NATO-led ISAF relocates forces from Afghan ministries

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 26, 2012
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The NATO-led forces on Saturday recalled its forces from Afghan ministries and other military installation in capital city of Kabul following a shooting incident in the country's Interior Ministry that left two ISAF service members dead, the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) said in a statement.

"I condemn today's attack at the Afghan Ministry of Interior that killed two of our coalition officers, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the brave individuals lost today," said Gen. John R. Allen, the top U.S. and NATO Commander in Afghanistan, in the ISAF statement.

"For obvious force protection reasons, I have also taken immediate measures to recall all other ISAF personnel working in ministries in and around Kabul," Gen. Allen added.

The shooting occurred on the fifth day of protests on Saturday across Afghanistan over Quran burning by U.S. forces in Bagram military base.

The motive behind the attack was not cleared. The Afghan Interior Ministry also confirmed the incident, only saying "Two international colleagues of Interior Ministry were killed in the premise of the ministry today afternoon."

Two ISAF soldiers were shot dead by a man in Afghan army uniform during a protest near a military camp in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday.

More than 30 people have been killed and over 180 injured during angry protests that broke out on Tuesday following reports of burning Quran by U.S. forces in Bagram airbase in Afghanistan.

"We are investigating the crime and will pursue all leads to find the person responsible for this attack. The perpetrator of this attack is a coward whose actions will not go unanswered," the ISAF statement further said.

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