2 U.S. Troops Killed by Afghan Policeman
An Afghan policeman conducting a joint operation with U.S. soldiers opened fire on the Americans, killing two of them before fleeing, an Afghan official said Saturday, raising fears that militants have infiltrated the ranks of Afghan forces.
The U.S. military earlier said two American troops died in a firefight in Wardak on Friday, but declined to confirm any new details.
Although Afghan forces have periodically turned their guns on international troops, training and working jointly with Afghan police and soldiers on patrols and operations are key to the U.S. strategy of curbing the spreading Taliban-led insurgency.
Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the Wardak provincial governor, said the policeman fired on the Americans while they were patrolling together Friday night, killing two and injuring two. Shahid said two of the officer's relatives were in custody for questioning.
A third U.S. service member died Friday of wounds from a bomb attack in Wardak the day before.
CBSNews.com Special Report: Afghanistan
Over a period of less than a month last year, Afghan policemen twice attacked American soldiers in the east. In October 2008, a policeman hurled a grenade and opened fire on a U.S. foot patrol, killing one soldier. In September 2008, an officer opened fire at a Paktia police station, killing a soldier and wounding three before he was fatally shot.
Most recently, an American service member and an Afghan police officer argued in Kabul because the American was drinking water in front of police during the Ramadan fast, prompting the police officer to shoot the American. Other American troops responded and seriously wounded the Afghan.
In other violence Saturday, a Taliban attack on a NATO supply convoy in western Afghanistan killed a civilian contractor escorting the trucks, said Raouf Ahmadi, a regional police spokesman.
In the north, a Finnish convoy hit a roadside bomb, destroying one of the vehicles and injuring four soldiers, Afghan and Finnish officials said. Northern Balkh province, where the Finnish soldiers are based, has been relatively peaceful but still sees some violence.
U.S. and NATO deaths dropped in September over the previous two months - possibly due to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan or because no major offensives were launched. But since President Barack Obama's decision to send 21,000 more troops to curb the growing Taliban-led insurgency, international and civilian tolls have risen steadily.
(Left: An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Alex French IV Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, French, 31, of Milledgeville, Ga., died Sept. 30 in Kwhost, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.)
U.S. forces mounted major operations in July and August in southern Afghanistan to try to dislodge the Taliban from longtime strongholds and improve security ahead of the Aug. 20 presidential election, the outcome of which remains in doubt because of allegations of massive fraud by supporters of President Hamid Karzai.
By Associated Press Writer Rahim Faiez
© 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The U.S. military earlier said two American troops died in a firefight in Wardak on Friday, but declined to confirm any new details.
Although Afghan forces have periodically turned their guns on international troops, training and working jointly with Afghan police and soldiers on patrols and operations are key to the U.S. strategy of curbing the spreading Taliban-led insurgency.
Shahidullah Shahid, a spokesman for the Wardak provincial governor, said the policeman fired on the Americans while they were patrolling together Friday night, killing two and injuring two. Shahid said two of the officer's relatives were in custody for questioning.
A third U.S. service member died Friday of wounds from a bomb attack in Wardak the day before.
CBSNews.com Special Report: Afghanistan
Over a period of less than a month last year, Afghan policemen twice attacked American soldiers in the east. In October 2008, a policeman hurled a grenade and opened fire on a U.S. foot patrol, killing one soldier. In September 2008, an officer opened fire at a Paktia police station, killing a soldier and wounding three before he was fatally shot.
Most recently, an American service member and an Afghan police officer argued in Kabul because the American was drinking water in front of police during the Ramadan fast, prompting the police officer to shoot the American. Other American troops responded and seriously wounded the Afghan.
In other violence Saturday, a Taliban attack on a NATO supply convoy in western Afghanistan killed a civilian contractor escorting the trucks, said Raouf Ahmadi, a regional police spokesman.
In the north, a Finnish convoy hit a roadside bomb, destroying one of the vehicles and injuring four soldiers, Afghan and Finnish officials said. Northern Balkh province, where the Finnish soldiers are based, has been relatively peaceful but still sees some violence.
(AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
(Left: An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Alex French IV Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, French, 31, of Milledgeville, Ga., died Sept. 30 in Kwhost, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.)
U.S. forces mounted major operations in July and August in southern Afghanistan to try to dislodge the Taliban from longtime strongholds and improve security ahead of the Aug. 20 presidential election, the outcome of which remains in doubt because of allegations of massive fraud by supporters of President Hamid Karzai.
By Associated Press Writer Rahim Faiez
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Americans on the otherhand die for money,his Spirit is among his ememies. Americans don't believe in the SPIRIT,thier belief is in Money. I'm willing to think more Americans are to go to Afghanistan
for the joy of MONEY.Thier own Mother's will believe it's for FREEDOM.
This war seems to me to be a losing proposition. If we decide to stay there, get ready for a very long haul. Obama will be leaving office in 7 years and that war will STILL be going on.
I say pull out. The Taliban will never be crushed. They are in so many nations all over the world. We going to invade all those host nations too? This is madness. Get the soldiers home. We're chasing a ghost over there.
Even better idea, kill one member of the rogue officers family for each soldier killed.
I pray that it doesn't come to that, but something must be done.
What's that "1" doing after your name? Hmmm? Were you bad?
I have to say that I'm a little surprised at your comment. : )
Time to get the F^*#@# out......
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We're up against a foe in Afghanistan who knows his way around death and brutality... so if you want "victory".. you better have the stomach for lots of body bags and wheelchairs trickling back to the states. And... you better make sure that it's worth the cost... cause someone is gonna have to pay the bill. This war ain't gonna be won with fancy drones and troops riding around in half-million dollar mine-resistant (not mine-proof) vehicles.
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Sounds like everyone has to watch everyones back or they will be killed by friendly fire this makes really ill and that is a fact.
MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM EVERYWHERE ALL OVER THE WORLD NOW AND FOR ALL TIME AS I AM SURE HE WILL!!!
Forthe first time I'll agree with you.Obama has no defined goals,strategy or purpose.
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Reminds me of you, Baggy.