Bomb attack targets NATO military convoy in Afghanistan
A bomb attack on Wednesday targeted a military convoy of NATO-led Coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province with casualties, a local official said.
"I do confirm there was a blast on a foreign troop's military convoy at around 10:30 a.m. local time Wednesday in Rauza area of the provincial capital Ghazni city," spokesman for the local government Hazrat Mohammad Ghaznawi told Xinhua.
There are casualties, Ghaznawi said, adding at least three foreign troops may have been killed in the incident.
Meantime, a spokesman with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed the incident.
"We are aware of an incident in Ghazni province today," the spokesman with the ISAF Joint Command (IJC) told Xinhua via cell phone, adding the ISAF was gathering information about the incident and more details will be released to media as become available.
However, a witness near the blast site told Xinhua that the explosion was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that went off near an armored vehicle of NATO-led ISAF forces convoy which was on a routine patrol in the area.
Another witness in the area also said that at least three foreign troops were killed in the blast and another injured in the attack in the province with Ghazni city as its capital, 125 km south of Kabul.
Troops mainly from Poland and the U.S., within the 130,000- strong ISAF forces, are stationed in Ghazni province.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch a rebel offensive from May 1 against Afghan and NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 17:47:55
GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Dec. 21 (Xinhua)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
50 insurgents killed, 364 detained in month: Afghan official
50 insurgents killed, 364 detained in month: Afghan official
Afghan army during joint and independent operations have eliminated at least 50 suspected insurgents and detained some 364 others over the past one month, a spokesman of country's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
"Afghan National Army (ANA), during independent and joint operations with coalition forces, have killed 50 enemies and detained 364 other insurgents over the last month," General Zahir Azimi told reporters in a weekly press conference here.
Azimi also said that the ANA forces injured over a dozen more insurgents besides uncovering and defusing 380 mine and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the same period of time, counted from Nov. 22 to Dec. 20.
"Forces with ANA in collaboration with Afghan police and coalition troops also found and seized 117 kilograms of explosive materials in different parts of the country," Azimi said, adding currently 27 military operations were going on around the country.
However, he asserted that as many as 54 soldiers and officers with the ANA were also killed in insurgent attacks, military operations and IED blasts over the same period of time.
"The strength of ANA currently has reached to over 180,000 and it is projected to reach to 195,000 by October 2012," Azimi said.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch a rebel offensive from May 1 against Afghan and around 130,000 NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Taliban insurgent group has yet to make comments.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 16:19:42
KABUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua)
Afghan army during joint and independent operations have eliminated at least 50 suspected insurgents and detained some 364 others over the past one month, a spokesman of country's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
"Afghan National Army (ANA), during independent and joint operations with coalition forces, have killed 50 enemies and detained 364 other insurgents over the last month," General Zahir Azimi told reporters in a weekly press conference here.
Azimi also said that the ANA forces injured over a dozen more insurgents besides uncovering and defusing 380 mine and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the same period of time, counted from Nov. 22 to Dec. 20.
"Forces with ANA in collaboration with Afghan police and coalition troops also found and seized 117 kilograms of explosive materials in different parts of the country," Azimi said, adding currently 27 military operations were going on around the country.
However, he asserted that as many as 54 soldiers and officers with the ANA were also killed in insurgent attacks, military operations and IED blasts over the same period of time.
"The strength of ANA currently has reached to over 180,000 and it is projected to reach to 195,000 by October 2012," Azimi said.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch a rebel offensive from May 1 against Afghan and around 130,000 NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Taliban insurgent group has yet to make comments.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 16:19:42
KABUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhua)
Afghan police gun down suspected suicide bomber
Afghan police gun down suspected suicide bomber
Afghan police gunned down a suspected suicide bomber in Khost province 150 km southeast of Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, a press release of Interior Ministry issued here said.
"A suicide bomber attempting to enter the branch of Kabul bank in Khost city the capital of Khost province this morning was identified and gunned down by police at 10:00 a.m. today," the press release added.
One of the guards of the Kabul bank received injuries in the incident, it added said.
Previously, few militants including suicide bombers entered a branch of the private Kabul bank in eastern Jalalabad city in February leaving 38 people dead and injuring 71 others.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 15:52:05
Afghan police gunned down a suspected suicide bomber in Khost province 150 km southeast of Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, a press release of Interior Ministry issued here said.
"A suicide bomber attempting to enter the branch of Kabul bank in Khost city the capital of Khost province this morning was identified and gunned down by police at 10:00 a.m. today," the press release added.
One of the guards of the Kabul bank received injuries in the incident, it added said.
Previously, few militants including suicide bombers entered a branch of the private Kabul bank in eastern Jalalabad city in February leaving 38 people dead and injuring 71 others.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 15:52:05
David Cameron visits British troops in Afghanistan
Cameron visits British troops in Afghanistan
British Prime Minister David Cameron paid a surprise visit to remaining British troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to a government statement.
Cameron said a main purpose of his trip was to say "a big thank you" to British service personnel and their family and wish them a merry Christmas.
Speaking to reporters in Kandahar, Cameron repeated his commitment that the British troops will be pulled out from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, but rejected any early withdrawal plan in 2013.
The trip came as the government said it was creating a cabinet committee with responsibility for the armed forces. Cameron also discussed the role the committee would play in a new cross-government effort to improve the welfare of British troops.
The Prime Minister originally planned to land in Camp Bastion - the main British base in Helmand Province, but was diverted to the NATO base in Kandahar due to a sandstorm.
Cameron met British Tornado pilots at the NATO base. This is his fourth visit to Afghanistan as British Prime Minister.
There are 9,500 British troops currently serving in the Asian country. The withdrawal of the British soldiers is due to start next year, while the NATO mission in the country is scheduled to complete at the end of 2014.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 00:10:19
LONDON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)
British Prime Minister David Cameron paid a surprise visit to remaining British troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to a government statement.
Cameron said a main purpose of his trip was to say "a big thank you" to British service personnel and their family and wish them a merry Christmas.
Speaking to reporters in Kandahar, Cameron repeated his commitment that the British troops will be pulled out from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, but rejected any early withdrawal plan in 2013.
The trip came as the government said it was creating a cabinet committee with responsibility for the armed forces. Cameron also discussed the role the committee would play in a new cross-government effort to improve the welfare of British troops.
The Prime Minister originally planned to land in Camp Bastion - the main British base in Helmand Province, but was diverted to the NATO base in Kandahar due to a sandstorm.
Cameron met British Tornado pilots at the NATO base. This is his fourth visit to Afghanistan as British Prime Minister.
There are 9,500 British troops currently serving in the Asian country. The withdrawal of the British soldiers is due to start next year, while the NATO mission in the country is scheduled to complete at the end of 2014.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-21 00:10:19
LONDON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)
Afghanistan soldiers killing Australians linked to insurgency: Defense Force
Afghanistan soldiers killing Australians linked to insurgency: Defense Force
Australian troop commander in Afghanistan on Tuesday said Afghan soldiers who killed four Australian troops in separate attacks have been all linked to the insurgency.
Australia commanding officer of the Mentoring Task Force (MTF-3) in Uruzgan Province Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith, said there was no connection between the three attacks, in which 10 other Australian soldiers were wounded.
"We don't fully understand the motives of all of those individuals but we have some hints," he was quoted by ABC News on Tuesday.
"It would appear that all three are unrelated and it would appear that they are insurgent related ... either directly or indirectly."
Smith reported that one of the individuals was found to have Taliban propaganda.
"We believe that plus some other indicators would suggest that he has come to dislike foreign intervention in Afghanistan. But we are not sure of what the reason is," he said.
He said insurgents helped another make his getaway, and the most important aspects they have learned from this incident was focusing intelligence resources on the Afghan National Army (ANA) to try and identify, through some indicators, individuals who might be likely to do something like this.
Earlier on May 30, an Afghan soldier shot dead Lance Corporal Andrew Jones, an army cook. He fled but was tracked to his home district and killed by US troops when he resisted arrest.
After the incident, on October 29, three Australian troops, Corporal Ashley Birt, 22, Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, 27, and Captain Bryce Duffy, 26, were killed and wounding seven others by an Afghan soldier who opened fire on a group of Australian soldiers at a patrol base in northern Kandahar province. He was immediately shot dead.
In the latest incident on November 8, an Afghan soldier shot and wounded three Australians troops and remained unfound. Defence force was therefore conducting investigations of these attacks.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-20 21:12:14
CANBERRA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)
Australian troop commander in Afghanistan on Tuesday said Afghan soldiers who killed four Australian troops in separate attacks have been all linked to the insurgency.
