Afghan Policeman Fires on NATO Troops in Latest “Green on Blue” Attack

Posted August 13th, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
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Officials say an Afghan police officer has opened fire on U.S.-led NATO troops, in the fifth such attack in a week.

A NATO spokesman told reporters that a man wearing civilian clothes fired on international forces in the eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday, but that no coalition service members were killed. The spokesman said an initial investigation indicates the man is an Afghan police officer. The gunman reportedly escaped.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the shooting, the latest in a string of so-called “green on blue” attacks in which Afghan security forces or attackers wearing their uniform turn their weapons on international forces.

At least 37 coalition soldiers have been killed such attacks so far this year, with seven deaths since Friday.

Separately on Monday, Afghan officials say a roadside bomb in the northern province of Takhar killed five people, including a district mayor and provincial peace council member.

District Mayor Abdul Aziz and council member Haji Hashim were killed in the blast Monday in the Ishkamish district.

The victims were driving to Talogan, Takhar's capital, when the bomb exploded.

Authorities blame the attack on the Taliban.