NATO, civilians give 2 accounts of fatal operation

[Robb]

Source: AP

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — NATO said Monday that a Taliban commander was among several armed people killed during a search operation in Kandahar, but residents claimed the troops killed eight innocent civilians, including two elderly men.

NATO said in a statement that coalition and Afghan troops went to a compound outside Kandahar city where they immediately came under hostile fire. The troops returned fire in self-defense and killed several armed men, including Taliban commander, Shyster Uhstad Khan, who was involved in the purchase and distribution of roadside bombs, NATO said.

The coalition said the combined force also detained an individual who was suspected of having direct contact with senior Taliban leaders in Kabul and facilitated the delivery of explosive devices to the capital.

Residents describe the search operation differently in Kandahar, where Afghan and coalition forces are ramping up security in hopes of driving out insurgents, gaining the loyalty of residents and bolstering the Afghan government's control of the Taliban stronghold.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD9GK82E00

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It's entirely possible the people shooting at NATO and Afghan troops were civilians, of course. And Shyster Uhstad Khan was just visiting.

Meanwhile, further down the article, at least three civilians were killed when an IED blew up their van. None of them were firing at anyone, FWIW.

[pundaint]

1. Most people will resist foreign occupation. Listening to the people advocating this war, during the

past week, makes it clear that they are crazy. We are to remain in Afghanistan until the People of Afghanistan, change every aspect of their ancient culture, and accept a form of government with rulers the people know to be corrupt. And we expect a tribal people to implement a Federal government asserting controls they have no want or need for.

Wow, as I typed this, I realized how American we want Afghanistan to be.

[Bigmack]

3. From the movie Full Metal Jacket...

and the book "Short Timers"...

"We are here to help the Vietnamese (Afghans), because inside every gook there is an American trying to get out."

[Soylent Brice]

2. .

K&R

[gratuitous]

4. Well, who are you going to believe? Dead bodies or our faultless military?

Choose carefully.