Several Afghan, U.S. soldiers shot dead, ISAF saysMarch 11, 2013 - 16:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several U.S. and Afghan soldiers have been shot dead by a gunman wearing Afghan uniform, the international military force ISAF says, according to BBC News. Several others were wounded in the attack at a remote military base in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials told the BBC the gunman was either a member of the local police or an insurgent posing as one. Last year more than 60 NATO troops were killed by rogue members of the Afghan security forces. Afghan officials said the shooting happened in Wardak province, where the Afghan government had demanded the withdrawal of U.S. special forces over allegations of disappearances and torture by Afghan troops working with them. Earlier on Monday, March 11, police in the Afghan capital Kabul said two civilian lorry drivers were killed and one wounded when they were fired on by an ISAF convoy. ISAF said soldiers opened fire to protect themselves when the two drivers failed to comply with a warning from the convoy. The latest deaths come amid continuing tension between the Afghan government and the U.S., as NATO troops prepare to end combat operations next year. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been strongly critical of U.S. and allied forces for causing civilian casualties. So-called "insider attacks" by members of the Afghan security forces or insurgents posing as them account for a growing proportion of ISAF casualties. 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |