Separated Egyptian twins improving

Separated Egyptian twin Ahmed Ibrahim has been removed from a ventilator and joined his brother Mohamed, who has been breathing without assistance since the weekend.

The 2-year-old boys, who were born fused at the tops of their heads, were surgically separated in a 34-hour operation completed nine days ago.

Doctors said Ahmed was more alert and responded to his mother's voice with smiles. Mohamed continued to respond to commands. Yesterday he shook a rattle with his left hand when asked to by his mother. She applauded and he smiled.