In Brief

Indonesia security up after executions

TENGGULUN, Indonesia: Indonesia boosted security yesterday after three Islamic militants were executed for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people. Emotional supporters thronged ambulances carrying their caskets through narrow streets, some calling for revenge. Several embassies, including those of the United States and Australia, urged citizens to keep a low profile, saying they could be targeted. Imam Samudra, 38, and brothers Amrozi Nurhasyim, 47, and Ali Ghufron, 48, went before a firing squad near their high-security prison on Nusakambangan island, said Jasman Panjaitan, a spokesman for the attorney general's office. The Oct. 12, 2002, attacks - allegedly funded by al-Qaida and carried out by the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah - were the first of several suicide bombings in the world's most populous Muslim nation. Many of those killed were Western tourists, who packed into two nightclubs on the popular resort island. The three militants confessed to helping plan and carry out the attacks.

AIG is reportedly near deal for new bailout plan

NEW YORK : American International Group Inc. was reportedly near a deal late yesterday for a revised bailout package from the U.S. government that would make borrowing terms easier for the troubled insurer. A proposed $123 billion bailout package would be replaced with a new $150 billion package, according to The Wall Street Journal. Details of the arrangement could be announced today, when AIG is scheduled to report its third-quarter results. The plan reportedly would replace an $85 billion two-year loan with a $60 billion five-year loan at a lower interest rate. The government also reportedly would inject $40 billion into AIG in exchange for preferred stock. The government had earmarked $85 billion in September for AIG's rescue. Another $37.8 billion was made available in October.