Australia commanding officer of the Mentoring Task Force (MTF-3) in Uruzgan Province Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith, said there was no connection between the three attacks, in which 10 other Australian soldiers were wounded.
"We don't fully understand the motives of all of those individuals but we have some hints," he was quoted by ABC News on Tuesday.
"It would appear that all three are unrelated and it would appear that they are insurgent related ... either directly or indirectly."
Smith reported that one of the individuals was found to have Taliban propaganda.
"We believe that plus some other indicators would suggest that he has come to dislike foreign intervention in Afghanistan. But we are not sure of what the reason is," he said.
He said insurgents helped another make his getaway, and the most important aspects they have learned from this incident was focusing intelligence resources on the Afghan National Army (ANA) to try and identify, through some indicators, individuals who might be likely to do something like this.
Earlier on May 30, an Afghan soldier shot dead Lance Corporal Andrew Jones, an army cook. He fled but was tracked to his home district and killed by US troops when he resisted arrest.
After the incident, on October 29, three Australian troops, Corporal Ashley Birt, 22, Lance Corporal Luke Gavin, 27, and Captain Bryce Duffy, 26, were killed and wounding seven others by an Afghan soldier who opened fire on a group of Australian soldiers at a patrol base in northern Kandahar province. He was immediately shot dead.
In the latest incident on November 8, an Afghan soldier shot and wounded three Australians troops and remained unfound. Defence force was therefore conducting investigations of these attacks.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-20 21:12:14
CANBERRA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Turkey demands explanation from Iran for attack threat
Turkey demands explanation from Iran for attack threat
Turkey demanded an explanation from Iran for the threat by a senior lawmaker to attack missile defense system in eastern Turkey, a local media reported on Wednesday.
Private NTV reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made a phone call to his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi and demanded his explanation.
The report quoted Turkish diplomatic sources as saying that the Turkish foreign minister said Turkey is discontent with the threatening statement.
Hussein Ibrahim, vice president of the Iranian parliamentary national security and foreign policy panel, said on Sunday in an interview that "it is Iran's natural right to target the missile defense shield system in Turkey in case of an attack."
The Iranian foreign minister told Davutoglu that the statement is only a reflection of the individual and is not Iran's official position.
Turkish diplomats said earlier that the Iranian foreign ministry had assured them that the ministry does not back such threats and the threats do not reflect any ministerial policies.
The Turkish officials also reiterated Ankara's position that Turkey should only acknowledge statements from Iranian officials actually in charge.
Ibrahim's remarks came shortly after a similar suggestion by Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' aerospace division, who explicitly voiced the warning that "should we be threatened, we will target NATO's missile defense shield in Turkey and then hit our next targets."
Both warnings fall in line with previous comments by a number of other Iranian officials, as they have frequently said the country is disturbed by Turkey's participation in the NATO defense system.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 21:16:58
ISTANBUL, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)
Turkey demanded an explanation from Iran for the threat by a senior lawmaker to attack missile defense system in eastern Turkey, a local media reported on Wednesday.
Private NTV reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made a phone call to his Iranian counterpart Ali-Akbar Salehi and demanded his explanation.
The report quoted Turkish diplomatic sources as saying that the Turkish foreign minister said Turkey is discontent with the threatening statement.
Hussein Ibrahim, vice president of the Iranian parliamentary national security and foreign policy panel, said on Sunday in an interview that "it is Iran's natural right to target the missile defense shield system in Turkey in case of an attack."
The Iranian foreign minister told Davutoglu that the statement is only a reflection of the individual and is not Iran's official position.
Turkish diplomats said earlier that the Iranian foreign ministry had assured them that the ministry does not back such threats and the threats do not reflect any ministerial policies.
The Turkish officials also reiterated Ankara's position that Turkey should only acknowledge statements from Iranian officials actually in charge.
Ibrahim's remarks came shortly after a similar suggestion by Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' aerospace division, who explicitly voiced the warning that "should we be threatened, we will target NATO's missile defense shield in Turkey and then hit our next targets."
Both warnings fall in line with previous comments by a number of other Iranian officials, as they have frequently said the country is disturbed by Turkey's participation in the NATO defense system.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 21:16:58
ISTANBUL, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)
Int'l drug smuggling gang seized in Azerbaijan
Int'l drug smuggling gang seized in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's National Security Ministry has detained a gang engaged in drug smuggling from Iran to Azerbaijan, the Ministry's press service told journalists on Tuesday.
The group which was comprised of the citizens of Iran and Azerbaijan carried drugs to Azerbaijan in a bus. Driven by Iranian Noshahr Nasirzadeh, the bus contained four laminated plastics hiding 500 grams of heroin.
The driver delivered drugs to Azeri Imran Guliyev near Lankaran City, near the country's southern border with Iran, but kept 27.7 grams of heroin under his belt. The security forces found 500 grams of heroin when examining laminated plastics. Nasirzadeh was also detained.
The National Security Ministry has launched criminal investigation into the case.
In the last few decades the number of reported drug smuggling cases has significantly increased in Azerbaijan.
The country shares about 700-km border with Iran, one of the major drug producing countries with trafficking routes leading from Afghanistan. Iran is used by many criminal groups as a transit country for drug smuggling into Azerbaijan.
Iran and Azerbaijan have been trying to work together to deal with the drug smuggling issue.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 09:54:42
BAKU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua)
Azerbaijan's National Security Ministry has detained a gang engaged in drug smuggling from Iran to Azerbaijan, the Ministry's press service told journalists on Tuesday.
The group which was comprised of the citizens of Iran and Azerbaijan carried drugs to Azerbaijan in a bus. Driven by Iranian Noshahr Nasirzadeh, the bus contained four laminated plastics hiding 500 grams of heroin.
The driver delivered drugs to Azeri Imran Guliyev near Lankaran City, near the country's southern border with Iran, but kept 27.7 grams of heroin under his belt. The security forces found 500 grams of heroin when examining laminated plastics. Nasirzadeh was also detained.
The National Security Ministry has launched criminal investigation into the case.
In the last few decades the number of reported drug smuggling cases has significantly increased in Azerbaijan.
The country shares about 700-km border with Iran, one of the major drug producing countries with trafficking routes leading from Afghanistan. Iran is used by many criminal groups as a transit country for drug smuggling into Azerbaijan.
Iran and Azerbaijan have been trying to work together to deal with the drug smuggling issue.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 09:54:42
BAKU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua)
Caspian countries to discuss moratorium on sturgeon fishing in Baku
Caspian countries to discuss moratorium on sturgeon fishing in Baku
The 32nd meeting of the Commission on Caspian Aquatic Bioresources slated for Dec. 14-16 in Baku will focus on sturgeon catch quotas and moratorium on commercial fishing, Azerbaijan media said Tuesday.
Delegates from the Caspian Sea countries will discuss a draft agreement on the protection of sturgeons resources in the Caspian Sea, according to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
The Commission on Caspian Aquatic Bioresources was established in 1992 by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.
Five Caspian Sea littoral states (Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran) have agreed-in-principle to ban the hunting of caviar-producing sturgeon in the Caspian Sea for a five-year period amid falling stocks of the fish famous for producing caviar. The proposal was put forward by Kazakhstan during a summit of Caspian Sea leaders in Baku in November, 2010.
The Caspian region is one of the most important areas for sturgeon, and is home to the six species which collectively provide more than 90 percent of the world's caviar production.
Caviar is one of Azerbaijan's most profitable industries. A kilogram of Caspian sturgeon caviar can cost more than 1,000 U.S. dollars on European markets. The country worries illegal over- fishing could permanently destroy the industry.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 08:36:32
BAKU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua)
The 32nd meeting of the Commission on Caspian Aquatic Bioresources slated for Dec. 14-16 in Baku will focus on sturgeon catch quotas and moratorium on commercial fishing, Azerbaijan media said Tuesday.
Delegates from the Caspian Sea countries will discuss a draft agreement on the protection of sturgeons resources in the Caspian Sea, according to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
The Commission on Caspian Aquatic Bioresources was established in 1992 by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.
Five Caspian Sea littoral states (Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran) have agreed-in-principle to ban the hunting of caviar-producing sturgeon in the Caspian Sea for a five-year period amid falling stocks of the fish famous for producing caviar. The proposal was put forward by Kazakhstan during a summit of Caspian Sea leaders in Baku in November, 2010.
The Caspian region is one of the most important areas for sturgeon, and is home to the six species which collectively provide more than 90 percent of the world's caviar production.
Caviar is one of Azerbaijan's most profitable industries. A kilogram of Caspian sturgeon caviar can cost more than 1,000 U.S. dollars on European markets. The country worries illegal over- fishing could permanently destroy the industry.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-14 08:36:32
BAKU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua)
U.S. Transportation Commander emphasizes Azerbaijan's Afghan contribution
U.S. Transportation Commander emphasizes Azerbaijan's Afghan contribution
Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command General William Fraser, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan Monday, thanked Azerbaijan for its role in providing transportation for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Meeting the Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Fraser said this is his first official foreign visit after he took over as U.S. Transportation Command in October, according to a press release posted on the Azerbaijani President's website.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is among the countries making considerable contributions to peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan from its very inception.
Humanitarian cooperation related to the mission is gradually expanding, the President stressed.
The meeting focused on joint activity of Azerbaijan and the U.S. in combating international terrorism and expanding cooperation in the sphere of security, energy and other fields.
Fraser also met with Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Safar Abiyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and political and military activities against terrorism in Baku.
Azerbaijan and its neighbor Georgia are important transit countries for U.S. and NATO troops and supplies to Afghanistan via a network of ports and railroads, which is known as the Northern Distribution Network (NDN).
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-12-13 06:02:36
BAKU, Dec. 12 (Xinhua)
Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command General William Fraser, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan Monday, thanked Azerbaijan for its role in providing transportation for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Meeting the Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Fraser said this is his first official foreign visit after he took over as U.S. Transportation Command in October, according to a press release posted on the Azerbaijani President's website.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is among the countries making considerable contributions to peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan from its very inception.
Humanitarian cooperation related to the mission is gradually expanding, the President stressed.
The meeting focused on joint activity of Azerbaijan and the U.S. in combating international terrorism and expanding cooperation in the sphere of security, energy and other fields.
Fraser also met with Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Safar Abiyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and political and military activities against terrorism in Baku.
Azerbaijan and its neighbor Georgia are important transit countries for U.S. and NATO troops and supplies to Afghanistan via a network of ports and railroads, which is known as the Northern Distribution Network (NDN).
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-12-13 06:02:36
BAKU, Dec. 12 (Xinhua)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Death toll of suicide bombing on Kabul shrine rises to 80
Death toll of suicide bombing on Kabul shrine rises to 80
The death toll of a suicide bombing on a shrine in Afghan capital of Kabul on Tuesday has risen to 80, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday.
"The death toll of suicide attack against mourners in Kabul on Ashura Day has heightened to 80," Karzai told audience at a meeting to mark international anti-corruption day here.
The bloody attack occurred on Tuesday Dec. 6 when hundreds of mourners had gathered in Abul Fazil-ul-Abbas shrine in Murad Khani, an area some 300 meter away from the Presidential Palace to commemorate the day of Ashura, the martyrdom day of Imam Hussain and his 72 followers who were murdered in Karballa of Iraq in 680 AD.
The last figure released by Afghan Interior Ministry on Tuesday confirmed 55 people including four children and two women were killed and 134 others were injured
It is believed that some of nearly people who seriously injured in the suicide attack have died in the hospitals.
The number of civilian casualties has been soaring in the militancy-plagued Afghanistan as a total of 1,462 Afghan civilians have been killed in the first half of 2011 which indicates, a 15 percent rise in non-combatants' deaths compared with the same period in 2010, according to the United Nations mid-year report released in Kabul on July 14.
Karzai on Sunday oslo vowed to fight administrative corruption in insurgency-hit country.
English.news.cn 2011-12-11 15:17:59
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua)
The death toll of a suicide bombing on a shrine in Afghan capital of Kabul on Tuesday has risen to 80, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday.
"The death toll of suicide attack against mourners in Kabul on Ashura Day has heightened to 80," Karzai told audience at a meeting to mark international anti-corruption day here.
The bloody attack occurred on Tuesday Dec. 6 when hundreds of mourners had gathered in Abul Fazil-ul-Abbas shrine in Murad Khani, an area some 300 meter away from the Presidential Palace to commemorate the day of Ashura, the martyrdom day of Imam Hussain and his 72 followers who were murdered in Karballa of Iraq in 680 AD.
The last figure released by Afghan Interior Ministry on Tuesday confirmed 55 people including four children and two women were killed and 134 others were injured
It is believed that some of nearly people who seriously injured in the suicide attack have died in the hospitals.
The number of civilian casualties has been soaring in the militancy-plagued Afghanistan as a total of 1,462 Afghan civilians have been killed in the first half of 2011 which indicates, a 15 percent rise in non-combatants' deaths compared with the same period in 2010, according to the United Nations mid-year report released in Kabul on July 14.
Karzai on Sunday oslo vowed to fight administrative corruption in insurgency-hit country.
English.news.cn 2011-12-11 15:17:59
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua)
3 insurgents killed, 32 arrested in Afghanistan
3 insurgents killed, 32 arrested in Afghanistan
Three insurgents were killed and 32 arrested in a series of military operations in different Afghan provinces over the past 24 hours, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
"Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan National Army and NATO-led Coalition Forces launched nine joint operations in areas surrounding Kabul, Farah, Kandahar, Helmand, Sarpul and Logar provinces over the past 24 hours, killing three armed insurgents and detaining 32 other suspected insurgents," the ministry said in a statement.
The ANP also confiscated 12 AK-47 assault rifles and 10kg opium in the above operations, it said.
Afghan officials often use the word "insurgents" referring to Taliban.
Afghan and NATO-led coalition forces keep up pressure on insurgents all over the country as over 230 insurgents had been killed and around 300 detained by joint forces in November alone, according the Afghan interior ministry.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-11 14:27:59
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua)
Three insurgents were killed and 32 arrested in a series of military operations in different Afghan provinces over the past 24 hours, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
"Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan National Army and NATO-led Coalition Forces launched nine joint operations in areas surrounding Kabul, Farah, Kandahar, Helmand, Sarpul and Logar provinces over the past 24 hours, killing three armed insurgents and detaining 32 other suspected insurgents," the ministry said in a statement.
The ANP also confiscated 12 AK-47 assault rifles and 10kg opium in the above operations, it said.
Afghan officials often use the word "insurgents" referring to Taliban.
Afghan and NATO-led coalition forces keep up pressure on insurgents all over the country as over 230 insurgents had been killed and around 300 detained by joint forces in November alone, according the Afghan interior ministry.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-11 14:27:59
KABUL, Dec. 11 (Xinhua)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Afghan increasing militancy claims 2 civilian lives, wounds 16
Afghan increasing militancy claims 2 civilian lives, wounds 16
The increasing militancy once again claimed the life of civilians in the conflict-ridden Afghanistan as an explosion struck northern Kuduz city leaving two civilians dead and wounding 16 others including six children Saturday, police confirmed. "The terrorists planted explosive device on a bicycle and detonated it by remote control at noon time today in Kunduz provincial capital the Kunduz city. As a result two persons were killed and 16 others including six children sustained injuries," police spokesman in the province Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Xinhua, adding all the victims are non-combatants.
Among those killed in the bloody blast is Shir Mohammad Arab, a former Jihadi commander and member of the government-backed High Peace Council, Hussaini further said.
High Peace Council is a government-backed body encouraging Taliban militants to give up militancy and join the administration.
It is the second bomb attack in Afghanistan over the past two days and the third one since Tuesday last.
On Friday, a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a mosque in eastern Kunar province leaving three people including a police chief dead and wounding six others including five civilians.
"A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest inside a mosque in Ghazi Abad district of Kunar province at about 02:00 p.m. local time (0930 GMT) when people were offering Friday prayer. As a result three people including district police chief Ismael Khan were killed and six others including five civilians injured," provincial police chief, Aiwaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
It is the second suicide attack targeted sacred places in Afghanistan over the past four days.
In the previous attack that shocked the fortified Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, a suicide bomber targeted mourning ceremony of Shiite Muslims in a shrine on December 6 in Kabul, killing 55 people, all civilians dead and injured 134 others.
Meantime, Afghan Interior Ministry in a statement released here on Saturday blamed the enemies of Afghanistan, a term used against Taliban militants by officials for conducting bicycle bomb in Kunduz and denounced it. Taliban militants fighting Afghan government and are largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings have yet to make comment.
Interior Ministry in the statement also stressed that five people have been arrested in connection with bombing in Kunduz city that left two people dead and injuring 16 others, all non- combatants.
Civilian casualties and security incidents have increased in Afghanistan in 2011, a UN report released last July said. According to the report, 1,462 civilians had been killed from January to June this year, 15 percent increase over the first half of 2010.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 22:01:51
By Abdul Haleem
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
The increasing militancy once again claimed the life of civilians in the conflict-ridden Afghanistan as an explosion struck northern Kuduz city leaving two civilians dead and wounding 16 others including six children Saturday, police confirmed. "The terrorists planted explosive device on a bicycle and detonated it by remote control at noon time today in Kunduz provincial capital the Kunduz city. As a result two persons were killed and 16 others including six children sustained injuries," police spokesman in the province Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Xinhua, adding all the victims are non-combatants.
