheated. It’s common for tens of thousands of batteries to be packed into a single shipping container. In the tests, a buildup of gases inside the containers led to explosions and violent fires.

N’DJAMENA, Chad

Chad, Niger soldiers enter Nigeria to fight Boko Haram

Soldiers from Chad and Niger launched the largest international push to defeat Nigeria’s Islamic extremists whose war has spilled over into neighboring countries, officials and witnesses said Monday. Chad’s president has warned that the leader of Boko Haram must surrender or be killed.

At least 200 vehicles of soldiers were spotted crossing from Niger into Nigeria. The push marks a sharp escalation by African nations against Boko Haram nearly six years after the group began its insurrection.

ROME

Police say two U.S. tourists carved names in Colosseum

Two American tourists face charges for carving their names in the Colosseum, the latest act of vandalism sustained by the ancient monument at the hands of tourists, police said Monday.

The tourists from California, ages 21 and 25, were cited Saturday, said Carabinieri Capt. Lorenzo Iacobone.

—From news service reports

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