Boy Scout Saves Maldives President From Assassin

A 15-year-old boy scout saved the Maldives president from an assassination attempt today, wrestling the assailant to the ground. AFP reports that a 20-year-old man brandishing a knife went after Maumoon Abdul Gayoom while he was visiting one of the archipelago's northern islands. Police are currently trying to establish the would-be assassin's motive.

"It is too early to say if he has links to any Islamic militant groups," a police spokesman said. The Maldives, which have a reputation for high-end tourism, suffered a bomb attack in September that injured 12 foreign visitors. Gayoom, president since 1978, has become increasingly authoritarian, cracking down on Islamic militants and the press. (More assassination attempt stories.)