Man in Afghan army uniform kills NATO soldierApril 26, 2012 - 20:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A man in an Afghan army uniform opened fire on NATO allies, killing one soldier before being shot dead, the NATO-led force in Afghanistan said Thursday, April 26, according to AFP. "An individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against coalition service members in southern Afghanistan late yesterday, killing one service member," NATO's International Security Assistance force (ISAF) said. "The individual who opened fire was killed when coalition forces returned fire," an ISAF statement said, adding that the nationality of the dead NATO soldier would be released in his home country. The shooting is the latest in a series of similar incidents in which Afghan soldiers have turned their weapons against NATO troops helping the Afghan government fight an insurgency by hardline Taliban Islamists. The death takes the toll of foreign troops killed by Afghans they were working with to 18 this year -- including seven Americans and five French trainers -- in 11 separate attacks. ISAF, which is training Afghans to take over responsibility for security for the whole country by the end of 2014 when foreign troops pull out, has said the deaths sap spirits among its troops. "Although the incidents are small in number we are aware of the gravity they have as an effect on morale," ISAF spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson said in Kabul earlier this month. "Every single incident has an out-of-proportion effect on morale and that goes for coalition forces as it goes for Afghan national security forces." Some of the attacks are claimed by the Taliban, who say they have infiltrated Afghan army ranks, but many are attributed to cultural differences and antagonism between the allied forces. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |