In brief: Iran test-fires missile in drill

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran test-fired a surface-to-surface cruise missile Monday in a drill its navy chief said proved Tehran was in complete control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for one-sixth of the world’s oil supply.

The 10-day naval maneuvers, which are scheduled to end today, were Iran’s latest show of strength in the face of mounting international criticism over its nuclear program. Tehran has threatened to close the strait as possible retaliation to new U.S. economic sanctions.

The missile was described as an upgraded version of one that has been in service before. The official IRNA news agency said the missile “successfully hit its intended target” during the exercise.

An earlier version of the same cruise missile had a range of 124 miles and could travel at low altitudes. There were suggestions it could counter the U.S. naval presence in the Persian Gulf.

On Sunday, Iran test-fired an advanced surface-to-air missile described as a medium-range weapon.

Bacteria found in official building

HONG KONG – The bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease has been found throughout Hong Kong’s brand new, $670 million government headquarters.

Checks were prompted after the education secretary came down with the potentially fatal illness last month. Health authorities said Monday that water samples taken from his new office’s bathroom found traces of legionella bacteria as high as 14 times above acceptable levels.

Authorities say the bacteria was found in nine more of 31 water samples, and that they are now disinfecting the building.

Hunger-striking prisoner dies

HAVANA – A leading human rights activist said a Cuban prisoner who launched a hunger strike because he was not part of a large prison amnesty has died of an apparent heart attack.

Rights activist Elizardo Sanchez said Monday that Rene Cobas died Sunday in the Boniato prison near the western city of Santiago. Sanchez said Cobas was a common criminal and not jailed for political reasons.

Sanchez said Cobas and about 20 other prison inmates launched a hunger strike after learning they were not part of a massive amnesty announced by President Raul Castro on Dec. 23.

Remains found on royal estate

LONDON – Human remains have been discovered on Sandringham estate, a vast area in rural Norfolk where the royal family retreats for the holiday season, local police announced Monday.

A Norfolk Constabulary website said that a member of the public found the remains on New Year’s Day in an area of woodland at Anmer, about 115 miles northeast of London. The hamlet is home to several dozen people and sits about three miles from Sandringham House

No indication of the age or nature of the remains was given, and police Sgt. Andrew Terry said no further information would be released until today.