ISAF, Karzai Condemn Kabul Suicide Attack

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2011 – International Security Assistance Force officials joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning a suicide-bomb attack that killed several civilians in the country’s capital of Kabul, military officials reported.

Reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a grocery store near the center of the city. At least nine Afghan and international civilians were killed, and at least six more were wounded, according to news reports.

“We join President Karzai in condemning this despicable attack and its complete disregard for human life,” ISAF spokesman Navy Rear Adm. Vic Beck said. “This attack intentionally targeted civilians as the detonation occurred in a public location where innocent men, women and children were likely to gather. We extend our deepest condolences to those families who have lost loved ones, and we pray for a quick recovery for those injured in this senseless attack.”

In operations yesterday:

-- Noorani Sahib, a Taliban leader responsible for roadside-bomb and direct-fire attacks, kidnappings and assassinations in Zabul province’s Tarnek wa Jaldak district, was killed during coalition operations.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents while targeting a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in Khost province’s Nadir Shah Kot district. The security force recovered a shotgun, rocket-propelled grenade launcher parts, ammunition and 300 pounds of bomb-making materials at the scene.

-- Coalition forces killed two insurgents in Helmand province’s Musa Qalah district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Laghman, Uruzgan, Helmand, Kandahar and Herat provinces found 200 anti-personnel mines, seven rocket-propelled grenade warheads, 21 mortar fuses, a rocket booster, 900 7.62 mm rounds, 1,800 .303-caliber rounds, four pressure plates and six cluster bombs.

In earlier operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed an insurgent and detained three others Jan. 26 during a patrol seeking to break up a bombing cell that operates in Uruzgan and northern Kandahar provinces. Acting on multiple intelligence reports, the patrol moved to a compound where they were engaged by heavy small-arms fire and a rocket-propelled grenade. The patrol was unable to return fire and called in coalition air support, which fired on the insurgents.

-- In Nimroz province’s Khash Rod district Jan. 25, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader who supplied weapons and explosives to the insurgency.

-- Security forces in Kandahar province detained a Taliban leader Jan. 23. He was responsible for planning and executing attacks against coalition forces and was associated with other Taliban leaders in the province.

-- On Jan. 22, Afghan police, supported by coalition troops, cleared an area of Helmand province of insurgents, killing at least five hard-line fighters based there.