Topic: Arson

Zetas break out of prison in Mexico. Who are they?

According to Mexican authorities, the Zetas have become the biggest drug trafficking organization in Mexico. On Feb. 19 Zeta members allegedly instigated a prison riot, killing members of the opposing Gulf Cartel, and covering up their escape. Here are four questions about the Zetas, answered. 

The Zetas now Mexico's largest drug gang. Who are they?

According to Mexican authorities, the Zetas have become the biggest drug trafficking organization in Mexico. A recent report from Stratfor, based on data from Mexico's attorney general's office, says the group now operates in 17 states, surpassing the geographical sway of the once-dominant Sinaloa Federation.

L.A. arson spree: Investigators drill down on motive

Harry Burkhart was arrested Monday in connection with the L.A. arson spree where more than 50 fires were started over four days. Pinpointing a motive is made difficult by ravaged crime scenes.

German mother of L.A. arsons suspect asks if 'Nazis' took her son

L.A. arsons: Was Harry Burkhart setting fires in reaction to the arrest last week of his mother?  German authorities want her for multiple counts of fraud.

German arrested in L.A. arsons declares, 'I hate America' (Video)

Harry Burkhart, a German citizen and resident of Hollywood, was arrested in connection to the 53 arson fires set across Los Angeles.

LA arson fires: 'Person of interest' in custody

LA arson fires now total 55. But Los Angeles police say they have a 'person of interest' in custody. Is he the LA arsonist?

More car fires hit LA on New Year's

Four more car fires broke out in the Los Angeles area New Year's Eve, leaving authorities to probe for links to a series of arson blazes that burned dozens of cars and spread to some structures.

Feds chasing fast-moving Hollywood arsonists

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined California fire investigators searching for arsonists torching cars at the height of arson season: New Year's. More cars burned Saturday morning.

Vandals torch second Palestinian mosque

The governor of the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Laila Ghanam, said arsonists doused the mosque in the village of Burqa with gasoline, then set it on fire.

Mexicans unite over arrest of alleged leader in Los Zetas cartel

Mexico has arrested Carlos Oliva Castillo, also known as 'the frog,' who was the alleged mastermind of a horrific arson attack on a casino that killed 52 people in August.

Mosque torching in Israel: Could it spark Arab Spring-style protests?

Today's mosque torching in northern Israel prompted clashes between police and Arab citizens, raising fears of an intifada inspired by the Arab Spring.

Wildfires in Texas: Does the Lone Star State have an arson problem?

Wildfires have burned 2,500 square miles and destroyed more than 250 homes. A majority of the fires have been set by hand, either on purpose or unintentionally, says the Texas Forest Service.

Copt-Muslim clash in Cairo renews question: Who are the Copts?

A fatal clash Tuesday between Muslims and Copts in Cairo has turned attention once again to religious tensions, which gained the spotlight after the bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria on New Year's Eve. In an overwhelmingly Muslim country, where does this religious minority fit in. And who are the Copts?

Israeli-Palestinian clashes over olive groves feed distrust

With Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations in limbo, a feud is escalating between Jewish settlers and Palestinian villagers over olive trees – and the land in which they're rooted.

Texas judge hears arson case that could prove wrongful execution

In Texas, a case could cast the death penalty into question if it proves the deceased defendant was wrongfully executed, and would be first time an official in the nation's most active death penalty state has formally declared someone was wrongfully executed.

Did militant Israeli settlers burn mosque near Bethlehem?

Many Israelis suspect militant Israeli settlers, seeking to incite religious violence and undermine peace negotiations, attacked a Palestinian mosque near Bethlehem.

Texas church fires: Who's behind them?

Texas officials are investigating a recent string of church fires in the state. Amid widespread speculation on motive, investigators of past church fires warn against jumping to conclusions.

As L.A. fire comes under control, lawmakers press for national arsonist registry

Two California lawmakers urge Congress to pass a bill that would track arsonists. More officers have been added to the arson probe into the Station wildfire.

L.A. fire, ruled arson, is now a crime scene

Eyewitness accounts and incendiary material point to arson as the cause of the largest fire in the area's history.

USA

Ecoterror resurfaces with Seattle arsons

The destruction of four luxury homes Monday suggest the involvement of the extremist Earth Liberation Front.