Among those killed in the bloody blast is Shir Mohammad Arab, a former Jihadi commander and member of the government-backed High Peace Council, Hussaini further said.
High Peace Council is a government-backed body encouraging Taliban militants to give up militancy and join the administration.
It is the second bomb attack in Afghanistan over the past two days and the third one since Tuesday last.
On Friday, a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a mosque in eastern Kunar province leaving three people including a police chief dead and wounding six others including five civilians.
"A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest inside a mosque in Ghazi Abad district of Kunar province at about 02:00 p.m. local time (0930 GMT) when people were offering Friday prayer. As a result three people including district police chief Ismael Khan were killed and six others including five civilians injured," provincial police chief, Aiwaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
It is the second suicide attack targeted sacred places in Afghanistan over the past four days.
In the previous attack that shocked the fortified Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, a suicide bomber targeted mourning ceremony of Shiite Muslims in a shrine on December 6 in Kabul, killing 55 people, all civilians dead and injured 134 others.
Meantime, Afghan Interior Ministry in a statement released here on Saturday blamed the enemies of Afghanistan, a term used against Taliban militants by officials for conducting bicycle bomb in Kunduz and denounced it. Taliban militants fighting Afghan government and are largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings have yet to make comment.
Interior Ministry in the statement also stressed that five people have been arrested in connection with bombing in Kunduz city that left two people dead and injuring 16 others, all non- combatants.
Civilian casualties and security incidents have increased in Afghanistan in 2011, a UN report released last July said. According to the report, 1,462 civilians had been killed from January to June this year, 15 percent increase over the first half of 2010.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 22:01:51
By Abdul Haleem
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Blast rocks Afghan northern Kunduz town, killing 2, injuring 16
Blast rocks Afghan northern Kunduz town, killing 2, injuring 16
An explosion rocked Afghanistan's Kunduz city, 250 km north of capital Kabul, on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 16 others including six children, provincial police spokesman said.
"The terrorists planted explosive device on a bicycle and exploded it by remote control at noon time today in Kunduz city, killing two people and injuring 16 others including six children," Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Xinhua.
Among those killed in the blast is Shir Arab, a former Jihadi commander and member of the government-backed High Peace Council, Hussaini added.
The bloody incident took place while Shir Arab parked his car and went shopping in nearby shops.
High Peace Council is a government-backed body which encourages Taliban militants to give up militancy and join the administration.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 17:48:12
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
An explosion rocked Afghanistan's Kunduz city, 250 km north of capital Kabul, on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 16 others including six children, provincial police spokesman said.
"The terrorists planted explosive device on a bicycle and exploded it by remote control at noon time today in Kunduz city, killing two people and injuring 16 others including six children," Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Xinhua.
Among those killed in the blast is Shir Arab, a former Jihadi commander and member of the government-backed High Peace Council, Hussaini added.
The bloody incident took place while Shir Arab parked his car and went shopping in nearby shops.
High Peace Council is a government-backed body which encourages Taliban militants to give up militancy and join the administration.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 17:48:12
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Demonstrators in Kabul call for bringing war criminals to justice
Demonstrators in Kabul call for bringing war criminals to justice
Some 100 people including women staged a peaceful demonstration in Kabul on Saturday and demanded justice for those who committed crimes against humanity in Afghanistan over the past three decades of conflicts.
Bearing the banners and placards inscribed with"War criminals should be brought to justice", "War criminals should be ousted from government posts"and"U.S., NATO stop war crimes", the demonstrators gathered in Kabul downtown and after delivering speeches and slogans dispersed peacefully.
Saturday's demonstration held in Kabul, mostly by the families of war victims to mark the Universal Human Rights Day, demanding the punishment of those responsible for committing crimes against humanity over the past three decades of conflicts and civil strife in the war-torn country.
Afghanistan has tremendously suffered over the past three decades of war and civil strife. Several former commanders who were involved in the past 30 years of war and have been accused of abusing human rights are currently legislators and government functionaries in the present Afghan administration.
Organized by a non-governmental agency called"Social Association of Afghan Justice Seekers" the protesters said:"peace in Afghanistan without justice is useless," adding that all those committed crimes against humanity over the past three decades must be brought to justice and be punished.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 16:12:08
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Some 100 people including women staged a peaceful demonstration in Kabul on Saturday and demanded justice for those who committed crimes against humanity in Afghanistan over the past three decades of conflicts.
Bearing the banners and placards inscribed with"War criminals should be brought to justice", "War criminals should be ousted from government posts"and"U.S., NATO stop war crimes", the demonstrators gathered in Kabul downtown and after delivering speeches and slogans dispersed peacefully.
Saturday's demonstration held in Kabul, mostly by the families of war victims to mark the Universal Human Rights Day, demanding the punishment of those responsible for committing crimes against humanity over the past three decades of conflicts and civil strife in the war-torn country.
Afghanistan has tremendously suffered over the past three decades of war and civil strife. Several former commanders who were involved in the past 30 years of war and have been accused of abusing human rights are currently legislators and government functionaries in the present Afghan administration.
Organized by a non-governmental agency called"Social Association of Afghan Justice Seekers" the protesters said:"peace in Afghanistan without justice is useless," adding that all those committed crimes against humanity over the past three decades must be brought to justice and be punished.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 16:12:08
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Blast rocks Afghan Kunduz town, kills 1, wounds 3
Blast rocks Afghan Kunduz town, kills 1, wounds 3
An explosion rocked Kunduz city in north Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring three others, an official said.
"In the explosion believed to be suicide attack, at least one person was killed and three others were injured,"the official told Xinhua but declined to give his name, saying that authorized officials would brief the media after investigation.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 16:10:15
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
An explosion rocked Kunduz city in north Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring three others, an official said.
"In the explosion believed to be suicide attack, at least one person was killed and three others were injured,"the official told Xinhua but declined to give his name, saying that authorized officials would brief the media after investigation.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 16:10:15
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Afghan, NATO forces kill 13 insurgents, detain 8
Afghan and NATO-led forces during series of operations have killed over a dozen anti-government insurgents and captured eight others over the past 24 hours, Afghan Interior said in a statement released here on Saturday.
"During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and the NATO-led Coalition Forces have launched seven joint operations in Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, Ghazni and Farah provinces, killing 13 insurgents and detained eight others," the statement added.
A number of arms and ammunitions have also been seized by security forces during the operations, it added.
However, it did not say if there were any casualties on the troops.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 15:38:15
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
"During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and the NATO-led Coalition Forces have launched seven joint operations in Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, Ghazni and Farah provinces, killing 13 insurgents and detained eight others," the statement added.
A number of arms and ammunitions have also been seized by security forces during the operations, it added.
However, it did not say if there were any casualties on the troops.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 15:38:15
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Unknown gunmen kill 4 Afghan civilians
Unknown gunmen kill 4 Afghan civilians
Unidentified gunmen on Friday opened fire and killed four civilians in Khost province, 160 km southeast of Afghan capital Kabul, provincial governor Abdul Jabbar Naeemi said Saturday.
"All the four victims were innocent civilians and tribal elders who were going to Lakan area 10 km outside provincial capital the Khost city on Friday afternoon when unidentified armed men opened fire on their car killing them on the spot," Naeemi told newsmen.
One more man sustained injuries in the firing, he further said.
He also blamed the enemies of peace, a term used by Afghan officials against Taliban militants. However, the outfit fighting Afghan government has yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 14:29:18
KHOST, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Unidentified gunmen on Friday opened fire and killed four civilians in Khost province, 160 km southeast of Afghan capital Kabul, provincial governor Abdul Jabbar Naeemi said Saturday.
"All the four victims were innocent civilians and tribal elders who were going to Lakan area 10 km outside provincial capital the Khost city on Friday afternoon when unidentified armed men opened fire on their car killing them on the spot," Naeemi told newsmen.
One more man sustained injuries in the firing, he further said.
He also blamed the enemies of peace, a term used by Afghan officials against Taliban militants. However, the outfit fighting Afghan government has yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 14:29:18
KHOST, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
ISAF commander joins Afghan president in condemning mosque suicide attack
The commander of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) General John R. Allen has joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemnation of a suicide attack in a mosque in eastern Kunar province that left four people dead and injuried nine others on Friday, a statement of the military alliance released here Saturday said.
"Yesterday, another cowardly insurgent attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, killed innocent Afghans, including a provincial police chief," the press release quoted NATO-led forces commander General John R. Allen as saying.
"This is continued proof that the Taliban does not care about the people of Afghanistan, seeking only to harm peace loving citizens and those who serve to protect peace. Those responsible for this despicable attack on worshippers must be caught and held to account," the U.S. commander of NATO-led some 130,000-strong forces further said in the statement.
It is the second suicide attack targeted sacred places in Afghanistan over the past four days.
In the previous suicide attack conducted in a shrine in Afghan capital city Kabul on Tuesday left 55 people, all civilians dead and injured 134 others.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 13:47:29
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
"Yesterday, another cowardly insurgent attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, killed innocent Afghans, including a provincial police chief," the press release quoted NATO-led forces commander General John R. Allen as saying.
"This is continued proof that the Taliban does not care about the people of Afghanistan, seeking only to harm peace loving citizens and those who serve to protect peace. Those responsible for this despicable attack on worshippers must be caught and held to account," the U.S. commander of NATO-led some 130,000-strong forces further said in the statement.
It is the second suicide attack targeted sacred places in Afghanistan over the past four days.
In the previous suicide attack conducted in a shrine in Afghan capital city Kabul on Tuesday left 55 people, all civilians dead and injured 134 others.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 13:47:29
KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua)
Mongolian teachers to stage strike next week
Mongolian teachers to stage strike next week
Mongolian teachers will stage a strike from Monday next week to press the government to raise their salaries, the Trade Union for Education and Science said Friday.
Teachers from some 89 secondary schools and 100 kindergartens of Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, will participate in the strike, also supported by provincial educational organizations.
The teachers asked school children's parents and guardians to keep their children at home and ensure their health and security amid the strike, saying that without improvement of teachers' conditions, the country's educational system cannot be improved as well.
The teachers have demanded an implementation of an agreement for 2010-2011 on labor and social talks. But they considered that the state budget approved by the State Great Khural (parliament) did not meet their demand for salary raise, so they sent an official letter to the government on the planned strike.
The Trade Union said they will not stop their strike until their demand is met.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:24:35
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Mongolian teachers will stage a strike from Monday next week to press the government to raise their salaries, the Trade Union for Education and Science said Friday.
Teachers from some 89 secondary schools and 100 kindergartens of Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, will participate in the strike, also supported by provincial educational organizations.
The teachers asked school children's parents and guardians to keep their children at home and ensure their health and security amid the strike, saying that without improvement of teachers' conditions, the country's educational system cannot be improved as well.
The teachers have demanded an implementation of an agreement for 2010-2011 on labor and social talks. But they considered that the state budget approved by the State Great Khural (parliament) did not meet their demand for salary raise, so they sent an official letter to the government on the planned strike.
The Trade Union said they will not stop their strike until their demand is met.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:24:35
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
British gov't to consider early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan
British gov't to consider early withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan
The British government confirmed on Friday that next week it would consider withdrawing thousands of troops from its base in Afghanistan, up to a year earlier than originally planned.
Local media reported that troop numbers in Afghanistan would be on the agenda for Britain's National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday next week.
"Next week's National Security Council meeting will discuss Afghanistan and will look at the approach up to and beyond 2014," Ministry of Defense (MOD) said in a statement.
The early withdrawal of up to 4,500 troops by the end of 2013 from the 10,000-strong army fighting in Afghanistan would be one of the options considered at the NSC, according to local media report.
A total of 9,000 British troops are presently deployed in the southern Afghanistan province of Helmand, where they are heavily engaged in fighting.
The 391st British soldier dead in the war was reported on Thursday. Casualty figures for Britain are second only to the United States casualties among foreign powers.
A spokesman said that the British Prime Minister David Cameron had already made two commitments regarding the war in Afghanistan, "500 UK troops will leave Afghanistan by the end of 2012 and the Government has been clear that by the end of 2014 British troops will not be in Afghanistan in significant numbers or in a combat role."
New defense secretary Philip Hammond also made clear earlier this week in his first public speech and at a Defense Committee meeting that he would be sticking to the deadline of the end of 2014, and that there would only be "several hundreds of troops" remaining in Afghanistan, in training and mentoring roles.
However, the revelation that Britain is considering withdrawing thousands of troops in 2013 is a new departure in policy and could set it in conflict with the United States, the principal force in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and with Britain's other NATO partners who also have troops deployed there.
An early departure in significant numbers by Britain could spark similar moves from other nations.
Britain's government has carried out its austerity program to tackle the near record public spending deficit of 127 billion pounds (about 200 billion U.S. dollars) which it began after taking power in May, 2010.
This has entailed large cuts in government departmental spending, with some departments losing more than 20 percent of their budget over four years. Defense is slated for an 8 percent reduction.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 06:08:54
LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
The British government confirmed on Friday that next week it would consider withdrawing thousands of troops from its base in Afghanistan, up to a year earlier than originally planned.
Local media reported that troop numbers in Afghanistan would be on the agenda for Britain's National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday next week.
"Next week's National Security Council meeting will discuss Afghanistan and will look at the approach up to and beyond 2014," Ministry of Defense (MOD) said in a statement.
The early withdrawal of up to 4,500 troops by the end of 2013 from the 10,000-strong army fighting in Afghanistan would be one of the options considered at the NSC, according to local media report.
A total of 9,000 British troops are presently deployed in the southern Afghanistan province of Helmand, where they are heavily engaged in fighting.
The 391st British soldier dead in the war was reported on Thursday. Casualty figures for Britain are second only to the United States casualties among foreign powers.
A spokesman said that the British Prime Minister David Cameron had already made two commitments regarding the war in Afghanistan, "500 UK troops will leave Afghanistan by the end of 2012 and the Government has been clear that by the end of 2014 British troops will not be in Afghanistan in significant numbers or in a combat role."
New defense secretary Philip Hammond also made clear earlier this week in his first public speech and at a Defense Committee meeting that he would be sticking to the deadline of the end of 2014, and that there would only be "several hundreds of troops" remaining in Afghanistan, in training and mentoring roles.
However, the revelation that Britain is considering withdrawing thousands of troops in 2013 is a new departure in policy and could set it in conflict with the United States, the principal force in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and with Britain's other NATO partners who also have troops deployed there.
An early departure in significant numbers by Britain could spark similar moves from other nations.
Britain's government has carried out its austerity program to tackle the near record public spending deficit of 127 billion pounds (about 200 billion U.S. dollars) which it began after taking power in May, 2010.
This has entailed large cuts in government departmental spending, with some departments losing more than 20 percent of their budget over four years. Defense is slated for an 8 percent reduction.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 06:08:54
LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
3 killed, 6 injured in suicide bombing in E. Afghanistan
3 killed, 6 injured in suicide bombing in E. Afghanistan
Three people including a district police chief were killed and six others were injured Friday when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque during Friday prayer in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, police said.
"A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest inside a mosque in Ghazi Abad district of Kunar province at about 02:00 p.m. local time when people were holding a special Friday praying, as a result three people were killed and six others injured," provincial police chief, Aiwaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
He said that Ghazi Abad district police chief Ismahil Khan, a police officer and a civilian were confirmed dead in the blast while a policeman and five civilians were wounded in the attack in the province with Asadabad as its capital, 185 km east of capital city of Kabul.
"The suicide bomber was killed on the spot and the injured were transported to a district hospital by police,"the police chief said, adding"an investigation was launched by police into the case." The Friday Prayer, or Namazi Jumu-ah, is a congregational prayer held every Friday by Muslims just after noon.
In unrelated incident, militants have killed three people in eastern Parwan province, an army commander in the province said on Friday.
"Unidentified armed men kidnapped an elder namely Hajji Jamrud and his driver and a bodyguard in Kohi Safi district of Parwan province Thursday night. But their beheaded bodies were found Friday morning," army commander in the province General Abdul Raziq said.
However, some local people in the district said that the elder Jamrud and his men was killed by Taliban over espionage charges for the government and U.S. forces in the province.
Afghan officials and pro-government figures have been repeatedly targeted by the militants since May this year when the Taliban insurgents launched a rebel offensive against Afghan and NATO forces in the country.
The Taliban insurgents has warned the civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people against supporting government and foreign troops.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 18:45:50
ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Three people including a district police chief were killed and six others were injured Friday when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque during Friday prayer in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, police said.
"A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest inside a mosque in Ghazi Abad district of Kunar province at about 02:00 p.m. local time when people were holding a special Friday praying, as a result three people were killed and six others injured," provincial police chief, Aiwaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
He said that Ghazi Abad district police chief Ismahil Khan, a police officer and a civilian were confirmed dead in the blast while a policeman and five civilians were wounded in the attack in the province with Asadabad as its capital, 185 km east of capital city of Kabul.
