Oct. 16 Photo Brief: Saving Private Ryan Thomas, cheering for Malala, Navratri Hindu festival

16 photos

In the field video and photos of an Afghan IED attack that injured Private Ryan Thomas, Indian sand artist sculpts in honor of Pakistani girl Malala Yousufzai, the Dashain and Navratri Hindu festivals get underway and more in today’s daily brief.

Taliban says its attack on Pakistani schoolgirl justified
Reuters
8:09 a.m. EDT, October 16, 2012

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Taliban insurgents said on Tuesday that the Pakistani schoolgirl its gunmen shot in the head deserved to die because she had spoken out against the group and praised U.S. President Barack Obama.

Malala Yousufzai, 14, was flown to Britain on Monday, where doctors said she has every chance of making a “good recovery”.

The attack on Yousufzai, who had been advocating education for girls, drew widespread condemnation.

Pakistani surgeons removed a bullet from near her spinal cord during a three-hour operation the day after the attack last week, but she now needs intensive specialist follow-up care.

Authorities have said they have made several arrests in connection with the case but have given no details.

Pakistan’s Taliban described Yousufzai as a “spy of the West”.

Read More.