Three more bombs explode in capital

Multiple bombs exploded Wednesday in Kabul for the second day in a row, killing one bystander, wounding 47 and raising fears that violence largely confined to the south and east will increasingly make its way into the capital.

The blasts came as U.S.-led coalition forces in the south killed 35 suspected militants during a raid Tuesday night while hunting for Taliban fighters.

Three bombs exploded in Kabul in rush-hour attacks that targeted buses carrying government workers and security forces, police and witnesses said. On Tuesday, two similar bombings hit Kabul, leaving 10 injured.

Kabul’s police chief, Gen. Amanullah Ghuzar, said extra police will be posted at checkpoints around the city. He also said all pushcarts had been ordered removed from city streets. Three of the bombs in the last two days were hidden in pushcarts.

Caracas, Venezuela

Chavez welcomes AK-47 inventor

A pair of Russian-made fighter jets roared overhead and soldiers marched in formation carrying new Kalashnikov rifles Wednesday as Venezuela marked its Independence Day showcasing recent arms deals that have alarmed Washington.

President Hugo Chavez addressed the troops and thousands of spectators, saying his military is growing stronger despite U.S. attempts to block weapons sales.

“Venezuela is not preparing to invade anybody,” Chavez said. “But nobody mess with us, because we are ready to die to safeguard the sovereignty of this land.”

Tanks and jeeps rolled down a major avenue during Wednesday’s parade, while two recently bought Sukhoi fighter jets swooped and dived in the sky. Chavez welcomed the Russian inventor of the Kalashnikov rifle, the elderly Mikhail Kalashnikov, who was visiting along with a Russian military delegation.

“We salute General Kalashnikov,” Chavez said.