General Santos, Philippines
A bomb exploded in an outdoor market in the southern Philippines last week, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. The market, in the city of General Santos, was especially crowded because extra kiosks selling Christmas ornaments and gifts had just been set up. No group claimed responsibility for the blast, but Islamic and communist separatist rebels have attacked in the region before. The Philippines has been an active ally in the U.S. war on terror, sharing intelligence and troops and allowing U.S. forces to use its territory. Christmas is a major holiday in the mostly Catholic country.
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