U.S. & World News Digest, 4-17

Boko Haram militants attack in Cameroon

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Boko Haram militants killed at least 12 people in attacks on two Cameroonian villages on the northern border with Nigeria, a senior military official said Friday.

The Islamic extremists entered the villages of Bia and Diana late Thursday, looting and burning property while shooting indiscriminately, leaving 10 men and two women dead, said Col. Jacob Kodji in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

"You know our boundary with Nigeria is very porous and some people have been traumatized," he said.

Cameroon has deployed troops to the area and a few arrests have been made, he said. Soldiers from neighboring Chad, Cameroon and Niger have helped oust Boko Haram in recent weeks from Nigerian towns held for months.

Boko Haram's nearly 6-year-old Islamic uprising in northeast Nigeria that has killed thousands — a reported 10,000 just last year — and forced more than 1.5 million from their homes.

Okla. deputy disputes claim he lacked training

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A 73-year-old Oklahoma volunteer deputy charged in the fatal shooting of a suspect in Tulsa has countered criticism of his qualifications.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the April 2 shooting, Robert Bates told NBC's "Today" show that characterizations of himself as a wealthy donor paying to join the force are "unbelievably unfair."

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office volunteer also disputed anonymously sourced comments in the Tulsa World newspaper that sheriff's office supervisors were ordered to falsify his training records. He says he is property certified.

Video released by the sheriff's office shows Eric Harris running and deputies restraining him after an undercover gun deal. Bates says he shot the 44-year-old suspect after confusing his stun gun and handgun.

The Tulsa district attorney has charged Bates with second-degree manslaughter.

Montenegro policeman arrest 16 for smuggling

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Police in Montenegro say they have arrested 16 people suspected of smuggling into Serbia 138 Syrian migrants who were trying to flee their war-ravaged country and reach Western Europe

Police said Friday they have broken a human smuggling chain from Albania to Serbia that passes Montenegro. Tens of thousands of migrants from Africa and the Middle East have traveled illegally through the Balkans, mostly toward Hungary at Serbia's northern border.

Montenegrin police say one of those arrested is a Serbian citizen. Police say they are searching for two more suspects.

Florida ethics panel: Rivera deserves fine

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida government commission says former U.S. Rep. David Rivera broke the state ethics law while he was in the state Legislature and should pay nearly $60,000 fines and penalties.

The Miami Republican is accused of getting reimbursed for travel expenses that were paid by his campaign.

Rivera did not comment following Friday's hearing by the Florida Commission on Ethics. His attorney said Rivera will appeal.

Leonard Collins told commissioners that Rivera was denied due process in the case. He also said the commission lacked jurisdiction to pursue some of the charges.

'Star Wars: Battlefront' unleashed at fan event

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Force isn't merely awakening on the big screen. It's also returning to the video game realm.

"Star Wars: Battlefront" publisher Electronic Arts and developer DICE showcased their next-generation rendition of the "Star Wars" multi-player shooter Friday at Celebration, the annual "Star Wars" fan extravaganza.

The new iteration of "Battlefront" takes place amid the original film trilogy and is scheduled for release Nov. 17 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

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