Roadside Bombs Kill, Wound Afghan Civilians, Including Women And Children

In attacks in Helmand and Zabul provinces Thursday, insurgents detonated a number of roadside bombs that killed or wounded more than a dozen Afghan civilians, including women and children.

“Our sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured today by these blatantly criminal and unjustifiable acts against the innocent people of Afghanistan. These attacks are the most recent examples of how insurgents intentionally target, kill and injure those who want a brighter future for Afghanistan,” said Gen. John R. Allen, commander ISAF.

Insurgents have caused more than 2,800 deaths or injuries to Afghan civilians so far this year.

“Despite the insurgents’ rhetoric, they continually demonstrate a total lack of regard for human life,” Allen said.

Taliban Leader Arrested

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Logar province today.

The arrested leader was believed to be behind planning for indirect fire attacks on Afghan and coalition forces and led several indirect fire attacks on Forward Operating Base Shank in the province.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents.