Afghanistan: Militants attack NATO convoy, 5 civilians killed

USPA News - Afghan civilians were reported killed after a NATO-led armed forces convoy was attacked by militants in the eastern region of the country, officials said Friday. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed the attack, saying a convoy was attacked with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device on Friday morning in Tagab district, located in Afghanistan`s Kapisa Province.  In a statement, it said no ISAF fatalities or injuries were reported, but initial reports indicated the blast killed and injured several Afghan civilians.  However, Deputy Provincial Governor Aziz-ur-Rahman told local media that five civilians were killed and over ten others were injured.

Other reports said as many as 20 people had bee injured. Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed responsibility of the attack, claiming at least twelve ISAF soldiers being killed. ISAF commander General John Allen strongly condemned the "brutal" attack, which "along with the more than 3,400 innocent civilians who died at the hands of insurgents last year, underscores that the innocent people of Afghanistan are the real victims of these senseless murders." "This attack reaffirms my long held conviction that the insurgents have no respect or regard for the Afghan people," Allen added.