In Brief: Teen climbs spire atop 1 World Trade Center

New York – A New Jersey teenager managed to wiggle through a security fence then make his way past a guard to the spire atop 1 World Trade Center, the nation’s tallest building, where he took pictures before he was apprehended, officials said Thursday.

The boy, who authorities said was being treated as an adult, was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass in the Sunday morning stunt and faces up to a year in jail if convicted. Officials identified him as Justin Casquejo, 16, of Weehawken, N.J.

The World Trade Center in New York City was one of the targets of an al-Qaida terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, but has since been rebuilt. Colloquially known as Freedom Tower, 1 World Trade Center is the primary building in the complex and is scheduled to open in the summer. Its spire reaches the symbolic height of 1,776 feet, to mark the year of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Syrian military captures castle

Beirut – The Syrian military on Thursday captured a historic Crusader castle that had long been a highly symbolic rebel bastion, the latest victory in an ongoing offensive along the Lebanese border, according to government and opposition accounts.

Krak des Chevaliers, a colossal hilltop fortress dating to the 12th century named after a medieval Crusader order, was overrun after a series of fierce battles in the nearby town of Hossen that concluded with government troops hoisting a Syrian flag above the celebrated citadel.

The image of the national colors rising above the renowned monument, a moment captured on video broadcast on Syrian state television, was a dramatic indication of how pro-government forces have gained ground in recent months against deeply divided rebels fighting to oust President Bashar Assad.

Netanyahu’s wife faces accusations

Jerusalem – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found himself engulfed in a fresh controversy Thursday after a former member of his housekeeping staff filed a lawsuit claiming he was mistreated and verbally abused by the Israeli leader’s wife, Sara.

It was the latest in a string of cases to taint Israel’s first family, who have been accused of enjoying an extravagant lifestyle while ignoring the plight of the struggling middle class.

Netanyahu’s office rejected the claims as “outrageous.”