"The suicide bomber was killed on the spot and the injured were transported to a district hospital by police,"the police chief said, adding"an investigation was launched by police into the case." The Friday Prayer, or Namazi Jumu-ah, is a congregational prayer held every Friday by Muslims just after noon.
In unrelated incident, militants have killed three people in eastern Parwan province, an army commander in the province said on Friday.
"Unidentified armed men kidnapped an elder namely Hajji Jamrud and his driver and a bodyguard in Kohi Safi district of Parwan province Thursday night. But their beheaded bodies were found Friday morning," army commander in the province General Abdul Raziq said.
However, some local people in the district said that the elder Jamrud and his men was killed by Taliban over espionage charges for the government and U.S. forces in the province.
Afghan officials and pro-government figures have been repeatedly targeted by the militants since May this year when the Taliban insurgents launched a rebel offensive against Afghan and NATO forces in the country.
The Taliban insurgents has warned the civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people against supporting government and foreign troops.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 18:45:50
ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Pakistan to increase outposts near Afghan border
Pakistan to increase outposts near Afghan border
Pakistan Army has decided to set more military check posts near its border with Afghanistan to enhance coordination with NATO forces in Afghanistan, military sources said on Thursday.
The decision has been taken after the November 26th NATO strikes on two Pakistani posts which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and injured 13 others.
The military sources who asked to remain anonymous told local media that the number of outposts would be increased up to five from the current four to avert cross border attacks.
The sources said that the army has decided not to be part of NATO probe into its attacks in Mohmand tribal region as such inquires didn't help improve situation in the past. He said that 72 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in NATO attacks in three years.
They said that Pakistan army has called back its Border Coordination Officers after the strike for consultation.
The military sources said that the impression is wrong that all of the forces along Afghan borders were pulled back as a protest to the NATO strike.
"Some of the forces are still remaining in the posts and others should be back at their posts within the next few days," he added.
American media had quoted military officials as expressing concerns over the potential impact of the withdrawal as NATO can make more mistakes.
Relations between Pakistan and the U.S. plunges into new low after the NATO raid that led to Islamabad's boycott of Bonn conference on Afghanistan's future.
The NATO strike had evoked strong condemnation in Pakistan and the government had ordered the U.S. to vacate Shamsi airbase in Balochistan, closed NATO supply line and boycotted the December 5th Bonn Conference on Afghanistan.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 01:54:35
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Pakistan Army has decided to set more military check posts near its border with Afghanistan to enhance coordination with NATO forces in Afghanistan, military sources said on Thursday.
The decision has been taken after the November 26th NATO strikes on two Pakistani posts which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and injured 13 others.
The military sources who asked to remain anonymous told local media that the number of outposts would be increased up to five from the current four to avert cross border attacks.
The sources said that the army has decided not to be part of NATO probe into its attacks in Mohmand tribal region as such inquires didn't help improve situation in the past. He said that 72 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in NATO attacks in three years.
They said that Pakistan army has called back its Border Coordination Officers after the strike for consultation.
The military sources said that the impression is wrong that all of the forces along Afghan borders were pulled back as a protest to the NATO strike.
"Some of the forces are still remaining in the posts and others should be back at their posts within the next few days," he added.
American media had quoted military officials as expressing concerns over the potential impact of the withdrawal as NATO can make more mistakes.
Relations between Pakistan and the U.S. plunges into new low after the NATO raid that led to Islamabad's boycott of Bonn conference on Afghanistan's future.
The NATO strike had evoked strong condemnation in Pakistan and the government had ordered the U.S. to vacate Shamsi airbase in Balochistan, closed NATO supply line and boycotted the December 5th Bonn Conference on Afghanistan.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 01:54:35
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Afghan peace
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Afghan peace
Pakistan on Thursday said it is very much associated and committed to the peace process in Afghanistan.
"Boycott of the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan did not mean that Pakistan has dissociated from the Afghan peace process," said Abdul Basit, the newly designated Spokesman of the Foreign Office.
Answering questions at weekly briefing, the Spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to quest for peace and stability in Afghanistan in particular and the region in general.
"The boycott of Bonn Conference that Pakistan did in protest of NATO attack on its border posts on November 26, was under the decision of Defense Committee later on upheld by the full Cabinet, " he said.
"The boycott was in Pakistan's larger interest, and we would continue to facilitate the process of peace and stability in Afghanistan," he maintained. There was no point to attend the conference in the background of 26/11 event," he added.
Responding to questions on U.S.-Pakistan relations, he said, Pakistan's engagement with NATO as well as U.S. was under review again under the decision of leadership. He described timeline and objectives of the review process as beyond his purview to talk about.
"Not at all" was his answer to the question of a halt or breakdown of Pakistan's ties with US. "We are streamlining our existing relations with U.S. and NATO," he added. Failing to give any figure, he said the U.S. has delayed disbursement of the Coalition Support Fund. He attempted to downplay the reported U.S. threats of aid cut.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan encouraged Afghanistan to share any evidence of some banned Pakistani outfit being involved in recent bombing that killed over 50 Afghans. He said this in response to a question on Afghan President Hamid Karzai's remarks about a banned outfit's involvement in suicide bombing in Afghanistan.
Regarding MFN status to India, he said political decision has been taken at the apex level and modalities would be settled in due course keeping in view deep interests of Pakistan.
According to the spokesperson, the second meeting of the governmental commission of Russia and Pakistan would be held early next year. Russians have already shown interest in upgrading of Pakistan's steel mills in addition to some other mega projects.
On China-Pakistan relations, he said, it is often said that these are deeper than the ocean and higher than the Himalayas. "I think this is the most appropriate depiction of the relations between the two neighborly and friendly countries," he added.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 00:42:42
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Pakistan on Thursday said it is very much associated and committed to the peace process in Afghanistan.
"Boycott of the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan did not mean that Pakistan has dissociated from the Afghan peace process," said Abdul Basit, the newly designated Spokesman of the Foreign Office.
Answering questions at weekly briefing, the Spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to quest for peace and stability in Afghanistan in particular and the region in general.
"The boycott of Bonn Conference that Pakistan did in protest of NATO attack on its border posts on November 26, was under the decision of Defense Committee later on upheld by the full Cabinet, " he said.
"The boycott was in Pakistan's larger interest, and we would continue to facilitate the process of peace and stability in Afghanistan," he maintained. There was no point to attend the conference in the background of 26/11 event," he added.
Responding to questions on U.S.-Pakistan relations, he said, Pakistan's engagement with NATO as well as U.S. was under review again under the decision of leadership. He described timeline and objectives of the review process as beyond his purview to talk about.
"Not at all" was his answer to the question of a halt or breakdown of Pakistan's ties with US. "We are streamlining our existing relations with U.S. and NATO," he added. Failing to give any figure, he said the U.S. has delayed disbursement of the Coalition Support Fund. He attempted to downplay the reported U.S. threats of aid cut.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan encouraged Afghanistan to share any evidence of some banned Pakistani outfit being involved in recent bombing that killed over 50 Afghans. He said this in response to a question on Afghan President Hamid Karzai's remarks about a banned outfit's involvement in suicide bombing in Afghanistan.
Regarding MFN status to India, he said political decision has been taken at the apex level and modalities would be settled in due course keeping in view deep interests of Pakistan.
According to the spokesperson, the second meeting of the governmental commission of Russia and Pakistan would be held early next year. Russians have already shown interest in upgrading of Pakistan's steel mills in addition to some other mega projects.
On China-Pakistan relations, he said, it is often said that these are deeper than the ocean and higher than the Himalayas. "I think this is the most appropriate depiction of the relations between the two neighborly and friendly countries," he added.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-12-09 00:42:42
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
21 Taliban insurgents lay down arms in western Afghan town
21 Taliban insurgents lay down arms in western Afghan town
More than 20 Taliban militants laid down arms and joined the security forces in Herat province 640 km west of capital city Kabul on Thursday.
"With joining these 21 former Taliban rebels to government, the security will be further strenghtened in Chust district and adjoining areas," police chief of Herat province Syed Aqa Saqib told newsmen at the ceremony of welcoming the former militants.
The former Taliban fighters also handed over their weapons to police.
These people under Mullah Abdul had resisted the government over the past 10 years, Saqib said, adding that efforts are underway to convince more militants lay down arms and join the government.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan government and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 20:47:58
HERAT, Afghanistan, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
More than 20 Taliban militants laid down arms and joined the security forces in Herat province 640 km west of capital city Kabul on Thursday.
