Afghan Warlord's Forces Bombed After Attacking US Troops (B-52)

Ananova ^ | 12-2-2002

[blam]

Afghan warlord's forces bombed after attacking US troops

A B-52 bomber has been called into combat in Afghanistan to protect US special forces battling a local warlord's troops outside their base.

No American soldiers were injured during Sunday's shoot-out in western Afghanistan, but at least 11 Afghans were killed in the fighting.

The battle began when a group of special forces patrolling outside Shindand airbase stopped a group of armed men on the roadside. When the patrol stopped, the Afghans opened fire.

US military spokesman Colonel Roger King said the Americans returned fire, then called for air support while making their escape. The B-52 bomber dropped seven 2,000lb laser-guided bombs.

The last time US forces reported using a B-52 in combat in Afghanistan was a July 1 attack in central Uruzgan province on suspected al-Qaida and Taliban cave and bunker complexes which Afghan authorities say killed 48 civilians.

Sunday's incident occurred as forces loyal to Ammanullah Khan, an ethnic Pashtun commander, and rival Ismail Khan clashed in the region. The fighting has forced thousands of residents to flee homes near the frontline.

Ammanullah Khan accused his longtime adversary's ethnic Tajik forces of ordering a massive attack on Saturday on his positions in Zer-e-Koh district, about 15 miles south of Shindand.

King said the bombing had nothing to do with the factional fighting and US forces "never get involved" in disputes between rival warlords.

Ammanullah Khan said he had informed President Hamid Karzai's government about the fighting and to request that the central government intervene but Mr Karzai has little authority outside Kabul.

The rest of the country is in the hands of regional warlords with private armies at their disposal.

Story filed: 01:54 Monday 2nd December 2002

[Travis McGee]

Seven 2,000#ers would tend to get your attention I think.

[American in Israel]

If we only react to individual events when we are actively being fired upon, all initiative goes to the hand of the enemy. A warlord's men fired on US troops. At a minimum that warlord's home and headquarters should be obliterated.

And now you know why Israel is taking out the Islama-kazi houses after the fact. There is a price to pay killing the good guys...

[American in Israel]

Good one! So true.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

Afghan Warlord's Forces Bombed After Attacking US Troops (B-52)

Lesson: Don't do that.