Briefly . . . NATION/WORLD

Bush: Won't jeopardize gains in Iraq with early pullout

LAS VEGAS - President Bush said yesterday that he won't jeopardize security gains in Iraq by withdrawing U.S. forces too fast, another signal that troop reductions could slow or stop altogether this summer.

The president said he would resist any temptation to bring troops home to score political points with a war-weary public or compromise with Democrats in Congress seeking to wind down the war.

The U.S. troop commitment is expected to be down to roughly 130,000 by July, the same number as before Bush sent in reinforcements a year ago.

"You know, a lot of folks say, 'What's next, Mr. President?' " Bush said. "And my answer is, we have come too far in this important theater in this war on terror not to make sure that we succeed. And therefore, any further troops reductions will be based on commanders and conditions."

_ In Iraq, violence returned yesterday to the southern city of Basra, where militants pummeled Britain's airport base with 20 rockets and British gunners answered with volleys of artillery. Civilians were killed and wounded in the crossfire.

In Baghdad, a bomb-rigged car blew apart at a bus stop, killing at least five people in a Shiite enclave that had not seen major violence in months.

The two attacks - in areas considered relatively stable - were troubling reminders that recent improvements in Iraqi security were fragile.

A U.S. soldier was killed yesterday by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, the military reported, but gave no other immediate details. The victim's name was not given because the family had not been notified.

_ Multiple new efforts aimed at stemming suicides in the Army are falling short of their goal: The service anticipates another jump in the annual number of soldiers who kill themselves or try to, including in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones.

As many as 121 soldiers committed suicide in 2007, an increase of 20 percent over 2006, according to figures released yesterday.

Cheney's revenge? Al Qaeda big slain by U.S missile

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - One of al Qaeda's top figures, Abu Laith al-Libi, has been killed in Pakistan, an Islamist Web site announced yesterday. Pakistani officials and residents said a dozen people, including seven Arabs, died in a missile strike in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border.

A U.S. official said it was an unmanned U.S. Predator missile. Al-Libi was believed to be the key link between the Taliban and al Qaeda and was blamed for masterminding the bombing of an American base while Vice President Dick Cheney was visiting Afghanistan last year. He was listed among the Americans' 12 most-wanted men with a bounty of $200,000 on his head.

Pakistani officials denied any knowledge of al-Libi's death. The killing of such a major al Qaeda figure is likely to embarrass President Pervez Musharraf, who has repeatedly said he would not sanction U.S. military action against al Qaeda members believed to be regrouping in the lawless area near the Afghan border.

Senate Republicans hold fast, stimulus package moves on

WASHINGTON - Backed solidly by the Bush administration, Senate Republicans yesterday said they would block a $157 billion economic stimulus package championed by Senate Democrats, who said they would have no choice but to quickly adopt a cheaper, more streamlined plan approved this week by the House.

Democratic Senate leaders said they still hoped to secure changes to the House plan when they voted on it next week. They said they remained on track to get the plan, a portfolio of tax rebates and business tax breaks aimed at jolting the economy, to President Bush for his signature by Feb. 15.

Distributing mosquito nets

does cut malaria, WHO says

Widespread distribution of mosquito nets and a new medicine sharply reduced malaria deaths in several African countries, World Health Organization researchers reported yesterday.

The report was one of the most hopeful signs in the long battle against a disease that is estimated to kill a million children a year in poor tropical countries.

"We saw a very drastic impact," said Dr. Arata Kochi, chief of malaria for the WHO. "If this is done everywhere, we can reduce the disease burden 80 to 85 percent in most African countries within five years."

Holding drives to distribute insecticide-impregnated nets is a growing trend.

Boy, 9, a molester?

MINNEAPOLIS - An American Indian tribe has closed the child-care centers at its two casinos while authorities investigate a reported sexual assault by a child against a 3-year-old boy.

Mille Lac tribal authorities said the suspect is a boy about 9 years old but wouldn't identify him further. The police report will remain confidential at least until the investigation is finished, tribal police Sgt. Justin Churchill said. *

-Daily News wire services