"With joining these 21 former Taliban rebels to government, the security will be further strenghtened in Chust district and adjoining areas," police chief of Herat province Syed Aqa Saqib told newsmen at the ceremony of welcoming the former militants.
The former Taliban fighters also handed over their weapons to police.
These people under Mullah Abdul had resisted the government over the past 10 years, Saqib said, adding that efforts are underway to convince more militants lay down arms and join the government.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan government and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 20:47:58
HERAT, Afghanistan, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Kyrgyz president asks Social Democratic Party to form new ruling coalition
Kyrgyz president asks Social Democratic Party to form new ruling coalition
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev has asked the Social Democratic Party (SDPK) to form the country's ruling coalition, the presidential press service said Thursday.
In a mandate to Social Democratic Party faction leader Chynybay Tursunbekov, Atambayev said he had used his power under the constitution to ask the SDPK to form a coalition government and nominate a prime minister.
People hope that all branches of power will "work fairly and harmoniously," the president said.
Kyrgyzstan's fragile ruling coalition collapsed Friday, one day after the new president took office.
Tursunbekov announced last week that his party decided to pull out of the coalition because of disagreements among the three-way coalition, and he hoped that the president would give the SDPK a mandate to form a new coalition.
Atambayev hoped the new coalition could work in consent.
He also proposed that the number of parliamentary committees be reduced from 16 to 10 or 11 and that of ministries from 20 to 15 or 16.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 19:15:21
BISHKEK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev has asked the Social Democratic Party (SDPK) to form the country's ruling coalition, the presidential press service said Thursday.
In a mandate to Social Democratic Party faction leader Chynybay Tursunbekov, Atambayev said he had used his power under the constitution to ask the SDPK to form a coalition government and nominate a prime minister.
People hope that all branches of power will "work fairly and harmoniously," the president said.
Kyrgyzstan's fragile ruling coalition collapsed Friday, one day after the new president took office.
Tursunbekov announced last week that his party decided to pull out of the coalition because of disagreements among the three-way coalition, and he hoped that the president would give the SDPK a mandate to form a new coalition.
Atambayev hoped the new coalition could work in consent.
He also proposed that the number of parliamentary committees be reduced from 16 to 10 or 11 and that of ministries from 20 to 15 or 16.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 19:15:21
BISHKEK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Afghan forces kill 2 including Taliban shadowy district governor
Afghan forces kill 2 including Taliban shadowy district governor
Afghan security forces backed by NATO-led troops raided a Taliban hideout in Kunar province 165 km east of Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday killing two insurgents including a shadowy district governor, a local official said. "National police with the support of NATO-led forces stormed a Taliban hideout in Manogai district early this morning killing Taliban shadowy district governor namely Ahmad Shah along with his bodyguard," provincial police chief Niaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
With elimination of the Taliban shadowy district governor, the security will be further improved in Manogai and surrounding areas, he said.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 19:02:58
ASSADABAD, Afghanistan, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Afghan security forces backed by NATO-led troops raided a Taliban hideout in Kunar province 165 km east of Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday killing two insurgents including a shadowy district governor, a local official said. "National police with the support of NATO-led forces stormed a Taliban hideout in Manogai district early this morning killing Taliban shadowy district governor namely Ahmad Shah along with his bodyguard," provincial police chief Niaz Mohammad Nazari told Xinhua.
With elimination of the Taliban shadowy district governor, the security will be further improved in Manogai and surrounding areas, he said.
Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led troops have yet to make comment.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 19:02:58
ASSADABAD, Afghanistan, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Kazakhstan to extend fuel export ban
Kazakhstan to extend fuel export ban
Kazakhstan is to extend a ban on fuel exports, Minister of Oil and Gas Sauat Mynbayev said Wednesday.
"The fuel export ban will be extended," he said. "We have agreed on volumes for December. As for next year's supplies, we are working with the Russian authorities. We have not signed a joint document yet."
The Kazakh government in November 2010 extended the ban on export of certain petroleum products until the end of this year. Affected products include gasoline and kerosene.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 13:26:38
ASTANA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Kazakhstan is to extend a ban on fuel exports, Minister of Oil and Gas Sauat Mynbayev said Wednesday.
"The fuel export ban will be extended," he said. "We have agreed on volumes for December. As for next year's supplies, we are working with the Russian authorities. We have not signed a joint document yet."
The Kazakh government in November 2010 extended the ban on export of certain petroleum products until the end of this year. Affected products include gasoline and kerosene.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 13:26:38
ASTANA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Mongolia aspires for OSCE membership: FM
Mongolia wants to become a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), local media on Wednesday quoted Foreign Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar as saying.
The minister made the remarks at the 18th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council held in Lithuania on Tuesday, according to the Montsame news agency.
Zandanshatar was quoted as saying that Mongolia wants to lift its cooperation level with the group and its 56 members.
The minister added that joining the group is in line with Mongolia's national interests and that the country is ready to contribute to the development of the organization by using its geographical advantages.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 13:24:36
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
The minister made the remarks at the 18th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council held in Lithuania on Tuesday, according to the Montsame news agency.
Zandanshatar was quoted as saying that Mongolia wants to lift its cooperation level with the group and its 56 members.
The minister added that joining the group is in line with Mongolia's national interests and that the country is ready to contribute to the development of the organization by using its geographical advantages.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 13:24:36
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
UK troop levels in Afghanistan to drop to "hundreds" by 2014: official
UK troop levels in Afghanistan to drop to "hundreds" by 2014: official
There would only be a few hundred British soldiers left "in a training capacity" by the end of 2014, the country's deadline for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed Wednesday.
"My assessment is we are talking in hundreds and not in thousands. They will not be there in a combat role, they will be there training and mentoring and at a ministerial level in Kabul," said Hammond, who was installed only seven weeks ago after a political scandal brought down his predecessor.
But he expected Britain to make a significant financial contribution to fund Afghan security forces.
The military spending has been cut as part of a broad budget reduction enforced by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, as the country runs a near-record public spending deficit estimated at 127 billion pounds (about 200 billion U.S. dollars) this year.
Hammond said details of what would be cut in the military budget over the next two years had not yet been decided, but there would be painful choices to make.
Britain's allies, especially the United States, are uneasy about the cuts, worrying that the country was getting militarily weaker.
Hammond said it was of strategic importance that Britain was careful about which of its military capabilities it discarded as part of cost cutting and look at "which of our capabilities delivers the most value to our alliances -- in particular the United States."
He outlined the future shape of British military forces, saying Britain would keep its capacity to deploy significant armed forces anywhere around the globe, and revealed for the first time that there could be up to 30,000 troops as a "surge capacity for a short period of time."
Hammond ruled out unilateral military action, saying he believed Britain would act with allies and partners in the future, except in the South Atlantic. There, Britain gained control of the Falkland Islands (referred to as the Malvinas Islands by Argentina) in the 1982 war, which remains a source of friction between the two nations.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 10:56:58
LONDON, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
There would only be a few hundred British soldiers left "in a training capacity" by the end of 2014, the country's deadline for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed Wednesday.
"My assessment is we are talking in hundreds and not in thousands. They will not be there in a combat role, they will be there training and mentoring and at a ministerial level in Kabul," said Hammond, who was installed only seven weeks ago after a political scandal brought down his predecessor.
But he expected Britain to make a significant financial contribution to fund Afghan security forces.
The military spending has been cut as part of a broad budget reduction enforced by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, as the country runs a near-record public spending deficit estimated at 127 billion pounds (about 200 billion U.S. dollars) this year.
Hammond said details of what would be cut in the military budget over the next two years had not yet been decided, but there would be painful choices to make.
Britain's allies, especially the United States, are uneasy about the cuts, worrying that the country was getting militarily weaker.
Hammond said it was of strategic importance that Britain was careful about which of its military capabilities it discarded as part of cost cutting and look at "which of our capabilities delivers the most value to our alliances -- in particular the United States."
He outlined the future shape of British military forces, saying Britain would keep its capacity to deploy significant armed forces anywhere around the globe, and revealed for the first time that there could be up to 30,000 troops as a "surge capacity for a short period of time."
Hammond ruled out unilateral military action, saying he believed Britain would act with allies and partners in the future, except in the South Atlantic. There, Britain gained control of the Falkland Islands (referred to as the Malvinas Islands by Argentina) in the 1982 war, which remains a source of friction between the two nations.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 10:56:58
LONDON, Dec. 8 (Xinhua)
Afghanistan, neighboring countries boost anti-drugs cooperation
Afghanistan, neighboring countries boost anti-drugs cooperation
Afghanistan and seven neighboring countries on Wednesday launched an UN-backed plan to boost regional cooperation in their anti-drugs efforts.
