Taleban Say Several Foreign Troops Killed in Afghan North, South

Text of report by private Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency

Kabul, 5 October: Mine blasts have destroyed two ISAF vehicles in Fariab and Kandahar [provinces].

Taleban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yusof Ahmadi told Afghan Islamic Press [AIP] that today [5 October] the Taleban blew up two foreign Cruiser vehicles with mines in the Naghari area of Chehl Gazi District of Fariab Province, killing 16 foreigners on board.

Meanwhile, about another similar incident, Ahmadi told AIP that today the Taleban blew up a foreign forces’ tank with a mine in the Karez area of Maiwand District of Kandahar Province, killing three foreign troops on board.

When the press offices of the foreign forces were asked about the incidents, they admitted the both incidents and told AIP that today their vehicle hit a roadside mine while patrolling the area in Fariab Province, saying the vehicle was destroyed but no one hurt in the blast.

About the Kandahar incident, they said today the ISAF a vehicle was damaged in a mine explosion in the district of Maiwand of Kandahar Province while patrolling the area but it did not cause any casualties.

According to another report, the Taleban spokesman told AIP that as a result of a mine explosion, a foreign forces’ vehicle was destroyed in the Nakhoni area of Dand District near Kandahar city, killing three foreign soldiers on board, but the foreign forces’ press office rejected the incident.

Meanwhile, the Taleban spokesman claimed to have killed three Afghan soldiers in a fierce clash in the Sayed Khowja area of Moqr District of Ghazni Province, after destroying their Ranger vehicle.

Originally published by Afghan Islamic Press news agency, Peshawar, in Pashto 1540 5 Oct 08.

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