Roadside bomb kills 11 in western Afghanistan

[News_Editor]

Roadside bomb kills 11 in western Afghanistan

2011-11-09 06:21:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Eleven people were killed on late Monday when a roadside bomb struck a police vehicle in western Afghanistan, the government said on Tuesday. Most of the casualties were civilians.

The attack happened when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a police vehicle which was part of a small convoy in the Qadis district of western Badghis province, the country's Interior Ministry said in a statement. It is believed Taliban insurgents were responsible.

The vehicle which was struck by the explosion had earlier stopped to pick up a family which was in need of a ride to their town. The eleven fatalities were identified as two police officers and nine of the family members, including six children and two women.

The attack happened on the second day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha and was condemned by both Afghan President Hamid Karzai and U.S. Marine Corps General John Allen, who is the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

"These explosives planted by insurgents again targeted civilians, including children," Allen said. "Their barbaric tactics have no place in society, and these enemies of peace will be held to account for killing and maiming the innocent children of this nation."

The U.S. commander added: “These repeated attacks by alleged Taliban fighters are puzzling, particularly during one of the holiest celebrations of the year. The brutal nature of these Taliban activities demonstrates no regard for the lives and wealth of ordinary people."

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