The move follows an international conference on Afghanistan held in the German city of Bonn to set the course for the country after the 2014 handover of power to the Afghan government.
"Given the gradual disengagement of the International Security Assistance Force, the international community will increasingly look to the United Nations to take on additional responsibilities in supporting Afghanistan," said Yury Fedotov, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
"The agreement by eight national officials to cement cooperation, especially in information-sharing, is unprecedented," added Fedotov in his statement.
He also pointed out: "Because the coming years are absolutely crucial for Afghanistan's future, we must produce a response based on shared responsibility and concrete action."
Representatives from Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan launched UNODC 2011-2014 Regional Programme in Vienna, the UN agency announced.
According to a press release of the UNODC, the Regional Programme focuses on counter-narcotics and the rule of law in order to respond effectively to drug trafficking and organized crime.
Future works may also include training counter-narcotics law enforcement officials; conducting joint raids, drug seizures and border controls; and combating cross border illicit money flows, the statement said.
The UNODC says some 90 percent of the world's illicit opium was produced in Afghanistan in the past five years.
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 06:10:44
VIENNA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Afghanistan and seven neighboring countries on Wednesday launched an UN-backed plan to boost regional cooperation in their anti-drugs efforts.
The move follows an international conference on Afghanistan held in the German city of Bonn to set the course for the country after the 2014 handover of power to the Afghan government.
"Given the gradual disengagement of the International Security Assistance Force, the international community will increasingly look to the United Nations to take on additional responsibilities in supporting Afghanistan," said Yury Fedotov, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
"The agreement by eight national officials to cement cooperation, especially in information-sharing, is unprecedented," added Fedotov in his statement.
He also pointed out: "Because the coming years are absolutely crucial for Afghanistan's future, we must produce a response based on shared responsibility and concrete action."
Representatives from Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan launched UNODC 2011-2014 Regional Programme in Vienna, the UN agency announced.
According to a press release of the UNODC, the Regional Programme focuses on counter-narcotics and the rule of law in order to respond effectively to drug trafficking and organized crime.
Future works may also include training counter-narcotics law enforcement officials; conducting joint raids, drug seizures and border controls; and combating cross border illicit money flows, the statement said.
The UNODC says some 90 percent of the world's illicit opium was produced in Afghanistan in the past five years.
English.news.cn 2011-12-08 06:10:44
VIENNA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Pakistan's cooperation essential in stabilizing Afghanistan: NATO chief
Pakistan's cooperation essential in stabilizing Afghanistan: NATO chief
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Wednesday that Pakistan's help is essential in securing and stabilizing Afghanistan, days after the alliance's cross-border air raids killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
"I fully agree ... we need a positive engagement of Pakistan if we are to ensure long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the region. So there is no alternative," he told reporters ahead of a two-day session of NATO foreign ministers.
"The only way forward is positive cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, between the United States and Pakistan, between NATO and Pakistan," Rasmussen said.
"I hope to see further progress in our relationship. We have offered a political framework for cooperation between NATO and Pakistan," he said.
On November 26, NATO fighter jets and helicopters bombed two Pakistan's border posts, leaving 24 Pakistani soldiers killed.
Islamabad reacted angrily to the attack by pulling out of an international conference on Afghanistan's future on Monday in Bonn, Germany.
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 22:38:53
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Wednesday that Pakistan's help is essential in securing and stabilizing Afghanistan, days after the alliance's cross-border air raids killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
"I fully agree ... we need a positive engagement of Pakistan if we are to ensure long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the region. So there is no alternative," he told reporters ahead of a two-day session of NATO foreign ministers.
"The only way forward is positive cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, between the United States and Pakistan, between NATO and Pakistan," Rasmussen said.
"I hope to see further progress in our relationship. We have offered a political framework for cooperation between NATO and Pakistan," he said.
On November 26, NATO fighter jets and helicopters bombed two Pakistan's border posts, leaving 24 Pakistani soldiers killed.
Islamabad reacted angrily to the attack by pulling out of an international conference on Afghanistan's future on Monday in Bonn, Germany.
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 22:38:53
Australian troops help to destroy poppy seeds in Afghanistan
Australian troops help to destroy poppy seeds in Afghanistan
Australian soldiers have taken part in a joint mission to destroy almost two tonnes of poppy seeds, which is used to produce heroin in Afghanistan, the Australian Defense Force said Wednesday.
In setback to the insurgency-linked drug trade, the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), the Afghan National Interdiction Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) raided a drug production facility in Baghran region of Afghan southern province of Helmand.
Lieutenant Colonel G, the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Task Group, who cannot be named for security reasons, said 1,785 kilograms of poppy seeds are found and destroyed on location on last Friday. It is believed that they were being cached in preparation for the 2012 growing seasons.
"While this dollar amount is not significant, if the poppy seeds were cultivated, processed into heroin, and sold in the United States, the DEA assess the find would potentially be worth more than 717 million U.S. dollars," he said in a statement.
"A number of insurgents were killed during the mission. However no ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces), SOTG or DEA personnel were killed or wounded," he said. "Destroying the poppy seed and removing insurgents from the area will affect the insurgency's ability to operate effectively during the winter months."
He said high grade seeds were crucial to sustaining poppy production and were generally highly protected by insurgents in Afghanistan.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 21:54:15
CANBERRA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Australian soldiers have taken part in a joint mission to destroy almost two tonnes of poppy seeds, which is used to produce heroin in Afghanistan, the Australian Defense Force said Wednesday.
In setback to the insurgency-linked drug trade, the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), the Afghan National Interdiction Unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) raided a drug production facility in Baghran region of Afghan southern province of Helmand.
Lieutenant Colonel G, the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Task Group, who cannot be named for security reasons, said 1,785 kilograms of poppy seeds are found and destroyed on location on last Friday. It is believed that they were being cached in preparation for the 2012 growing seasons.
"While this dollar amount is not significant, if the poppy seeds were cultivated, processed into heroin, and sold in the United States, the DEA assess the find would potentially be worth more than 717 million U.S. dollars," he said in a statement.
"A number of insurgents were killed during the mission. However no ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces), SOTG or DEA personnel were killed or wounded," he said. "Destroying the poppy seed and removing insurgents from the area will affect the insurgency's ability to operate effectively during the winter months."
He said high grade seeds were crucial to sustaining poppy production and were generally highly protected by insurgents in Afghanistan.
Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 21:54:15
CANBERRA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Malaysia, Turkmenistan eyeing more energy cooperation
Malaysia, Turkmenistan eyeing more energy cooperation
Malaysia and Turkmenistan are eyeing on more cooperation on energy as Malaysia's state-owned oil company Patronas is investing heavily on gas production in the Caspian Sea.
Malaysia will be a "true partner" of Turkmenistan in development of oil and gas, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Wednesday after holding talk with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia.
Najib said he and Berdymukhamedov talked about Petronas' investment of 5.6 billion U.S. dollars for the production of gas in the Caspian Sea, and the discussion was very "fruitful and productive".
He said Berdymukhamedov responded positively to Petronas' involvement in gas production, and had showed willingness to consider the company's request to set up an offshore gas platform.
Berdymukhamedov, who is scheduled to visit Petronas Twin Towers during his stay, said the meeting with Najib showed that both countries were keen to explore investment opportunities, expand trade and economic cooperation in various aspects.
"The possibility for effective cooperation in implementing the joint projects in energy, transportation, telecommunication, construction, oil and gas processing, chemical industry, high- technology and tourism is great," he said.
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 21:25:33
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
Malaysia and Turkmenistan are eyeing on more cooperation on energy as Malaysia's state-owned oil company Patronas is investing heavily on gas production in the Caspian Sea.
Malaysia will be a "true partner" of Turkmenistan in development of oil and gas, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Wednesday after holding talk with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who is on a three-day state visit to Malaysia.
Najib said he and Berdymukhamedov talked about Petronas' investment of 5.6 billion U.S. dollars for the production of gas in the Caspian Sea, and the discussion was very "fruitful and productive".
He said Berdymukhamedov responded positively to Petronas' involvement in gas production, and had showed willingness to consider the company's request to set up an offshore gas platform.
Berdymukhamedov, who is scheduled to visit Petronas Twin Towers during his stay, said the meeting with Najib showed that both countries were keen to explore investment opportunities, expand trade and economic cooperation in various aspects.
"The possibility for effective cooperation in implementing the joint projects in energy, transportation, telecommunication, construction, oil and gas processing, chemical industry, high- technology and tourism is great," he said.
English.news.cn 2011-12-07 21:25:33
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 7 (Xinhua)
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